Treatment of erectile dysfunction: Rational drug use, contraindications of Viagra, and the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis.

How to rationally use medication to treat erectile dysfunction

Ideally, medications for treating erectile dysfunction should be safe, effective, convenient to use, inexpensive, and have no impact on the function of other organs. The oral medication sildenafil (Viagra) was once considered the first-line treatment for erectile dysfunction both internationally and domestically due to its convenience, safety, and effectiveness. However, Viagra is relatively expensive, and it has absolute contraindications: taking any form of nitrate medication is strictly prohibited, as it can be life-threatening. Therefore, men must pay close attention to these absolute contraindications.

Every disease has varying degrees of severity. Generally, severe erectile dysfunction is mostly caused by serious organic reasons. If oral medications are ineffective, second-line intracavernosal injection therapy can be chosen depending on the condition and the patient's needs. For severe patients who do not respond to first and second-line treatments, third-line treatment options include penile erection device implantation surgery, which can provide a more permanent cure. The penile erection device is surgically implanted into the corpora cavernosa of the penis. After surgery, it can restore near-natural erectile function without affecting penile sensation, ejaculation, orgasm, or urination.

Here, I would like to appeal to male consumers to have a correct understanding of medications for treating erectile dysfunction. I do not advocate abuse, and I certainly do not recommend that everyone take them. They are ineffective for healthy individuals. I advocate for rational use of medication. I hope that men suffering from erectile dysfunction will proactively seek treatment at reputable hospitals and take medication correctly under the guidance of qualified urologists. Although Viagra has set a revolutionary milestone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction, and extensive clinical use has proven its safety and effectiveness in treating most cases, the number of patients diagnosed and treated for erectile dysfunction at reputable specialist hospitals remains low. Some patients, influenced by traditional beliefs, still tend to believe in unethical advertisements or prefer health product stores in hopes of finding help, sometimes wasting money and delaying treatment.

Some doctors lack sufficient understanding of erectile dysfunction and new drugs, focusing too much on diagnosing and treating primary diseases and neglecting concurrent or accompanying erectile dysfunction, failing to detect and treat it promptly. Patients with common chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and prostate diseases not only suffer from the pain of the disease itself but also often experience severe mental and psychological disturbances. These anxieties, tensions, and other psychological factors cause the brain to secrete neurotransmitters that inhibit erection, such as serotonin, increasing the excitability of sympathetic-adrenergic nerves and leading to psychogenic erectile dysfunction. If, while treating the primary disease, timely adjustments are made to the patient's psychological disturbances, and medications such as Viagra or traditional Chinese medicine are used to improve erectile function, not only can the patient's quality of life be improved, but it can also play a positive role in the treatment and recovery of prostate diseases.

Abuse of aphrodisiacs can be counterproductive. Currently, apart from well-equipped, reputable specialized hospitals or departments within regular hospitals that provide proper treatment for erectile dysfunction, a considerable number of patients often seek treatment haphazardly or purchase and take aphrodisiacs due to their eagerness for a cure, resulting in poor efficacy.

Some people believe that so-called aphrodisiacs are simply Chinese herbs that, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), have warming and tonifying kidney-yang properties, such as ginseng, deer antler, seahorse, cinnamon, aconite, cistanche, epimedium, cnidium, yangqi stone, seal kidney, and various animal penises. However, this is not the case. The essence of TCM lies in its holistic approach and syndrome differentiation, meaning that different TCM herbs are used to treat erectile dysfunction based on its underlying cause. Indiscriminate use of warming and tonifying kidney-yang herbs without considering the cause not only lacks effectiveness but can also cause side effects. However, it should be believed that patients who use TCM appropriately can achieve good results in treating sexual dysfunction. The author advocates for TCM treatment.

Although Viagra is now available, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) still has advantages in treating erectile dysfunction. TCM treatment for erectile dysfunction is based on syndrome differentiation and treatment, meaning medication is prescribed according to the specific condition, flexibly addressing the underlying cause. It can improve primary diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, while Viagra does not treat the cause and cannot cure the primary disease. Existing Western medicines can only treat the symptoms.

Pay attention to mental health. In men's health, physical health and mental health are directly related. If you want to ensure men stay healthy or get sick less often, the first thing to overcome is psychological barriers.

Many middle-aged fathers feel inexplicably tense and depressed when they think about their children growing up and leaving their lives. The more they suppress this feeling, the more they think about it, and the more they think about it, the more depressed they become. Because they are embarrassed, they never talk about it with anyone. After a period of time, these men may develop erectile dysfunction. One characteristic of men is that they tend to be more reserved psychologically; they fear aging and the monotony of life. In fact, as long as they seek help from a psychologist or make appropriate adjustments on their own, there will be no problem.

Humans live under pressure; without pressure, people cannot even survive. For example, at high altitudes, the air pressure is too low, which is detrimental to life. How are humans born? They come into this world from their mother's womb under high pressure.

Why is it that people generally feel increasingly stressed? I believe the reasons are: First, rapid change. Especially in the last 30 years, Chinese society has undergone tremendous changes. Rapid social change, fast-paced lifestyles, booming technology, and a surge of information have placed increasing demands on people's higher nervous systems, requiring them to adapt quickly. Poor adaptation naturally leads to stress. Second, intense competition. my country is transitioning from a planned economy to a market economy, and the main characteristic of a market economy is competition. The brutal process of survival of the fittest naturally brings stress. Third, increased choices. Increasingly democratic politics and a more relaxed society naturally give people more freedom of choice. More choices lead to more conflict, more conflict leads to more worries, and more stress. Fourth, rising desires. Once basic needs are met, higher-level needs naturally arise. With basic needs met, spiritual needs increase, and desire itself is a form of invisible pressure.

It is clear that pressure is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, it is often another manifestation of social progress.

Stress drives change, and change brings stress. Learn to cope with stress and manage your work and life with ease.

Men have many psychological problems, and these problems may occur simultaneously. In addition, most men like to smoke and drink alcohol. These factors combined can lead to various physical diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.

Modern men must pay attention to a balanced diet, moderate exercise, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, and maintaining mental well-being. Don't blindly believe in supplements. Additionally, choose appropriate ways to manage stress, such as moderate catharsis. Crying is a natural way to release emotions. If men don't want to choose this method, they can seek relaxation through activities like reading, listening to music, or traveling. In short, do things you enjoy and that make you relax; this will help you live happier and healthier days. Finally, you should examine your life, discard outdated routines, and live at a reasonable pace and with regularity; this will bring you more ease.