Erectile Dysfunction (ED) is a type of male sexual dysfunction, referring to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. Common symptoms include erectile failure, reduced sexual arousal, and difficulty sustaining an erection. These symptoms can cause problems during sexual activity. ED can affect many men, regardless of age or lifestyle.
According to a new report released by the WHO, it has become clear that many people are affected by infertility at some point in their lives. About 17.5% of the adult population (roughly 1 in 6 people globally) experience infertility, and the report indicates that there is no significant regional variation in the prevalence of infertility.
However, infertility is commonly thought to be caused by women, but in reality, 48% of infertility cases involve men (WHO statistics).
Causes can be divided into physical and psychological factors.
One cause is penile deformities, such as hypospadias. Additionally, disorders of the nervous system, such as stroke, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or post-surgical effects on pelvic organs, can contribute. Another cause is reduced blood flow resulting from narrowing of the penile blood vessels. Hormonal imbalances due to dysfunction in organs that secrete hormones, such as the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, or testes, can also cause ED.
One unavoidable cause is aging. The function of sperm production starts to decline around the age of 30-40, and the ability to produce hormones decreases as well. As a result, although individual differences exist, the ability to achieve and maintain an erection and to ejaculate gradually declines, weakening erectile function.
Failures during early sexual experiences or premature ejaculation can lead to a fear of subsequent sexual intercourse, causing the individual to become unable to maintain an erection, even when sexual desire is present. This loss of confidence can result in ED. Additionally, prolonged exposure to intense stress from work or life situations can affect the parasympathetic nervous system and hormone secretion, which can inhibit sexual desire.
Psychosomatic disorders such as depression and autonomic nervous dysfunction can also reduce sexual desire and make it difficult to achieve an erection. Psychological biases can also prolong symptoms.
Acupuncture is considered effective in treating ED. Stimulation of specific acupuncture points has been reported to have a positive impact on sexual function.
Acupuncture is said to balance the body’s energy flow and improve blood circulation. This may help address one of the primary causes of ED, which is insufficient blood flow. Additionally, acupuncture’s relaxation effects on mental stress and anxiety are believed to contribute to improvements in sexual function.
Scientific studies and clinical trials have been conducted on the effects of acupuncture, and several studies suggest that acupuncture can improve sexual function. For example, some studies have reported that patients who received acupuncture experienced improvements in erectile function and increased sexual satisfaction. These scientific findings suggest that acupuncture may be a promising treatment option for ED.
We offer acupuncture and moxibustion therapy using pressure points, electrical stimulation therapy, and techniques to balance the autonomic nervous system.
Focusing on the regulation of the autonomic nervous system and mental and psychological stability, we perform treatments on pressure points and areas such as the sacral region, lower back, and lower abdomen, which are related to the autonomic nervous system centers that control ED symptoms and erection suppression.
[Prescription Example]Saninkou (三陰交), Shinyu (腎兪), Shishitsu (志室), Jiryō (次髎), Chūryō (中髎), Meimon (命門)
We approach these pressure points. This specific pressure point stimulation for ED contributes to the regulation of the autonomic nervous system and mental and psychological stability. Acupuncture therapy promotes the flow of energy and blood circulation, which improves sexual function.
ED tends to improve more easily when the symptoms are mild. Self-care measures such as “smoking cessation, diet, exercise, and stress reduction” are very important.
It is said that many ED patients are smokers. Nicotine in tobacco has a constricting effect on blood vessels, which leads to circulatory problems. Reduced blood circulation to the penis hinders the ability to achieve an erection.
Additionally, smoking can cause hormonal imbalances and a decrease in male hormone (testosterone) secretion, leading to a reduced libido.
Obesity is closely related to ED, and the risk increases by about 1.7 times with a higher BMI. High-calorie, high-fat, and high-salt diets can lead to arteriosclerosis, which in turn causes stagnation in blood flow to the penis. Therefore, maintaining a balanced diet is important for preventing ED.
Lack of exercise leads to poor blood circulation, which affects blood flow to the penis. Engaging in aerobic exercises such as walking helps regulate blood circulation, which can improve ED. Reports indicate that ED can improve with aerobic exercise, and there are high expectations for its effectiveness.
Unconscious stress accumulation can be a major cause of ED. If stress relief does not lead to changes (improvement), counseling may be effective. If past sexual trauma is the cause, medications like Viagra can be used to gradually build confidence during intercourse, and the dosage can be reduced over time. *If adjusting medication dosage, always consult a doctor.
It is essential to understand the type (cause) of ED and take appropriate measures. Lifestyle improvements such as quitting smoking and exercising are often effective, so engaging in self-care is important.
Various treatments are used depending on the cause.
One form of psychotherapy is the Non-Elect treatment method. This involves preventing erection during sexual activity to remove stress associated with erections. This method is suitable for patients with functional (psychogenic) erectile dysfunction.
Drug treatments are applicable for both functional and organic erectile dysfunction. Currently, treatments using Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis are common, with effectiveness reported in about 70-80% of cases. These medications enhance the effect of relaxing the smooth muscles in the penis and encourage blood retention in the cavernous body, making it easier to achieve an erection.
Testosterone levels decline with age, leading to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. In such cases, testosterone replacement therapy through injections may be used. Additionally, methods such as injecting medications that induce erections directly into the cavernous body of the penis may also be employed.
Acupuncture takes a different approach compared to drug therapy or psychotherapy. For example, while drug therapy can provide temporary support for erections, it has limited focus on addressing the root causes. In contrast, acupuncture aims to adjust the body’s energy and address the underlying causes of ED.
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