"Observations on the Efficacy of ""Three Yin Points"" Acupuncture plus Medicinal Spreading Moxibustion in Treating Erectile Dysfunction" / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of three yin points acupuncture plus medicinal spreading moxibustion in treating erectile dysfunction.Methods Sixty patients with erectile dysfunction meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to two groups, 30 cases each. The control group took sildenafil at 1 hr before sexual intercourse. The treatment group received three yin points acupuncture plus medicinal spreading moxibustion, 8 days as one course of treatment, for three consecutive courses with 2 days of rest between the courses. The erectile function was scored in the two groups before and after treatment. The clinical therapeutic effects were compared.Results The total efficacy rate was 93.3% in the treatment group and 80.0% in the control group; there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The marked efficacy rate was 83.3% in the treatmentn group and 60.0% in the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P0.05).Conclusions Both acupuncture-moxibustion and sildenafil have a therapeutic effect on erectiledysfunction. Sildenafil produces a rapid and stable effect. Acupuncture and moxibustion produce a slower effect but have an advantage in the marked efficacy rate. Acupuncture and moxibustion are safe, of fewer contraindications and suitable for most of the population.