Can Acupuncture Help With Erectile Dysfunction?

What Is Erectile Dysfunction?

Firstly, let’s take a look at what erectile dysfunction (ED) is.

Do I Have Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction is a sexual dysfunction in which one is unable to achieve or maintain an erection long or firm enough for sexual intercourse. So if you are persistently having trouble getting hard, or if your erection is going away too quickly, you are likely experiencing ED.

However, do note that it is perfectly normal to experience such symptoms occasionally. You should only be concerned if these symptoms appear the majority of time you have sex, or if it is negatively impacting your emotional health or your relationship with your partner.

ED Is Nothing To Be Ashamed Of

If you are currently experiencing ED, it may make you feel better to know that you are not alone. Across the globe, ED is the most prevalent sexual dysfunction, and is experienced by a third of all males. In Singapore, ED affects 51.3% of men over 30 years old.

Causes Of Erectile Dysfunction

While ED is a condition with varied causes, ED can stem from either physical or psychological causes, though it is more often a result of both.

Physical causes are more common, and involve medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of ED is also known to increase with age, partially due to the increasing risk of health conditions which may in turn affect one’s ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

On the other hand, psychological causes include low self-esteem, anxiety, stress and depression. While psychological causes are less common, research finds that 1 in 5 cases of ED are the result of psychological factors.

What Should I Do If I’m Experiencing ED?

If you’re currently experiencing ED, there are multiple treatment options.

ED is commonly treated with prescription medications. The most commonly prescribed medication for ED is Viagra, an oral medication pill. The main ingredient in Viagra is Sildenafil, which helps to dilate your blood vessels and increase the flow of blood to the penile tissues. This in turn will help you achieve and maintain an erection.

If you would like to be prescribed ED medication, you should consult a doctor. Here at Noah, doctors on our platform can determine the medication, dosage and method of intake best suited to your needs, and can prescribe you medication such as generic Viagra if found suitable.

However, if you prefer natural, alternative treatment methods, you could also consider acupuncture.

The Link Between Acupuncture & ED

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient practice in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which specific energy points in the body are stimulated with thin metallic needles. It seeks to restore the body’s flow of energy, or Qi, as a way to restore health.

Acupuncture has been shown to effectively treat certain conditions such as arthritis and chronic back pain. A small body of research has also begun to demonstrate that acupuncture appears to have promising benefits for ED as well.

What Happens During Acupuncture For ED Treatment?

To begin your acupuncture session, you’ll be asked to lie down on a treatment table and relax your body. For the treatment of ED, acupuncture needles are placed in certain acupressure points along the hands, abdomen and legs. Usually, about 5 to 20 needles are used, and they will remain in place for 20 minutes.

Can Acupuncture Help With ED

At present, there exists only a small body of research linking acupuncture and ED, and existing studies have mainly examined the effects of acupuncture in patients whose ED is psychological. Nonetheless, the results of these studies indicate that acupuncture is effective for treating ED where it is caused by psychological issues.

It is believed that acupuncture aids in encouraging blood flow to the penile tissues, and helps one relax and reduce stress. This thus benefits patients whose ED is primarily caused by psychological issues.

In particular, a 2003 study found that acupuncture improved ED in 68.4% of patients in the treatment group, showing that acupuncture can be a highly promising form of treatment for many males with psychogenic ED. When simultaneously treated with 50g of Sildenafil (also known as generic Viagra), another 21.05% of the patients in this study also achieved firmer erections with acupuncture treatment.

Potential Risks Of Acupuncture

For most people, acupuncture is a relatively safe procedure with minimal side effects. Most side effects are relatively minor, with the most common being bruising at the spots where needles are inserted. Other side effects include tenderness and minor bleeding.

However, do note that acupuncture isn’t for everyone. If you have a medical condition, such as a bleeding disorder or cardiovascular disease, it is best to consult a doctor before deciding whether to pursue acupuncture as a treatment strategy for your ED.

Where To Go For Acupuncture In Singapore

If you would like to try acupuncture, visit a TCM practitioner or acupuncturist who is registered with Singapore’s Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB). You may search for a registered TCM practitioner on TCMPB’s website.

What To Do If Acupuncture Isn’t Working

If you’ve tried acupuncture for ED, and it simply isn’t doing the job, it may be time for you to consult a doctor. Here at Noah, doctors on our platform are best equipped with the knowledge to ascertain the root cause of your ED, and can prescribe you medication such as generic Viagra if found suitable.