A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction: Acupuncture

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common disease of the male reproductive system, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients and their partners. The pathogenesis of ED is still unclear, and it is mainly related to the nervous system, vascular system, drugs, spirit, and psychology. Despite the availability of several ED treatments, including PDE5-Is, ICI therapy with vasoactive substances, vacuum erection devices, and prosthetic implants, the proportion of patients who do not respond or are dissatisfied with clinically available treatments remains high. Studies have found that acupuncture has a significant effect on ED, which can significantly improve erectile ability and erectile quality, and improve the satisfaction of ED patients and their spouses with sexual life. At the same time, because of its good compliance, small economic burden, and high safety advantages, it is gradually recognized by the majority of patients in clinical practice. This article is a clinical original study. This study elaborates on the methods and procedures of acupuncture for ED, including patient selection, material preparation, surgical procedures, postoperative care, and precautions. The therapeutic efficacy of this approach was also evaluated.This study proposes and evaluates a standardized operation protocol for acupuncture treatment of ED and assesses its clinical efficacy in order to visualize this theory of ethnic medicine and promote its effective inheritance.