Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for various conditions including chronic pain, headaches, and male sexual dysfunction.
Some men are now turning to acupuncture as a way to enhance sexual performance and treat erectile dysfunction. But does acupuncture for male enhancement really work? Let’s take a closer look at the evidence.
Acupuncture For Male Enhancement: What Are The Benefits?
Proponents of acupuncture for male enhancement claim that it can help in several ways:
- Increase blood flow to the penis – By stimulating certain acupuncture points, it is believed that blood flow to the genital region can be improved. Better circulation means more blood flows into the penis during arousal, resulting in stronger erections.
- Release endorphins – Acupuncture is thought to release endorphins, which are hormones that can relax the mind and body. This relaxed state may make it easier to become aroused.
- Reduce stress – Stress is a common contributor to sexual problems in men. Acupuncture can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping induce a state of calmness which may improve sexual function.
- Balance hormone levels – Some acupuncturists claim that needles can balance reproductive hormone levels in the body, correcting deficiencies that may impact sexual performance. However, there is limited evidence to support this.
Is Acupuncture For Erectile Dysfunction Effective?
There have been a few small studies investigating the efficacy of acupuncture for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) specifically. In one 2006 study published in the journal BJU International, researchers randomly assigned 55 ED patients to receive 24 sessions of either acupuncture or sham acupuncture over 8 weeks. They found a modest improvement in ED symptoms in the patients who received real acupuncture.
However, the researchers concluded that “acupuncture was no better than placebo” for treating ED. Other studies have also been inconclusive about acupuncture’s effectiveness for this purpose due to insufficient evidence. Therefore, mainstream medicine does not currently recognize acupuncture as an effective ED treatment.
That said, acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. So some men may want to try it as an adjunct therapy along with other proven ED treatments like oral medications or penile injections. But have realistic expectations about potential results. More research is still needed to determine if acupuncture can truly enhance male sexual performance.
Side Effects Of Acupuncture For Male Enhancement
Acupuncture is less invasive than many medical procedures for ED. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
- Soreness – It’s common to experience some mild soreness or bruising at the needle insertion sites. This should fade within a few days.
- Minor bleeding or bruising – Minor bleeding or bruising at the needle sites could occur. Report this to your acupuncturist.
- Infection – Unclean needles could lead to infection. Ensure your acupuncturist only uses sterile disposable needles.
- Nerve damage – If needles are inserted too deeply, they could hit nerves and cause nerve injury in rare cases. Avoid unlicensed acupuncturists.
- Priapism – An erection that won’t go away (priapism) is a very rare side effect. Seek emergency care if this occurs, as it can damage the penis.
- Fainting – Some people faint easily when needles pierce their skin. Make sure you are lying down during treatment.
- Aggravation of symptoms – In some instances, acupuncture may worsen sexual dysfunction or cause anxiety, headaches, or fatigue.
To reduce risks, make sure to see an experienced, licensed acupuncturist. Notify them immediately of any concerning side effects. While generally safe, acupuncture for male enhancement may involve some unpleasant effects.
Conclusion
In conclusion, current research has not conclusively shown that acupuncture is an effective way to enhance male sexual performance or treat erectile dysfunction. However, it may modestly improve symptoms when combined with conventional ED treatments for some men. While generally safe when performed properly, acupuncture does carry some risks like infection and nerve damage.
Talk to your doctor about whether adding acupuncture to your treatment regimen could benefit you. But approach claims that acupuncture can significantly boost male sexual functioning with healthy skepticism. More research on using acupuncture to target male sexual disorders is still required.
FAQ
A: Most people feel little to no pain from the thin acupuncture needles. At most, you may feel a mild aching, tingling, warmth, or dull pressure at the needle sites. Tell your acupuncturist if any needle is causing discomfort so they can adjust it.
A: Any benefits are usually temporary, lasting about 24-48 hours after a session. Ongoing acupuncture treatments are needed to maintain results. Effects will diminish without continued sessions.
A: Certain acupuncture points located in the lower back, legs, abdomen, and feet are most commonly used to target male sexual disorders. Points believed to increase blood flow to the genital region are often selected. However, evidence that specific points enhance sexual function remains limited.
A: Most insurance plans do not cover acupuncture solely for erectile dysfunction or male enhancement. Acupuncture is typically considered an alternative therapy. But more insurers are covering it for pain relief, so check with your provider. You can also ask if your acupuncturist offers discounted rates for those paying out-of-pocket.
A: Acupuncture is not recommended for certain patients, including those with bleeding disorders, needle phobias, or pacemakers. Discuss your complete medical history with your acupuncturist to ensure you are a good candidate. They can adapt treatments accordingly for your safety.
