DeYoo Urology Hospital in Wuhan, Dr. Wu Yong, a male specialist in traditional Chinese medicine, has found from a large number of clinical practices in male urology that the incidence of male diseases in modern society is continuously increasing. Many men in their 30s have worse sexual performance than men in their 50s, and many young men even lack the courage and willingness to engage with women.
The occurrence of male diseases has greatly impacted many individuals, affecting not only work but also various aspects of life. Prolonged mental stress, physical or mental fatigue, suppression, or reduced libido in men have led to situations where some men lack endurance or firmness during marital relations. This not only erodes male confidence, affects marital relationships, but also casts a psychological shadow on men, making them feel inadequate!
There are many reasons for the decline in male sexual function. Some are due to attitude and psychological issues, some are related to environmental factors such as persistent mental stress, some are due to lifestyle habits like staying up late, some are due to emotional factors between men and women, some are due to prolonged consumption of Western medicine like Viagra overdrawing physical strength, some are due to excessive intake of cold food affecting the spleen and kidney yang, etc. Knowing which factors affect sexual function is essential for effective treatment and prevention.
1. What are the symptoms of male sexual performance decline?
Dr. Wu Yong, a male specialist in traditional Chinese medicine at DeYoo Urology Hospital in Wuhan, explains that the main manifestations of male sexual performance decline are as follows:
1. Decreased libido
This is a clear sign of declining sexual performance. Normal libido is an important manifestation of male sexual performance. If a man finds that he is no longer as interested in sex as before, or if the frequency and intensity of sexual activity have decreased, it may indicate a decline in sexual performance.
2. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile function is an important component of male sexual performance. If a man finds it difficult to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual activity, or if the hardness and duration of the erection are reduced, it may indicate a decline in sexual performance.
3. Ejaculation disorders
Ejaculation is the final stage of sexual behavior. If a man finds it difficult to reach climax during sexual activity, or if the force and frequency of ejaculation are reduced, it may indicate a decline in sexual performance.
4. Increased fatigue
Sexual activity is a physical activity. If a man feels fatigued after sexual activity, it may indicate a decline in sexual performance. This is because sexual activity requires a lot of physical energy. If sexual performance declines, the physical energy consumption during sexual activity increases, leading to a feeling of fatigue.
5. Changes in mental state
Declining sexual performance can also lead to changes in a man’s mental state. For example, a man may become anxious, depressed, or have low self-esteem, which are all signs of declining sexual performance.
6. Decline in vision and hearing
If there are no underlying issues with the eyes and ears, but there is a decline in vision and hearing, the man’s sexual function may also decline. Apart from age-related factors, this decline may be related to vascular issues, preventing the penis from receiving sufficient blood flow, which affects erection.
7. Hair loss and graying
If there is no genetic hair loss, hair loss is mostly due to hormonal imbalance. Once this occurs, there may be insufficient secretion of male hormones, leading to problems such as impotence and premature ejaculation. Hence, the density of a man’s hair also reflects the strength of his sexual function.
After experiencing the above symptoms, it indicates a decline in sexual function, and it is advisable to promptly visit a hospital for relevant tests to determine whether it is psychological or physiological, and then seek appropriate treatment.
2. How can men prevent and reverse the rapid decline in sexual performance?
Dr. Wu Yong, a male specialist in traditional Chinese medicine at DeYoo Urology Hospital in Wuhan, advises men who wish to delay premature aging of their sexual performance: Drink more water, supplement more substances, and engage in specific activities!
[Drink More Water]
1. Chicken’s Head and Ginseng Tea
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are the foundation of the innate essence. If the kidneys are unhealthy, aging may accelerate, affecting the functioning of various organs in the body.
Chicken’s head ginseng is a plant with dual medicinal and dietary uses. It has a neutral nature and is effective in nourishing qi, nurturing yin, and benefiting the kidneys, especially helpful for conditions like insufficient essence and blood and weak lower back and knees.
Research has also shown that chicken’s head ginseng contains antioxidant components that can directly eliminate oxygen-free radicals, contributing to delaying aging.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is well recognized for its skin-whitening, anti-aging properties.
This is because green tea is an unfermented tea that retains a high amount of natural substances from fresh leaves, such as catechins. Catechins have excellent antioxidant effects, which can hydrate the skin well, firm it up, and delay aging.
3. Mulberry Leaf Tea
Modern research indicates that mulberry leaves contain amino acids and various vitamins with effects such as lowering blood lipids, cholesterol, preventing thrombosis, atherosclerosis, anti-aging, and anti-fatigue. It has excellent skin beautification effects, especially with acne and brown spots on the face.
Pairing mulberry leaves with cassia seed to make cassia mulberry leaf tea fully harnesses cassia seed’s heat-clearing, detoxifying, broad-spectrum antibacterial, liver-clearing, and eye-brightening effects, greatly enhancing effectiveness. It can boost immunity, prevent colds, and maintain balanced blood pressure, killing two birds with one stone.
[Supplement More Substances]
1. High-Quality Protein
The amino acid pattern of dietary proteins that closely resembles human body proteins is easier for the body to absorb and utilize; these are termed “high-quality proteins.”
Daily consumption of moderate amounts of high-quality proteins effectively nourishes the skin and fights aging.
Food sources: eggs, fish, soybeans, etc.
2. Lutein
Lutein, also known as plant lutein, is widely present in vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
Reports indicate that naturally occurring lutein in plants is an excellent antioxidant. It has potent antioxidant capabilities, inhibiting the activity of oxygen-free radicals and protecting normal cells from damage.
Addition of a certain amount of lutein to food can prevent cellular aging and organ aging.
