Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction means regularly being unable to get an erection or maintain it long enough for sexual activity. It may occur alongside reduced sexual desire, difficulty reaching orgasm or premature ejaculation. Occasional difficulty with an erection is normal; when it happens more often or persists, it can cause insecurity, tension and relationship difficulties.
Erectile problems can have both physical and psychological causes. Problems with blood vessels, diabetes, hormonal changes, medication, stress, fatigue and anxiety can all play a role. Often several factors are involved at the same time.
Within Chinese medicine, therefore, not only the erection problem itself is investigated. It investigates what underlying TCM pattern is present and whether, for example, stress, decreased blood flow, Dampness-Heat or a shortage of Qi, Blood, Kidney-Yang or Kidney-Yin is at the forefront.
Common symptoms
Erectile dysfunction can manifest itself in different ways:
- difficulty getting an erection;
- an erection that is not sufficiently solid;
- an erection that decreases again during sexual activity;
- less or no morning and night erections;
- decreased libido;
- premature ejaculation;
- difficulty ejaculating or coming.
The symptoms that are present can give clues about the possible cause. Thus, an erection problem that occurs especially during stress may give a different picture than a gradual erectile dysfunction in which morning erections also disappear.
Possible causes
An erection depends on a good cooperation between blood vessels, nerves, hormones and psychological factors. Erectile dysfunction may be associated with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, neurological disorders, hormonal changes and prostate problems.
Certain medicines may also affect erection, including some blood pressure lowering agents, antidepressants and antipsychotics. In addition, stress, anxiety, gloomyness, fatigue, relationship problems, alcohol and drugs can play a role.
Since erectile dysfunction can sometimes be an early sign of problems with the blood vessels, it is wise to have new or persistent erectile dysfunction medically assessed, especially when there is no obvious psychological cause.
What can acupuncture do?
Acupuncture can be used for erection problems. The treatment is tailored to the way complaints are expressed and to the underlying TCM pattern.
For example, in someone whose erection problems occur especially during periods of stress, treatment can be aimed at reducing tension and improving the flow of Qi and Blood. In others, the emphasis is on supporting the kidneyys or treating Dampness-Heat in the pelvic area.
Depending on the picture of complaints, treatment may be directed at:
- Improve Qi and Blood flow in the pelvic area;
- reducing tension and stress;
- Decrease blood stasis;
- Reduce Dampness-Heat;
- Qi and Blood Amplify;
- Heat and strengthen kidney-Yang;
- Feeding kidney-yin.
What can Chinese herbal medicine do?
Chinese herbs can also be matched to the pattern behind the erection problems. This allows two men with the same Western diagnosis to get different herbs.
For example, when fatigue, paleness and low energy are associated with erection problems, strengthening of Qi and Blood can be central. Cold, low libido and weak lower back may be more likely to strengthen kidneyy-yang. Heat, night sweats and dryness are just looking at kidneyy-yin. Dampness-heat can play a role in irritation or urinary tract complaints.
Depending on the pattern, herbs can be used to:
- Qi and Blood strengthen;
- improve Qi and Blood flow;
- Blood stasis to reduce;
- Reduce Dampness-Heat from the lower body;
- Kidney-Yang to strengthen;
- Kidney-Yin.
Chinese herbs are selected individually and can be combined with acupuncture.
How does Chinese medicine view erectile dysfunction?
Within Western medicine, the physical or psychological cause of erectile dysfunction is investigated. In addition, Chinese medicine looks at the underlying imbalance that causes or maintains the complaint.
For an erection different systems are important from TCM. The Kidneys are linked to the sexual and reproductive functions as well as to Yin and Yang. Kidney-Yang is associated with sexual drive and the ability to create an erection. Kidney-Yin is precisely the nourishing and moistening basis.
The Liver plays an important role in the free flow of Qi and Blood. Stress and emotional tension can interfere with this flow according to TCM. As a result, erection problems can be present in varying degrees and become clearly worse during stressful periods.
Enough Qi and Blood and a good flow of Blood to the lower body are also important. If there is a shortage, there can be insufficient nutrition and support; with Blood stasis the flow is blocked.
In addition, according to TCM, Dampness and Dampness-Heat can accumulate in the lower part of the body and disrupt normal circulation.
A recognizable combination of complaints and physical characteristics is called a TCM pattern within Chinese medicine.
Only the most common patterns are discussed below. Other patterns are possible and multiple patterns may be present at the same time. Therefore, you don't need to have all the mentioned symptoms of one pattern and you can recognize yourself in multiple patterns. The final pattern is determined based on the overall picture of complaints.
A TCM organ system describes a group of related body functions and is wider than just the anatomical organ with the same name. Read more at TCM basics .
A TCM pattern is a recognizable combination of complaints and physical characteristics that indicates which imbalance is likely to contribute to the complaints. Read more at TCM basics .
