Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture on the Liver Meridian in Men With Erectile Dysfunction Reserve

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a kind of worldwide and common sexual dysfunction disease, which mainly affects men over forty years old. The clinical characteristics of ED is the inability to maintain sufficient erection to obtain satisfactory sexual intercourse. Age, education, diabetes, stroke, obesity, and hypertension are factors inducing ED. Recent years, the prevalence of ED is rising, and more men aged below forty years old are suffering ED. Published review indicated that the prevalence of ED was 40.56% in Chinese men aged over forty years old. A survey conducted in China suggested that 40.56% men aged over forty years old suffered from ED. Another international survey found that, 21.48% sexually active participants suffered from ED. Several researches demonstrated that, ED affects health and quality of life of patients and partner. Besides, ED induces patients' psychosocial problems, including depression and anxiety, and reduce work efficiency. According to American Urological Association guideline published in 2018, the clinical therapies for ED include phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor (PDE5i), vacuum erection device, and penile prosthesis implantation. PDE5i (such as sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil) is a first-line drug for ED, recommended by doctors and patients. However, the most common side effects of PDE5i were headache, dyspepsia, flushing, and blurred vision. Furthermore, the ideal dose and type of PDE5i still need to be further studied. The use of PDE5i is restricted by those reasons.Acupuncture is an important role of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and acupuncture received more concerned recently. The correlation between meridians and viscera is the center of acupuncture scientific problem. Acupoints stimulation can regulate visceral sensation and mobility to treat diseases.

Inclusion Criteria:Age between 22 and 50 yearsHaving a sexual partner and having regular sex life at least twice a weekMeeting the diagnostic criteria of EDThe scores of IIEF-5 between 8 points to 21 pointsPDE5i or similar medication weren't taken one month before treatmentPatients agree to participate in this study.Exclusion Criteria:Congenital genital malformation and dysplasiaSevere reproductive system infectionED induced by genitourinary surgery and lower abdominal surgerySevere cardiovascular disease, liver disease, kidney diseaseSevere hypertension, diabetes, and blood diseases have not been controlledSevere mental illnessContraindications of PDE5i.