Look, let's face it - erectile dysfunction is hardly the sort of subject that blokes are discussing over a beer with the mates down at the pub. But for many men here in Australia, it's a private issue that, while far more prevalent than they might realize, quietly impacts their confidence, relationships, and overall wellbeing. When faced with the issue, most men reach for Viagra and similar prescriptions – but increasingly, many Aussie guys are trying a slightly more left-field solution: acupuncture.
Acupuncture is, of course, an ancient Chinese therapy. While it's best known for its applications in managing stress and alleviating pain, a surprising amount of attention is now being paid to its potential effectiveness as a treatment for ED. Is placing tiny needles at key points on a man's body a genuinely effective solution for ED or just the latest wave in the acupuncture craze? Know everything about acupuncture for erectile dysfunction treatment.
Can Acupuncture Treat Erectile Dysfunction?
It is the most common and frequently asked question. If you also want to know whether acupuncture treats erectile dysfunction, then you have reached the right place. Here you will get to know if acupuncture is effective in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
In fact, erectile dysfunction is the most commonly encountered health problem for Australian men, and for this reason a growing number of them are seeking to investigate all possible options or to turn to alternative methods of treatment rather than solely rely on modern day solutions, whether to avoid taking pills, they have an ED based on stress, or to gain the full picture and to fully understand the myriad of ways there are to tackle ED. What, then, do the current studies have to say about the use of acupuncture in the treatment of ED?
Is acupuncture a successful method of treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED)? It isn’t, but nor, as is so often the case with health concerns, is it simply a straightforward yes or no. In the article, we will provide you with the latest results of studies which have focused on the treatment of ED through the use of acupuncture, consider what we think its potential mechanisms are and also how it compares to conventional forms of treatment.
What Exactly Is Meant By Acupuncture For Erectile Dysfunction?
Acupuncture is a treatment method originating from the field of TCM. It has become one of the most popular alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction. This method can be an alternative method for those men who want to avoid pharmaceutical side effects. The theory is the insertion of extremely thin, sterile needles into the body at precise locations known as “acupoints” to restore the normal “qi,” or flow of life force, through the body and thus re-establish its natural equilibrium. Treatments in clinical conditions typically involve stimulation of the acupoints through the use of electricity (“electroacupuncture”) or heat (“moxibustion”).
With ED, it isn’t expected to perform the miraculous act of restoring erectile functionality instantaneously. Acupuncture treatment is typically performed over a series of sittings, and it could take weeks or months before seeing a worthwhile effect. It needs to be pointed out, however, that the phrase “acupuncture for ED” often refers to a practitioner’s investigation into the field of alternative medicine and in no way guarantees a positive result for the patient.
Why Do Some Men Try Acupuncture for ED?
The growing interest in acupuncture in treating ED can be traced back to the combination of two ideas from the TCM tradition: the imbalance of the energy related to ED can be corrected through acupoint stimulation and the close connection between sexual function, vitality, level of stress, and the nervous system. Recently, the interest in acupuncture treatment has been centered on its potential use in men suffering from psychogenic or anxiety-related ED.
What Is Considered Working in ED Treatment?
There are no particular standards that one could use to define whether a certain treatment of ED is working, as in various clinical studies, the effectiveness of drugs is usually characterised by the use of different reliable instruments like the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) along with subjective measures of erectile strength, rate of successful copulation, and partner satisfaction.
Does Acupuncture Help Erectile Dysfunction?
The conclusions of a 2009 systematic review of acupuncture trials stated that the quality of the data was poor and not sufficient to recommend acupuncture for ED treatment. Another systematic review looking at three trials (183 subjects) found no clear benefit of acupuncture used alone to improve erectile dysfunction but that it appeared to be better when combined with psychological treatment compared to psychological treatment alone. Another review, a third systematic review and meta-analysis of 22 RCTs, found no significant difference in the effects of acupuncture alone compared to sham acupuncture, tadalafil or herbal medicine.
However, it did suggest that adding acupuncture to tadalafil, as well as adding acupuncture to herbal medicine, might result in better improvements in scores and cure rates when compared to these medications or herbals alone.
Still, the authors considered this evidence of combined therapy to be of low quality and primarily applicable to those with psychogenic ED. Safety was also considered poorly reported.
