DeYou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Wuhan, expert in male traditional Chinese medicine, Dr. Wu Yong, discovered from extensive clinical practice in male traditional medicine that the incidence of male diseases in modern society is continuously increasing. Many men in their thirties have poorer sexual performance than men in their fifties, and many young men even lack the courage and willingness to interact with women.
The occurrence of male diseases has greatly affected many individuals, impacting not only work but also various aspects of life. Prolonged mental stress or physical and mental fatigue can suppress or reduce men’s libido. Some men experience lack of endurance or firmness in sexual activity within marriage, leading to loss of confidence, affecting marital relationships, and causing psychological impact, making them feel inadequate!
There are many reasons for the decline in male sexual function. Some are attitudinal and psychological issues, some are related to living environment issues such as sustained mental stress, some are due to lifestyle habits like staying up late, some are emotional factors between couples, some are due to prolonged use of Western medicines like Viagra leading to physical overdraft, and some are caused by habits such as consuming raw and cold foods, which impair spleen and kidney Yang. Knowing which factors can affect sexual function is crucial for more effective treatment and prevention.
1. What symptoms are indicative of a decline in male sexual performance?
Dr. Wu Yong, male traditional Chinese medicine expert at DeYou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Wuhan, outlines the following main manifestations of declining male sexual performance:
1. Decreased libido
This is a clear indication of declining sexual performance. Normal libido is an important manifestation of male sexual performance. If a man realizes he no longer has the same level of interest in sex as before, or if the frequency and intensity of sexual activity have decreased, it may suggest a decline in sexual performance.
2. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile function is a crucial 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 erections are reduced, it may indicate a decline in sexual performance.
3. Ejaculation disorders
Ejaculation is the final stage of sexual activity. If a man struggles to reach climax during sexual activity, or if the intensity and frequency of ejaculation decrease, it may indicate a decline in sexual performance.
4. Increased fatigue
Sexual activity is a physical endeavor. If a man feels fatigued after sexual activity, it may indicate a decline in sexual performance. This is because sexual activity requires a significant amount of physical energy. If sexual performance declines, the energy expenditure during sexual activity increases, leading to feelings of fatigue.
5. Changes in mental state
Declining sexual performance can also lead to changes in a man’s mental state. For example, he may become anxious, depressed, or feel inferior, all of which are manifestations of declining sexual performance.
6. Decreased vision and hearing
If a man experiences a decline in vision and hearing even though there are no inherent issues with his eyes and ears, it can also indicate a decline in sexual function. Apart from age-related factors, this decline may be related to vascular issues that impede adequate blood flow to the penis, affecting its ability to achieve full erection.
7. Hair loss and graying
If there is no genetic predisposition for hair loss, then hair loss is often due to hormonal imbalance. In such cases, the secretion of male hormones may decrease, making it easier to develop issues like impotence and premature ejaculation. Therefore, the density of a man’s hair is also an important indicator of male sexual strength.
If these symptoms manifest, it indicates a decline in sexual function. It is recommended to promptly seek medical examination to determine whether the cause is psychological or physiological and then receive targeted treatment.
2. How can men prevent and reverse the rapid decline in sexual performance?
Dr. Wu Yong, male traditional Chinese medicine expert at DeYou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Wuhan, suggests that men who wish to prevent premature aging of sexual performance should remember three things: drink more water, consume more specific nutrients, and engage in certain activities!
【Drink more water】
1. Schisandra Tea
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is said “the kidney is the foundation of congenital essence.” If the kidney function is poor, it accelerates aging, affecting the functioning of various organs in the body.
Schisandra is a plant with both medicinal and culinary uses. It has a neutral nature and possesses the effects of nourishing vitality and kidney function. It is particularly helpful for issues related to deficient essence and blood, as well as weak lower back and knees.
Research has shown that Schisandra contains antioxidant components that directly eliminate oxygen free radicals, thereby aiding in delaying aging.
2. Green Tea
Green tea is well-known for its skin whitening, skincare, and anti-aging properties. This is because green tea is an unfermented tea that retains a higher level of natural substances from fresh leaves, such as catechins. Catechins have strong antioxidant effects, effectively replenishing moisture, firming the skin, and delaying aging.
3. Mulberry Leaf Tea
Modern research indicates that mulberry leaves contain various amino acids and vitamins, with effects like lowering lipid levels, reducing cholesterol, preventing blood clot formation, and fighting atherosclerosis. It also has anti-aging and anti-fatigue properties. Mulberry leaves have significant benefits for skin beauty, especially in treating acne and dark spots on the face.
Combining mulberry leaves with Haliotis discus hannai, known as concha arcae, to create a mulberry leaf and Haliotis discus hannai concoction can maximize the detoxifying, broad-spectrum antibacterial, liver-clearing, and vision-enhancing effects of the latter. This significantly enhances immunity, prevents colds, and regulates high blood pressure, killing multiple birds with one stone.
【Consume more specific nutrients】
1. High-Quality Protein
The amino acid composition of dietary protein that closely resembles human protein allows for easier absorption and utilization by the body, known as “high-quality protein.” Adequate intake of high-quality protein in daily life can effectively nourish the skin and counteract aging.
Food sources: eggs, fish, soybeans, etc.
2. Lutein
Lutein, also known as plant lutein, is widely found in vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Studies show that natural lutein in plants is an excellent antioxidant with strong oxidative inhibitory effects, which can inhibit the activity of free radicals and protect normal cells from damage.
Incorporating a certain amount of lutein into food can prevent cell aging and organ aging.
Food sources: corn, kiwifruit, egg yolks, etc.
