Every man fears these two words to some extent: "can't perform!"
If during sexual activity you find yourself unable to get erect, not hard enough to penetrate, or suddenly losing erection after just a few movements—these conditions are medically termed erectile dysfunction (ED), commonly known as "impotence."
How long does erectile dysfunction treatment take?
Many men are most concerned about one question: How long will it take to cure this condition? The truth is, the answer varies from person to person.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) has complex causes and pathological mechanisms, and generations of physicians have accumulated valuable experience in treating it. Based on extensive medical literature, most cases are addressed through methods such as tonifying kidney yang, nourishing the heart and spleen, soothing liver stagnation, clearing heat, and resolving dampness—all of which have proven effective.
Psychological ED (e.g., anxiety, stress):
With psychological counseling, behavioral therapy, and medication, most people see significant improvement within 1-3 months.
Organic ED (e.g., caused by diabetes or cardiovascular disease):
Requires managing the underlying condition along with medication or physical therapy, typically taking 3-6 months or longer.
Mixed ED (psychological + organic):
This has the longest treatment duration and requires a multidisciplinary approach with tailored adjustments.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), erectile dysfunction (ED) falls under the categories of "yang痿" (impotence) or "yin痿," referring to the inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse, or having only brief rigidity. While ED is not life-threatening, it can severely impact a man's physical and mental well-being and even lead to family breakdown. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of ED hold an extremely important position in the field of andrology.
In TCM clinical practice, treatment is based on syndrome differentiation, with a focus on simultaneous regulation of the liver and kidneys. The fundamental principle involves tonifying the kidneys and soothing liver stagnation, while blood-activating and stasis-resolving therapies are applied throughout the treatment process. Tailored to individual conditions, this approach yields excellent clinical results—not only effectively improving erectile function but also enhancing the patient's overall constitution and quality of life.
There is one remarkable herb in TCM—Epimedium (Yin Yang Huo).
According to Dr. Que Poh Yuen Albert, a TCM andrology expert at Singapore Gong Fang Tang, Epimedium is pungent, sweet, and slightly warm in nature, entering the liver and kidney meridians. It tonifies kidney qi, strengthens the lower back and knees, and can treat conditions such as erectile dysfunction, dribbling urination, muscle spasms, hemiplegia, weak lower back and knees, rheumatic pain, and limb numbness.
Modern medical research has also found that Epimedium extract contains icariin and other substances that stimulate sexual function, promoting increased semen production in animals. It also has aphrodisiac effects and enhances sexual pleasure.
For men who cannot afford to be "weak," combining Epimedium with Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong), Morinda (Ba Ji Tian), and Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong Pi) can treat ED, premature ejaculation, and soreness in the lower back and knees caused by kidney deficiency, helping men regain their vitality.
Thus, Epimedium is primarily used to treat ED, premature ejaculation, weak legs and lower back, joint pain, and limb numbness caused by kidney yang deficiency.
Moreover, Epimedium helps improve physical weakness, cold intolerance due to yang deficiency, and fatigue in the lower back and legs, strengthening bones and muscles while reducing tiredness. It also alleviates joint pain and stiffness caused by cold or dampness, making it especially suitable for those who frequently experience cold hands and feet or discomfort in humid weather. As long as it is used according to the syndrome, it will undoubtedly yield excellent results.
Medical Case
Patient: Bao, male, 36 years old.
Symptoms: No sexual desire for the past two years, erectile dysfunction (ED), fatigue, aversion to cold, and thinning hair. Tongue: pale red with thin white coating. Pulse: deep.
Prescription:
Aconite (Fuzi) 6g
Dried Ginger (Ganjiang) 6g
Licorice (Gancao) 8g
Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi) 10g
White Peony Root (Baishao) 10g
Rehmannia (Shudihuang) 10g
Chinese Yam (Shanyao) 15g
Cornus (Shanzhuyu) 10g
Poria (Fuling) 10g
Alisma (Zexie) 10g
Salvia (Danshen) 10g
Jujube (Dazao) 6 pieces
Dosage: 7 doses.
Follow-up: After taking the prescription for 7 doses, the patient returned for a follow-up on February 21, 2022, reporting successful sexual intercourse twice with significant improvement.
