Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most common sexual disorders in middle-aged and older men. It is defined as the inability to achieve an erection or maintain one long enough for vaginal penetration and intercourse, or loss of erection during intercourse that prevents ejaculation, persisting or recurring for more than 3 months.
TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
Inability to achieve an erection; palpitations, insomnia with frequent dreaming, fatigue and lack of energy, a dull complexion, poor appetite and reduced food intake, abdominal bloating and loose stools; thin white tongue coating and a fine, weak pulse
In Plain Language:
- Difficulty achieving or being unable to achieve an erection.
- Palpitations.
- Poor sleep and frequent dreams.
- Mental fatigue and easy tiring.
- A dull complexion.
- Poor appetite and eating less.
- Abdominal bloating and loose stools.
- A thin, white tongue coating.
- A fine, weak pulse.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Tonify the Heart and Spleen
In Plain Language:
- May help nourish Heart qi and blood and ease discomforts such as palpitations, insomnia, frequent dreaming, or forgetfulness.
- May help support Spleen and Stomach function and replenish vital qi, easing symptoms such as poor appetite, fatigue, abdominal bloating, and loose stools.
| Related Formulas
The products below are provided for information only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
Inability to achieve an erection or an erection that is not firm; thin, watery, cool semen; aching and weakness in the lower back and legs, aversion to cold, low energy, and frequent, copious, clear urination. Pale tongue, white coating, and a deep, weak pulse
In Plain Language:
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining a firm erection; semen may be thin, clear, and feel cool.
- Aching in the lower back, weakness in both legs, and general fatigue.
- Feeling cold or often feeling chilled.
- Low energy and lack of motivation.
- Frequent urination, often in larger amounts, with pale urine and prolonged urination.
- A pale-colored tongue.
- A white tongue coating.
- A deep, weak pulse.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Tonify the Kidneys and warm Yang
In Plain Language:
- May help nourish Kidney qi and warm Yang, easing discomforts such as aversion to cold, cold extremities, aching and weakness in the lower back and knees, or low energy.
- May help support the movement of Yang qi in the body so that the body feels warmer and more energetic.
| Related Formulas
The products below are provided for information only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
Inability to achieve an erection or an erection that is not firm; chest tightness, irritability, anxiety, and distension and fullness in the chest and flanks. Pale-red tongue, thin white coating, and a wiry pulse
In Plain Language:
- Difficulty achieving an erection or an erection that is not firm enough.
- A feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing comfortably.
- Irritability, anxiety, or emotional unease.
- A feeling of distension and fullness in the chest and sides of the ribs.
- A pale-red tongue.
- A thin, white tongue coating.
- A wiry pulse that feels taut like a stretched string.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Soothe the Liver and relieve stagnation
In Plain Language:
- May help soothe Liver qi and relieve stagnation, easing discomforts such as distension and fullness in the chest and flanks, low mood, or frequent sighing.
| Related Formulas
The products below are provided for information only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
Flaccidity of the penis; dampness of the scrotum and groin; heaviness and fatigue in the limbs; dark-yellow urine and burning in the urethra. Red tongue, yellow or yellow, greasy coating, and a slippery, rapid or wiry, rapid pulse
In Plain Language:
- The penis is soft and does not become firm.
- The scrotum and groin feel damp and clammy.
- Heaviness and fatigue in the body.
- Dark-yellow urine and a burning sensation in the urethra.
- A reddish tongue.
- A yellow or yellow, greasy tongue coating.
- A slippery, rapid pulse or a wiry, rapid pulse.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Clear Heat and drain Dampness
In Plain Language:
- May help clear internal Heat and promote the elimination of Dampness, easing symptoms such as a feverish feeling, thirst, heaviness in the body, or difficulty urinating.
| Related Formulas
The products below are provided for information only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
Inability to achieve an erection or an erection that is not firm; distending pain and a heavy, dragging sensation in the lower abdomen, perineum, and lumbosacral region; a dusky tongue or purple stasis spots and patches; usually a deep, choppy pulse
In Plain Language:
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, with noticeably reduced erectile firmness during sexual activity.
- A heavy, distended feeling and pain in the lower abdomen, perineum, and lumbosacral area, which may feel worse with activity or prolonged sitting.
- A dusky tongue with purple stasis spots or patches on its surface.
- The pulse is often deep and choppy, feeling less smooth and continuous when pressed.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Move qi and invigorate blood
In Plain Language:
- May help promote the movement of qi and ease discomforts such as chest tightness, distension in the flanks, abdominal distension and pain, or impaired qi flow.
- May help promote blood circulation and ease symptoms such as pain, bruising, or irregular menstruation.
| Related Formulas
The products below are provided for information only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and insert, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Li Hongjun. Standard Practice in Andrology [M]. Beijing: China Medical Science Press, 2015: 33–39.
- Wang Xiaofeng, Zhu Jichuan, Deng Chunhua. Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Andrological Diseases [M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2013: 56–118.
- Wang Qi, Yang Jixiang, Li Guoxin, et al. A multicenter randomized controlled trial of Shugan Yiyang Capsule for the treatment of erectile dysfunction [J]. Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2004, 27(4): 72–75.
- Wang Chuanhang. Historical development and prospects of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for impotence [J]. China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica, 2004, 19(7): 436–437.