Evidence:
Review / Study | Reference | Trials Assessed | Key Finding |
Lee, Shin & Ernst (2009), BJU International | 4 studies | Some benefits; not enough evidence for use in the ED for treatment. | |
Cui et al. (2016), BioMed Research International | 3 RCTs, 183 participants | Ambivalent data, one positive, and two inconclusive trials as compared with a sham/placebo control. | |
Lai et al. (2019), World Journal of Men's Health | 22 RCTs | Acupuncture only: no significant differences compared with placebo, tadalafil, or herbal medicines. Acupuncture combined with tadalafil or herbal medicines: small, statistically significant benefit, low evidence quality. |
How Might Acupuncture Work for ED? (The Proposed Mechanisms)
There are a few mechanisms outlined below that have not yet been confirmed. However, these are the most widely accepted theories that experts have come to believe to be true:
- Decreasing performance anxiety and stress levels by reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system while providing a relaxing environment.
- Possible enhancement of blood flow in the area of the pelvic region, alongside the stimulation of nerve activity in that part of the body.
- Helping to improve the general well-being and sleep patterns can result in enhanced sexual performance indirectly.
A significant part of erectile dysfunction cases have a psychological factor that makes some practitioners believe acupuncture is best suited to cases of psychogenic erectile dysfunction specifically, rather than ED with a primarily physical cause.
Is Acupuncture Safe for Erectile Dysfunction?
Side effects have been minor and uncommon, including skin redness, lightheadedness, and minor reactions such as a slight irritation at the needle insertion site or itching. Bleeding or bruising can occur at the site of needle insertion and, more rarely, in the case of poor hygiene, infection. There is no universal way in which safety has been reported for ED acupuncture trials.
To find practitioners in Australia, look for one registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia (an AHPRA body), so that you can gauge the quality of their education and hygiene.
What Will You Experience During an Acupuncture Session for ED?
There are different approaches between practitioners and within research trials, but generally, a course will include:
- Consultation: A consultation with the practitioner who will take note of your history, symptoms, and constitution.
- Needle insertion: The fine needles are inserted into particular body points that could include the lower belly, lower back, and legs depending on the practitioner.
- Duration of treatment: The needles are normally kept in for about 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes with gentle manual or electrical stimulation.
- Amount of treatment: Most studies have shown that the recommended treatment protocol usually consists of several sessions a week for a couple of weeks since its benefits tend to occur over an extended period rather than immediately.
- Review: Regular reviews of your treatment progress take place over time, and your treatment might be coupled with lifestyle change recommendations supplied by the health care practitioner or referral to your doctor.
When To See Your Doctor
It is always advisable to visit the health care practitioner if:
- ED becomes chronic
- ED appears suddenly
- ED appears with other symptoms
- You suffer from confidence or relationship issues related to ED
- All attempts to change your lifestyle haven’t resulted in any improvement
Lifestyle Changes Improving Erectile Function:
Lifestyle changes can help whether or not you choose acupuncture:
- Exercise often and consistently - The heart and vascular system need to work well for the penis to function normally.
- Being in shape: Obesity has proven to be correlated with the risk of having erectile dysfunction.
- Drinking less alcohol and quitting smoking: Both harm the health of blood vessels.
- Dealing with stress and mental issues: Anxiety and depression are two of the major causes of erectile dysfunction.
- Eliminating health conditions: Dealing with diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol will help to correct erectile dysfunction over time.
- Communication with your partner: It creates conditions that make people feel emotionally intimate and lessen the pressure for performance.
How Does the Cost Compare to Conventional ED Treatment?
In Australia, Acupuncture is generally charged on a session-by-session basis and may cost $100 or more out-of-pocket per session and at times $200 and upward depending on the therapist and style of treatment. Since the most significant benefits of acupuncture often requires seeing an acupuncturist multiple times per week for a few weeks at a time, one course of acupuncture can accumulate hundreds or thousands of dollars prior to experiencing results.
Viagra and Cialis: Medications that treat ED. The PDE5 inhibitors that include sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are not listed on the PBS for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, so for most men the out-of-pocket cost can be high for these brand-name products.
Generic sildenafil or tadalafil can range from $20-$50 per month depending on the prescribed dose, frequency of use, and pharmacy, while brand-name products may cost more. You can get a prescription through an inexpensive one-off telehealth visit. Brand name Sildenafil costs more than 70$ and the cost of Tadalafil varies, but larger tablets cost upwards of $70.