3. Coarse Grains
An excessively refined diet is not suitable for anti-aging in men. Adding appropriate amounts of coarse grains is beneficial. Most coarse grains are not only rich in essential amino acids and high-quality proteins for the body but also contain minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins.
Moreover, coarse grains have low carbohydrate content and high dietary fiber content, which can reduce calorie intake and aid in weight loss.
Food sources: sorghum, oats, buckwheat, etc.
【Engage in certain activities】
1. Running
Running is a moderate exercise involving a combination of tension and relaxation, dubbed as the “best anti-aging exercise.” Rhythmic running promotes the absorption of abundant oxygen by the body and accelerates metabolic processes.
2. Quit at 70% Full
The “70% full” concept is endorsed by scientists as a health regimen. It suggests eating until the stomach is not completely full but the enthusiasm for food diminishes, reaching a state where one can eat or not eat.
By controlling each meal within a reasonable range, one can prevent obesity and maintain a healthy body.
3. Release Stress
Men often tend to suppress their feelings when faced with issues. However, prolonged suppression can lead to health issues and accelerate physical and mental aging.
Therefore, men should learn to release stress, adjust their mindset, confide in friends, and seek solace from family. This can help alleviate the damage caused by negative emotions to the body, enhance immunity, and delay aging.
3. Recognition and Treatment Approach of Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation Resulting from Decline in Sexual Performance by Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to authoritative data, in recent years, the number of male patients suffering from erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation has sharply increased, showing a trend towards younger individuals, causing many men to shun discussions on erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation out of fear.
Expert in male traditional Chinese medicine at DeYou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Wuhan, Dr. Wu Yong, explains that erectile dysfunction refers to the inability of the penis to achieve or maintain an erection when there is a sexual desire request, hindering or interrupting sexual intercourse despite the presence of sexual desires.
Premature ejaculation is a common male sexual dysfunction where ejaculation occurs before the penis enters the vagina or shortly after entry, leading to disharmonious sexual intercourse. From a clinical perspective, the severity of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can vary from mild to moderate to severe.
The exact pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction in Western medicine is currently unclear.
Based on the causes of erectile dysfunction, it can be categorized into organic (including vascular, neurological, operative trauma, penile diseases, urological diseases, and endocrine diseases), psychogenic, and iatrogenic causes. Organic erectile dysfunction, although accounting for about 10-15% of total cases of erectile dysfunction, has numerous causes and complex pathology.
The causes of premature ejaculation are multifaceted and vary among individuals. The majority of cases are due to psychological factors (including anxiety, depression, masturbation habits, and excessive fatigue), while a small percentage is caused by organic diseases. The pathogenesis of premature ejaculation, in addition to psychological factors, involves increased sensitivity of the glans penis in patients, heightened sensory nerve excitability, and a shorter latency period and reflex arc for ejaculation. These factors can lead to premature ejaculation during sexual intercourse.
Current Western medical treatments for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation mainly include psychological therapy, drug treatment, treatment of primary diseases, and surgical intervention.
In traditional Chinese medicine, erectile dysfunction refers to the inability of an adult male to achieve or sustain an erection during sexual intercourse or the inability to maintain an erection for a sufficient period, hindering or preventing normal sexual activity. Premature ejaculation occurs when an individual ejaculates prematurely during sex, affecting normal sexual intercourse, frequently co-occurring with erectile dysfunction.
The main causes of these conditions are:
1. Decline of the Kidney Fire
A decline in the kidney’s fire is often caused by excessive sexual activity, frequent masturbation during adolescence, early marriage and childbirth, leading to depletion of essence and energy, and a decline in the kidney’s fire, causing failure to achieve an erection.
2. Deficiency in Heart and Spleen
Worry and melancholy damage the heart and spleen, extending illness to the Yangming Chongmai meridian, with the stomach acting as the reservoir of body fluid and blood, causing deficiency in both energy and blood, leading to premature ejaculation.
3. Fear and Kidney Damage
Fear can harm the kidneys, enhancing a drop in energy. Gradually, this may lead to premature ejaculation and a lack of vigor, preventing a strong erection and inducing premature ejaculation. As mentioned in “Jing Yue Quan Shu – Erectile Dysfunction”, “sudden panic leads to penile wilts, and this is very apparent.”
4. Neglected Nourishment of Primary Tendons
The liver governs tendons, with the genital organs as the reunion point of primary tendons. Apart from fear and anger, anger and depression can impair the liver’s dispersing and draining functions, leading to impact on the primary tendons’ gathering, as mentioned in “Za Bing Yuan Liu Xi Zhu – Origin of Front and Back Yin.” It states, “For those who lose their aspirations, holding emotions of suppression and anger, the liver wood fails to distribute and open, causing the limbs not to act. Therefore, flagging of sexual powers occurs.”
5. Damp Heat Flowing Downward
When damp heat descends, causing slackness in primary tendons, it can lead to premature ejaculation. This is known as eating and inflaming fire. Clinically, a decline in the kidney’s fire is more common, while damp heat flowing downward is less frequent. Therefore, “Jing Yue Quan Shu – Erectile Dysfunction” states: “Out of ten cases, seven or eight relate to the fire declining, while in cases where fire prospers, there are only a few.”
Common syndromes of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation include the decline of kidney fire, instability of kidney qi, weakness in heart and spleen, liver stagnation, and damp heat flowing downward.
Dr. Wu Yong, expert in male traditional Chinese medicine at DeYou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital in Wuhan, cautions that, in terms of prevention, if diseases are related to unbridled indulgence, one should lead a restrained life and refrain from masturbation. If issues arise due to overall weakness, malnutrition, or physical and mental exhaustion, one should enhance nutrition appropriately, balance rest and work, and moderate sexual desires.
