Does Acupuncture Work for Erectile Dysfunction?

May 05, 2021

4 mins

Erectile dysfunction is said to affect 30 million men in the U.S., ranging from mild dysfunction to complete impotence. Obviously, ED can be very frustrating for a man to deal with, but it’s important to remember that a huge population of men experience it at some point. 

Fortunately, plenty of  options are available for treating ED. 

There is a good deal of controversy surrounding alternative medicinal treatments. Health experts are still exploring acupuncture’s role in treating erectile dysfunction. While there is no evidence that acupuncture alone improves sexual function in men, anecdotal backing for acupuncture on its own — and in conjunction with pharmaceuticals — has been reported. 

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from over 3,000 years ago. It has become popular in western medicinal practices in the last 50 years. This form of alternative therapy is used for a wide range of health issues such as headaches, chronic pain, strokes, osteoarthritis, and even addictions such as alcoholism. 

Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and balance energy flow. In prompting the body's self-healing abilities, acupuncture interventions – combined with pharmacological treatments – can be a beneficial option for helping with recovery. 

Theoretical Basis for Acupuncture's Effectiveness

Acupuncture focuses on traditionally identified points on the body, mapped to 14 meridian channels. According to TCM, these are pathways for the flow of vital energy, blood, body fluids, and spirit.

Meridians can be likened to the circulatory system – but are energetic rather than visible. Each of the 14 channels has specific numbers and meanings assigned to acupuncture points. These points target specific channels that are used to treat conditions that may be linked to the issue at hand.

When treating erectile dysfunction, an acupuncturist may use needles on specific points of the body – particularly points on the wrist and abdomen – that stimulate circulation and regulate imbalances throughout the body. Good circulation throughout the body improves erectile function, as blood flow to the penis is necessary in achieving an erection. 

Research and Evidence

There is still insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating ED. Erectile dysfunction is a complex issue that can be caused by a combination of psychological and physiological factors. 

In a study, researchers discovered that acupuncture can enhance blood circulation and improve mood by targeting specific acupoints that strengthen the spleen and kidney. These positive effects on circulation and mood may — to some extent — contribute to improved sexual function, as they play a role in promoting healthy erections. The researchers could not definitively determine acupuncture’s clinical efficacy and concluded that more rigorous research was needed to compare its effectiveness with other treatments to establish conclusive evidence.

Research on the impact of acupuncture when treating psychogenic ED determined that it should be considered a valid option. Acupuncture treatments over a seven week period in men showed significant improvements in all domains of erectile dysfunction – except sexual desire and orgasmic function. This means that while it did not impact sexual dysfunctions such as premature ejaculation or decreased libido, it did improve erectile achievement and intercourse satisfaction.

Researchers stated that further research is recommended.

Potential Mechanisms of Action

According to the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture's mechanism of action remains only partially understood. There is evidence pointing to its effects on the nervous system, as brain imaging has shown that acupuncture can influence nervous system function.

Nerves play a large role in erections, as they signal arousal to the brain. The brain then sends blood flow to the penis, and an erection is achieved. 

When the nervous system is working optimally, function in the penis is enhanced.

Integrative Approaches

While combining acupuncture with other treatment modalities for ED – such as medication, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy – is not harmful, there is still insufficient evidence proving its efficacy. 

As of now, medications that increase the supply of blood flow to the penis are most effective in treating erectile dysfunction. REX MD offers both branded and generic forms of ED medications. These include:

• Sildenafil, or Viagra®

• Tadalafil, or Cialis®

• Vardenafil, or Levitra®

Acupuncture may complement conventional treatments and help address underlying causes, but it may not directly treat the issue of ED. Consulting a qualified healthcare profession is key in determining the most appropriate and effective treatment approach for erectile dysfunction. 

If you’re interested in trying acupuncture as an adjunct holistic treatment approach, be sure to talk to your doctor. While acupuncture is generally safe, finding a qualified acupuncture practitioner is necessary for best results. 

Addressing ED requires a comprehensive approach that may involve lifestyle changes, psychological support, and, if necessary, conventional medical treatments. 

Start your free online visit with REX MD to talk to a doctor who can help determine the most effective ED treatment for you.