Treatment | Typical Cost | Frequency / Notes |
Acupuncture | ~$100-$200+ per session out of pocket | Multiple sessions/week for several weeks; costs accumulate quickly |
Generic PDE5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil) | ~$20-$50 per month | Not PBS-listed for ED; generics are the more affordable option |
Brand-name PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis) | Higher, often $100-$200+ per month | Same active ingredient as generics at a higher price point |
Telehealth ED consultation | Often a low, one-off fee | Needed to obtain a valid prescription |
Cost shouldn’t be the only factor in choosing a treatment path, but it’s worth weighing up against the strength of the evidence for effectiveness discussed above.
Can You Get Coverage for Acupuncture Through Medicare or My Private Health Insurance in Australia?
No, it generally won’t. Medicare rebates acupuncture only in the rare case where a GP (with registration endorsed for acupuncture) carries out treatment in a private non-hospital consultation, for a health-related problem you’ve had diagnosed. This rule generally won’t apply at dedicated acupuncture clinics or Chinese medicine practices.
Most people get their money back from acupuncture through a private health insurance policy.
This will typically be under the “extras” or “ancillary” benefits section of a policy. It may be part of a package of complementary health treatments including remedial massage, acupuncture and chiropractic, with a shared annual limit. The rebates vary widely depending on your insurance provider and level of cover (they are often between $15 and $50 per treatment), and you may have to wait around two months from when you purchase the policy before you can begin claiming. Be sure to check your policy or call your insurer for details.
Prescription medicines like the PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction above, prescribed drugs like these aren’t generally covered by either Medicare or private health insurance’s extras.
They can be claimed under ordinary PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) rules.
Getting Erectile Dysfunction Treatment Through Telehealth
Many Australian men suffer from erectile dysfunction at some point in their lives. Telehealth services like DirectMeds can make it even easier to access treatment and overcome the invasion of privacy normally associated with discussing ED in person at a doctor’s office. There’s no waiting room, no pharmacy queue — the entire process can be completed from home.
DirectMeds can help Australian men access confidential ED treatment privately:
- You need to complete a free 2-minute online ED assessment.
- Consult with an AHPRA-registered GP from home.
- Receive a comprehensive treatment plan according to your needs.
- Get access to TGA-approved prescription medication if required.
Frequently Asked Questions for Acupuncture Erectile Dysfunction Treatment:
Can acupuncture treat erectile dysfunction?
Research does not currently support acupuncture as the outright remedy for erectile dysfunction since various systematic reviews have proven its efficacy to be low. Several trials have rated the results of acupuncture differently, with some studies showing a bit of success while others do not notice any good results.
What is the ideal number of sessions of acupuncture to treat erectile dysfunction?
While some protocols can vary from each other, in general, more than one session per week will be needed to notice any effects of acupuncture treatment in cases of erectile dysfunction.
Does acupuncture have fewer side effects than ED medication?
When it comes to doing acupuncture, the best choice would be one that is properly conducted by a well-trained acupuncturist, as it has few side effects that would include slight bruising, bleeding and skin reactions. While there are PDE5 inhibitors that would work great, such as sildenafil and tadalafil (which also come with a range of side effects), these also carry different effects, such as having a headache, a hot face and interactions with certain cardiac drugs. So, it is better to choose the most beneficial approach after discussing it with your doctor.
Could I take my PDE5 inhibitors, such as Viagra and Cialis with acupuncture treatment?
Reports from PubMed did indicate that a combination of acupuncture with tadalafil offered some benefit over a course of treatment with just a PDE5 inhibitor, however, a limited body of scientific evidence supports this idea.
Should I discuss with my doctor and my acupuncture specialist before proceeding?
Yes, in some cases, having ED may be an early warning signal for heart disease, hormonal, or metabolic disease so before commencing any ED therapy, such as acupuncture, you will need to visit with your GP to have it examined and treated.
Is it embarrassing to get treatment for ED online in Australia?
No. An online ED consultation is held with the same clinical standards as a consultation in person and remains completely discreet. Services such as DirectMeds provide a discreet consultation with an AHPRA-registered online medical practitioner, who can prescribe medications, and then deliver the medication directly to your door in discreet packaging all without leaving the house.