More general explanation about Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Dampness and TCM organ systems can be found at TCM basics .
Most common TCM patterns
Liver-Qi-stagnation
Brief explanation
The free movement of Qi according to TCM is not as good with Liver-Qi stagnation. This pattern is often seen when erection problems are clearly associated with stress, tension or emotional stress. As a result, sexual function can vary greatly: during relaxed periods, for example, erection can be much better.
Common symptoms
- erection problems that get worse due to stress;
- decreased libido;
- sometimes normal morning or night erections;
- irritability or frustration;
- sighs;
- tense or compressive sensation on the chest or under the ribs;
- feeling tense in the abdomen.
Examples of Western situations: stress-related or psychogenic erectile dysfunction, anxiety and tension-related sexual problems.
Blood stasis
Brief explanation
Blood stasis means that the blood does not flow freely enough within TCM. Because an erection is highly dependent on a good blood supply, this pattern is found important in erectile problems in which the circulation plays a role. According to the used TCM source, Blood stasis can sometimes be present before other obvious signs become visible.
Common symptoms
- difficulty getting or maintaining an erection;
- partial erections;
- little or no morning erections;
- possible local stabbing pain;
- dark or purple discolorations;
- other signs of decreased peripheral circulation.
Examples of Western disorders: vascular erectile dysfunction, diabetes, atherosclerosis and erection problems after surgery or local trauma.
Damp-Heat
Brief explanation
Dampness-Heat is a combination of accumulation of moisture and heat within TCM. When it is located in the lower body, according to TCM it can disrupt the free circulation of Qi and Blood to the genitals. In case of prolonged complaints, the Heat may be less pronounced and Dampness more prominent.
Common symptoms
- difficulty getting or maintaining a full erection;
- irritation, itching or feeling tense around a woman's or genitalia;
- sometimes discharge from the urethra;
- feeling heavy in the lower body;
- concentrated urine;
- fatigue, especially later in the day;
- sometimes premature ejaculation.
Examples of Western disorders: erectile dysfunction in combination with chronic prostatitis, diabetes or chronic inflammation/irritation of the urogenital region.
Qi- and Blood deficiency
Brief explanation
In this pattern, according to TCM, the body has insufficient Qi and Blood to support sexual function properly. Both physical fatigue and stress or uncertainty can play a role. The symptoms are often clearer when someone is tired or exhausted.
Common symptoms
- difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection;
- partial erections;
- more severe in fatigue;
- low energy;
- look pale;
- palpitations;
- nervousness or anxiety;
- bad sleep or many dreams;
- dizziness;
- low appetite and sometimes loose stools.
Examples of Western situations: erectile dysfunction in long-term fatigue, recovery after illness, anemia or symptoms involving performance anxiety.
Kidney-Yang-deficiency
Brief explanation
Within TCM, kidney-Yang is seen as an important source of heat, activity and sexual drive. If this is insufficient, both libido and the ability to get and maintain erection may decrease. This pattern is seen more often with long-term complaints and at a higher age, but may also occur in younger men.
Common symptoms
- decreased or absent libido;
- difficulty getting an erection;
- weak or partial erection;
- sometimes premature ejaculation;
- feeling cold or cold hands and feet;
- fatigue;
- weak or painful lower back and knees;
- frequent urination or night peeing.
Examples of Western disorders: erectile dysfunction in aging, hypothyroidism and erectile dysfunction in combination with benign prostate enlargement.
Kidney-Yin-deficiency
Brief explanation
Within TCM, kidneyy-Yin represents the nourishing and cooling side of the kidney system. In case of a deficiency, there can be relatively much heat. As a result, the sexual need can sometimes be present or even increased, while the body has difficulty getting or holding an erection.
Common symptoms
- erectile dysfunction despite sexual need;
- sometimes premature ejaculation;
- dry mouth or throat;
- warmth in hands and feet;
- night sweats;
- restlessness or insomnia;
- weak or painful lower back and knees;
- dizziness or ringing in the ears.
Examples of Western situations: erection problems in long-term overload, chronic illness or complaints where signs of dryness and heat are at the forefront.
Outlook
The course of treatment varies greatly per person, depending among other things on the cause, age, duration of erection problems and possible underlying conditions.
In case of symptoms mainly associated with stress and tension, change can sometimes occur relatively quickly. When vascular problems, diabetes, prolonged exhaustion or obvious kidney deficiency are involved, a longer treatment course is usually needed. In the initial phase, treatment is often done approximately once a week; depending on severity, more frequent treatment may be useful. If the symptoms improve, the frequency can be reduced.
In erectile dysfunction it is important to have any underlying medical causes investigated and treated at the same time.
Contact
Do you have erectile dysfunctions regularly and want to know if acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine can help your symptoms? During an intake we discuss your complaints, health and possible underlying patterns. On this basis, we will examine what treatment suits your situation.