Diabetic Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and maintain an erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction caused by diabetes is known as diabetic erectile dysfunction (DED). DED is a common complication in people with diabetes. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it falls within the categories of “impotence,” “flaccidity of the yin,” “sinew flaccidity,” “failure of the genitalia to function,” and “relaxation of the ancestral sinews.”

TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Difficulty achieving an erection, or an erection that is not firm; low mood and frequent sighing, or irritability and a tendency to anger; fullness and distension in the chest, flanks, or lower abdomen; a red tongue with a thin white coating; and a wiry pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Difficulty achieving an erection, or an erection that is not firm.
  • Low or depressed mood, frequent sighing, or irritability and a tendency to anger.
  • A feeling of fullness, pressure, or discomfort in the chest, ribs, or lower abdomen.
  • The tongue appears red overall.
  • The tongue coating is thin and white, rather than thick or greasy.
  • The pulse feels taut and firm, like a tightly stretched string, rather than yielding.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Soothe the Liver and relieve constraint; move qi and address erectile flaccidity.

In Plain Language:

  • Ease Liver qi stagnation so that emotions and qi are no longer constrained.
  • Promote the movement of qi to address weakness and flaccidity.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Impotence with inability to achieve an erection; a bluish-dark glans; possible stabbing pain or discomfort in the lower back, lower abdomen, or perineum; a purple-dark tongue or purple spots and patches; and a wiry, choppy pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Difficulty achieving an erection, or inability to achieve or maintain firmness.
  • The glans of the penis appears bluish or dark, with a dull appearance.
  • Stabbing pain or a dull ache may occur in the lower back, lower abdomen, or perineum.
  • The tongue appears purplish or dark, and purple spots or patches may be visible on its surface.
  • The pulse feels taut and firm when pressed, with an uneven, sluggish quality.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Move qi and invigorate blood; resolve stasis and address erectile flaccidity.

In Plain Language:

  • Promote the smooth movement of qi and blood and help address stagnation in the body.
  • Help resolve blood stasis and address weakness and flaccidity.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.

| Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Difficulty achieving an erection; seminal emission or premature ejaculation; dizziness and tinnitus; fatigue; aversion to cold and cold extremities; a sensation of heat in the palms, soles, and chest; palpitations and lower-back soreness; a thin, red tongue with little moisture; and a deep, thready, rapid pulse.

In Plain Language:

  • Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
  • Seminal emission or ejaculation that occurs earlier than desired and is difficult to control during sexual activity.
  • Frequent dizziness or lightheadedness, along with ringing in the ears.
  • Fatigue and low energy.
  • Pronounced sensitivity to cold, with hands and feet often feeling cold and slow to warm up.
  • A feeling of heat in the palms, soles, and chest, accompanied by restlessness.
  • Palpitations and soreness or weakness in the lower back, which may be more noticeable after standing or walking for a long time.
  • The tongue appears thin and narrow, with a reddish color and a lack of moisture.
  • There is less saliva, and the tongue and throat may feel dry.
  • The pulse is easier to feel when pressed deeply, and is thready and somewhat rapid.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Tonify both yin and yang and unblock the channels to address erectile flaccidity.

In Plain Language:

  • Support both yin and yang to promote greater balance and vitality.
  • Help unblock the channels and address weakness and flaccidity.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational reference only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist.

References

  1. Tong Xiaolin. Standards for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes with Traditional Chinese Medicine (Draft) [M]. Beijing: Science Press, 2014: 40.
  2. Huang Shuyan, Chen Shu, Feng Yiping. Advances in research on diabetic erectile dysfunction [J]. Chinese Journal of Andrology, 2006, 12(2): 178–180.
  3. Dey J, Shepherd MD. Evaluation and treatment of erectile dysfunction in men with diabetes mellitus [J]. Mayo ClinProc, 2002, 77(3): 276–282.
  4. Fedele D, Bortolotti A, Coscelli C, et al. Erectile dysfunction in type 1 and type 2 diabetes in Italy [J]. Int J Epidemiol, 2000, 29(3): 524–531.
  5. Brown JS, Wessells H, Chancellor MB, et al. Urologic complications of diabetes [J]. Diabetes Care, 2005, 28(1): 177–185.
  6. China Multicenter Collaborative Group on Erectile Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes. Prevalence of erectile dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and evaluation of the efficacy and safety of sildenafil [J]. Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2005, 21(4): 348–352.
  7. Andrology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association. Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction [M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2013: 17–30.
  8. Wang Qi, Yang Jixiang, Li Guoxin, et al. A multicenter randomized controlled trial of Shugan Yiyang Capsules for erectile dysfunction [J]. Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2004, 12(4): 72–75.
  9. Wang Ying. Observation of the efficacy of Tongxinluo Capsules in treating diabetic erectile dysfunction [J]. Modern Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 2009, 33(22): 2667.
  10. Study of Qiwei Xiaoke Capsules for diabetes complicated by ED [J]. Medicine World, 2003, 5(1): 52.
  11. Xu Zejie. Bailing Capsules for diabetic impotence: 68 cases [J]. China Pharmacist, 2014, 14(2): 271–273.
  12. Li Tuansheng. Compound Xuanju Capsules for diabetic impotence: 50 cases [J]. Chinese Medicine Modern Distance Education of China, 2010, 13(10): 89–90.
  13. Xu Hui, Yu Jing, Ye Mao. Analysis of the effects of Jianyang Capsules in treating erectile dysfunction in type 2 diabetes [J]. China Medical Herald, 2014, 22(7): 38–40.