Influenced by traditional culture, many Chinese people believe that "tonifying" can cure all ailments. Some men, in particular, think that once they encounter sexual problems like erectile dysfunction, it must be a sign of "kidney deficiency," and that simply "supplementing" their nutrition can restore their vigor. Little do they know that blind "tonifying" cannot solve the problem and may even lead to trouble.
Poor sexual function has little to do with the kidneys
Guo Jun, Deputy Chief Physician of the Urology Department at Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, explains that in his clinic, he often encounters male patients complaining that their sexual function is not what it used to be. They then ask if it's due to kidney deficiency and insist on being prescribed kidney-tonifying and aphrodisiac drugs. In fact, "kidney deficiency" and "sexual function" are two different concepts.
"Kidney deficiency" is a unique term in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and does not refer to a specific organ in the human body. It includes a series of symptoms such as dizziness, tinnitus, soreness in the lower back and knees, hair loss, and loose teeth, which can occur in both men and women. Sexual function encompasses many aspects of a person's libido and sexual ability. Male sexual dysfunction manifests as a decreased libido, erectile dysfunction (ED), and more. ED is one of the most common sexual dysfunctions in clinical practice. Conditions like hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, medications, injuries, and surgery can cause ED. Psychological factors such as stress, pressure, depression, anxiety, and marital discord can also trigger ED. It is clear that "kidney deficiency" and ED are not directly linked.
Blind tonifying can harm the body
Guo Jun points out that taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is the preferred method of tonifying for many men and is also a major misconception in the treatment of ED. Surveys show that many ED patients are accustomed to taking TCM to improve their sexual quality of life. They believe that TCM has no side effects and can strengthen the body. However, TCM has always had the saying that "all medicines have some toxicity." Whether Western or Chinese medicine, improper use can have certain side effects. Furthermore, many health supplements heavily advertised on the market claim to improve sexual function immediately. However, most of these drugs contain Western medicine ingredients. Because their dosage is difficult to control, excessive daily intake can cause significant harm to the body. Moreover, patients with cardiovascular diseases or hypertension who take large amounts of such supplements may experience severe complications and adverse reactions and must be especially vigilant.
Treatment for ED requires the correct medication
The first-line drugs for ED currently used in clinical practice are Western medicines belonging to the PDE5 inhibitor class, such as Levitra. For organic ED, drugs like Levitra can be used to improve erectile function and should be taken as needed over the long term. For psychogenic ED, after successfully having sexual intercourse a few times while taking drugs like Levitra, patients can rebuild their self-confidence, and their erectile function can be fully restored without the need for long-term medication.
At the same time, drugs like Levitra do not act on the central nervous system of the brain and therefore do not cause dependence. Levitra has been used for over four years both domestically and internationally and is very safe. Its side effects are mainly facial flushing and headaches, most of which are mild and can resolve on their own. However, PDE5 inhibitors like Levitra are prescription drugs after all. ED patients must see a doctor at a regular hospital to get a prescription.