Content
Enjoy sex like you used to
Acupuncture might not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering erectile dysfunction treatments, but some men swear by it.
Erectile dysfunction (ED) — a condition in which a man is unable to achieve penile erections firm enough or maintain them long enough for sexual intercourse — can affect men of all ages and significantly impact their quality of life. The prevalence of ED is growing, with an estimated 30 million men in the United states affected. Fortunately, several treatments for ED are available, with medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra®), being among the most popular.
PDE5 inhibitors improve erections in roughly 67 to 89 percent of men with ED, these medications also fail to work in 30–45 percent of cases. Some men are unable to take ED medication due to underlying health conditions, while others prefer to avoid conventional Western medicine.
This is where alternative therapies like acupuncture, a well-established practice in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), may come into play. In this article, we’ll explore whether acupuncture is a viable treatment for erectile dysfunction, how it works, and if there are more effective options.
Content
Traditional Chinese medicine operates on the belief that the body has vital energy, or “qi,” which flows through invisible pathways called meridians. When the flow of this energy is blocked, it creates an imbalance between two complementary but opposing forces in the body — yin and yang — leading to illness. The goal of TCM treatments, including acupuncture, is to restore this balance.
For thousands of years, TCM practitioners have developed various methods to treat ED. These include acupuncture, moxibustion (the burning of mugwort leaves), massage, cupping, and herbal medicine.
While success rates for these treatments vary, some studies suggest acupuncture may be an effective treatment for ED. Research has indicated that certain Chinese herbs can improve erectile function by stimulating nitric oxide production, increasing testosterone levels, and reducing oxidative stress. However, the use of acupuncture specifically to treat ED remains a topic of debate.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to treat various health conditions. While most commonly used for pain management, including, back, neck, and joint pain, acupuncture is also applied to conditions like migraines and fibromyalgia.
Some researchers believe the effectiveness of acupuncture may be due to psychological factors, such as the placebo effect, rather than the actual insertion of needles. In placebo-controlled studies, the benefit of acupuncture was greater compared to no treatment but similar to sham acupuncture (a placebo procedure).
While the exact mechanism of acupuncture is not fully understood, it is thought to stimulate the nervous system and other tissues, potentially triggering the release of chemicals that promote physical and emotional well-being. Different types of acupuncture, such as electroacupuncture (which uses small electrical currents to enhance stimulation), may intensify this effect.
Can acupuncture help with erectile dysfunction? Unfortunately, research on acupuncture for ED is limited, and the studies conducted so far have been small. As a result, there’s no definitive proof that acupuncture can cure ED or significantly alleviate its symptoms.
However, some men turn to acupuncture after other treatments have failed or caused unwanted side effects. Common side effects of ED medications, though rare, include headaches, indigestion, and facial flushing.
Some of the reported benefits of acupuncture for ED include:
Improvement in psychological ED
Enhanced nerve function and nitric oxide release
Increased blood flow
Studies on acupuncture for ED have primarily focused on patients whose ED is psychological in nature, rather than due medical or physical causes.
One 2019 meta-analysis found that acupuncture may have beneficial effects for psychogenic ED. It also found that combining acupuncture with the prescription medication tadalafil (Cialis®) was more effective at treating erectile dysfunction than using medication alone, improving scores on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF).
Another review highlighted a study suggesting that acupuncture, when combined with psychological therapy, might be more effective at reducing ED symptoms than psychotherapy alone.
Additionally, acupuncture has shown promise in improving the sexual function in patients experiencing erectile dysfunction as a side effect of antidepressant use.
A review of four studies on acupuncture for erectile dysfunction found that the TCM practice was effective for most patients, resulting in sufficient erections. Some of the proposed mechanisms of action included improved local nerve function and nitric oxide release.
Although the studies included randomized controlled trials and other prospective clinical trials, the study authors point out that the sample sizes were small, with fewer than 100 patients going through multiple acupuncture sessions in all four studies.
A systematic review of studies on the effects of acupuncture on blood flow found that this treatment increased blood circulation in four of the studies — which may help treat erectile dysfunction. That said, the current evidence on increased blood circulation from acupuncture is insufficient to provide reliable evidence supporting this theory.
In a review of four studies on acupuncture for erectile dysfunction, researchers analyzed the frequency of acupuncture points (acupoints) used. They found that most of the acupoints were located on the distal extremities (the limbs' farthest parts) and the abdomen. Stimulating the abdomen is believed to affect the front of the penis or the perineum during acupuncture.
