Influenced by traditional culture, many Chinese people believe that "tonifying" can cure all diseases. Some men, in particular, believe that sexual problems like erectile dysfunction are sure signs of "kidney deficiency," and that they can restore their vigor simply by "supplementing" with nutrients. What they don't realize is that blind "tonifying" not only fails to solve the problem but can even lead to trouble.
Poor sexual function has little to do with the kidneys
Guo Jun, Deputy Chief Physician of the Urology Department at the Guang'anmen Hospital of the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, explains that he often encounters male patients in his outpatient clinic who complain that their sexual function is not what it used to be. They then immediately ask if it's due to kidney deficiency and insist on being prescribed medication to invigorate the kidneys and strengthen yang. 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 encompasses a range 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 includes many aspects of a person's libido and sexual capabilities. 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 high blood pressure, 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 explains that taking Chinese medicine is the preferred method of "tonifying" for many men and is also one of the major misconceptions in ED treatment. Surveys show that many ED patients are accustomed to taking Chinese medicine to improve their sexual quality of life. They believe that Chinese medicine has no side effects and can strengthen the body. However, TCM has an old saying: "All medicines have some toxicity." Improper use of any medicine, whether Western or Chinese, can lead to certain side effects.
Furthermore, many of the tonics heavily advertised on the market claim to improve sexual function immediately. However, most of these products contain Western medicine ingredients. Since the dosage is difficult to control, excessive daily consumption can cause significant harm to the body. Moreover, patients with cardiovascular diseases or high blood pressure who take large amounts of such tonics may experience severe complications and adverse reactions and should be especially vigilant.
Treating ED requires proper medication
The first-line ED medications 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 several times while taking Levitra, patients can rebuild their self-confidence, and their erectile function can be fully restored, eliminating 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 in China and abroad and is very safe. Its side effects are mainly facial flushing and headaches, and most are mild and can resolve on their own. However, PDE5 inhibitors like Levitra are prescription drugs, so ED patients must seek consultation and get a prescription from a regular hospital.