Food sources: corn, kiwi fruit, egg yolks, etc.
3. Coarse Grains
An overly refined diet is not suitable for anti-aging in men; adding coarse grains appropriately is beneficial.
Most coarse grains not only contain essential amino acids and high-quality proteins necessary for the body but also minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins.
Moreover, coarse grains are low in carbohydrates and high in dietary fiber, reducing calorie intake, aiding in weight loss.
Food sources: sorghum, oats, buckwheat, etc.
[Engage in Specific Activities]
1. Running
Running is an exercise with moderate intensity, involving alternating tension and relaxation, known as the “best anti-aging exercise.”
Running with a rhythm promotes the absorption of large amounts of oxygen in the body, accelerating metabolism.
2. Eating to 70% Fullness
Eating to 70% fullness is a recommended health regimen by scientists.
It means that the stomach is not fully satisfied, but the enthusiasm for food has diminished, reaching a state of being able to eat or not eat.
By controlling each meal within a reasonable range, one can prevent obesity and maintain a healthy body.
3. Stress Release
Men have a habit of enduring situations.
However, prolonged endurance can lead to problems and accelerate physical and mental aging.
Therefore, men should learn to release stress, adjust their mindset, confide in friends, seek comfort from family members.
This helps alleviate the harm caused by negative emotions on the body and boosts immunity, delaying aging.
3. Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Understanding and Treatment Approach to Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation Caused by Declining Sexual Performance
According to authoritative data, in recent years, the number of male patients with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation has sharply increased, showing a trend towards a younger age group. This has made many men fearful and eager to avoid discussing erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation.
Dr. Wu Yong, a male specialist in traditional Chinese medicine at DeYoo Urology Hospital in Wuhan, explains that erectile dysfunction refers to a condition where the penis fails to erect or maintain a firm erection despite a sexual desire or, although an erection occurs with a certain degree of hardness, it cannot be sustained for an adequate period for sexual intercourse, thus hindering sexual intercourse or failing to complete it.
Premature ejaculation is a common male sexual dysfunction, where ejaculation occurs before the penis enters the vagina or shortly after entering it, prematurely ending sexual intercourse. Clinically, the severity of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can be classified into mild, moderate, and severe cases.
The exact pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction in Western medicine is currently unclear.
Based on the causes of erectile dysfunction, it can be categorized into three main types: organic (including vascular, neurological, surgical trauma, penile disease, urological reproductive diseases, and endocrine diseases), psychological, and iatrogenic. Although organic erectile dysfunction accounts for only about 10% to 15% of the total cases of erectile dysfunction, it has various causes and complex pathological processes.
The causes of premature ejaculation are diverse, varying among individuals. Most cases are attributed to psychological factors (including anxiety, depression, masturbation habits, and excessive fatigue), with a minority resulting from organic diseases. The pathogenesis of premature ejaculation, apart from psychological factors, involves increased sensitivity of the glans penis in patients, heightened excitability of sensory nerves, and a shorter ejaculation latency period and reflex arc, making them susceptible to premature ejaculation during intercourse.
Current Western medical treatments for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation mainly include psychological therapy, pharmacological treatment, treating the primary disease, and surgical interventions.
In traditional Chinese medicine, erectile dysfunction refers to a condition where adult men, during sexual intercourse, are unable to achieve an erection, have a weak erection, or the erection does not last long enough to engage in normal sex. Premature ejaculation, on the other hand, occurs when ejaculation happens either before the penis enters the vagina or shortly thereafter, leading to disharmony in sexual intercourse. Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation often co-occur.
The main causes and mechanisms are as follows:
1. Decline in Kidney Qi
The decline in kidney qi is often due to excessive sexual activity, frequent masturbation in youth, early marriage and childbearing, leading to depletion of essence and qi, and weakening of kidney qi, resulting in erectile dysfunction.
2. Deficiency in Heart and Spleen Qi
If there is mental stress and melancholy, it damages the heart and spleen, affecting the yangming meridian and weakening the qi and blood, leading to premature ejaculation.
3. Fear Injuring the Kidneys
Fear harms the kidneys since fear leads to the descent of qi and eventually results in premature ejaculation and inability to maintain a firm erection, causing premature ejaculation. As stated in “Jing Yue’s Complete Book – Erectile Dysfunction,” sudden fear causes the erection to cease in the yang channels; it is a considerable testament.
4. Inadequate Nourishment of Zongjin (Prostatic Plexus)
The liver governs tendons, and the male genitals are related to the prostatic plexus. If emotions are suppressed, causing anxiety, resentment, and anger, the liver’s ability to regulate and unblock diminishes, and the prostatic plexus becomes ineffective. As mentioned in “Compendium of Miscellaneous Syndromes – The Origin of Anterior and Posterior Genital Regions,” those who have lost ambition succumb to aggression, disturbing the liver and making it less effective.
5. Dampness-Heat Downward Flowing
Dampness-heat downward flow and loosening of zongjin can lead to premature ejaculation, known as strong fire eating gas. Clinical observations show that the decline in kidney fire is more common, while dampness-heat downward flow is less frequent. Hence, “Jing Yue’s Complete Book – Erectile Dysfunction” states that ten out of eight will have a decline in kidney fire, and strong fire is extremely rare.
The common patterns for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation include decline in kidney qi, unstable kidney essence, deficiency in heart and spleen qi, liver stagnation, and dampness-heat downward flowing.
Dr. Wu Yong reminds that for prevention, if the condition is related to indulging in desires, individuals should promote mental clarity and restraint from masturbation. If it is linked to overall weakness, malnutrition, or physical and mental exhaustion, one should improve nutrition or balance work and rest and moderate sexual desires.