So, if you're concerned about needles being placed directly in your penis for ED treatment, you can rest easy—that’s not where they go.
While acupuncture shows some potential, more high-quality, large-scale studies are needed to fully understand its effectiveness. Until then, it’s essential to consult with a licensed healthcare provider to explore proven ED treatments.
The most common medications for ED are Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which increase blood flow to the penis, leading to better and longer-lasting erections. These drugs include:
Sildenafil (Viagra®)
Tadalafil (Cialis®)
Vardenafil (Levitra®)
Avanafil (Stendra®)
Chewable ED meds like Hims Hard Mints
Another option is therapy to address psychogenic factors, such as performance anxiety, which can contribute to ED. Lifestyle changes—like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, stress management, and prioritizing sleep—can also be highly effective.
Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to relieve pain and treat various health conditions. However, its effectiveness as a treatment for erectile dysfunction remains inconclusive.
Some studies suggest that acupuncture can improve psychological ED and overall erectile function, but more research is needed to determine whether it can help men with ED caused by medical conditions or medication side effects.
If conventional treatments don’t work, your healthcare provider may explore alternative medications or suggest a combination of therapies, including acupuncture, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies.
Looking for more natural treatments? Check out home remedies for ED, learn how to naturally maintain an erection, and get the facts on so-called “natural Viagra.”
Are you ready to take the next step? Schedule an online consultation to see if you qualify for prescription medications to treat ED.
Hims & Hers has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references. See a mistake? Let us know at [email protected]!
Dr. Kelly Brown is a board certified Urologist and fellowship trained in Andrology. She is an accomplished men’s health expert with a robust background in healthcare innovation, clinical medicine, and academic research. Dr. Brown was previously Medical Director of a male fertility startup where she lead strategy and design of their digital health platform, an innovative education and telehealth model for delivering expert male fertility care.
She completed her undergraduate studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (go Heels!) with a Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Science and a Minor in Chemistry. She took a position at University of California Los Angeles as a radiologic technologist in the department of Interventional Cardiology, further solidifying her passion for medicine. She also pursued the unique opportunity to lead departmental design and operational development at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, sparking her passion for the business of healthcare.
Dr. Brown then went on to obtain her doctorate in medicine from the prestigious Northwestern University - Feinberg School of Medicine and Masters in Business Administration from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in Healthcare Management. During her surgical residency in Urology at University of California San Francisco, she utilized her research year to focus on innovations in telemedicine and then served as chief resident with significant contributions to clinical quality improvement. Dr. Brown then completed her Andrology Fellowship at Medical College of Wisconsin, furthering her expertise in male fertility, microsurgery, and sexual function.
Her dedication to caring for patients with compassion, understanding, as well as a unique ability to make guys instantly comfortable discussing anything from sex to sperm makes her a renowned clinician. In addition, her passion for innovation in healthcare combined with her business acumen makes her a formidable leader in the field of men’s health.
Dr. Brown is an avid adventurer; summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (twice!) and hiking the incredible Torres del Paine Trek in Patagonia, Chile. She deeply appreciates new challenges and diverse cultures on her travels. She lives in Denver with her husband, two children, and beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. You can find Dr. Brown on LinkedIn for more information.
Education & Training
Andrology Fellowship, Medical College of Wisconsin
Urology Residency, University of California San Francisco
M.D. Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineB.S. in Radiologic Science, Chemistry Minor, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Published as Kelly Walker
Cowan, B, Walker, K., Rodgers, K., Agyemang, J. (2023). Hormonal Management Improves Semen Analysis Parameters in Men with Abnormal Concentration, Motility, and/or Morphology. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 118, Issue 5, e4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/fertility-and-sterility/vol/120/issue/1/suppl/S
Walker, K., Gogoj, A., Honig, S., Sandlow, J. (2021). What’s New in Male Contraception? AUA Update Series, Volume 40. https://auau.auanet.org/content/update-series-2021-lesson-27-what%E2%80%99s-new-male-contraception
Walker, K., Shindel, A. (2019). AUA Erectile Dysfunction Guideline. AUA Update Series, Volume 38. https://auau.auanet.org/content/course-307
Walker, K., Ramstein, J., & Smith, J. (2019). Regret Regarding Fertility Preservation Decisions Among Male Cancer Patients. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e680-e681. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556300.18991.8e
Walker, K., & Smith, J. (2019). Feasibility Study of Video Telehealth Clinic Visits in Urology. The Journal of Urology, 201(Supplement 4), e545-e545. https://www.auajournals.org/doi/10.1097/01.JU.0000556071.60611.37