Standardizing Acupuncture for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is estimated to affect 18.4%, or about 18 million, of American men. Acupuncture has long been used as a treatment with fewer potential side effects than pharmaceutical treatments. Unlike conventional medicine, the application of acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine may vary by practitioner. A research article published in Karger’s Complementary Medicine Research journal sought to reach consensus on the most effective diagnostic and treatment protocols for clinical use and for future research into the effectiveness of acupuncture. Eleven acupuncture experts identified 24 acupoints and suggested an optimal dose of between 11 and 15 treatments given once or twice a week.