Criteria for Determining the Severity of Erectile Dysfunction and Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Analyzing the Mechanisms of Exercise Enhancement, Self-Care Plans, and Common Misconceptions in Prevention and Treatment [i]

To determine the degree of erectile dysfunction, it is far from sufficient to simply look at whether an erection can be achieved and whether it is firm. Factors such as libido, sexual response, and sexual pleasure should also be considered comprehensively[i]. Mild: Sexual desire is basically normal; erection can be achieved relatively quickly after sexual stimulation from the opposite sex; masturbation can induce an erection; the penis can achieve an erection during intercourse but cannot maintain it, or manual assistance is required to penetrate the vagina; the penis is not firm; the frequency of intercourse is reduced; sexual pleasure is still acceptable[i]. Moderate: Sexual desire is weakened; the penile erection response is slow after stimulation of erogenous zones; erection cannot be achieved immediately after sexual stimulation from the opposite sex; the penis can barely achieve an erection through masturbation; the penis often cannot achieve an erection during intercourse, or although it can achieve an erection, it cannot maintain it; the penis cannot penetrate the vagina during intercourse; the erection angle is less than 90° and the hardness is extremely poor; the frequency of intercourse is significantly reduced, and sexual pleasure is significantly diminished[i]. Severe: Loss of libido; no erectile response regardless of stimulation of erogenous zones, sexual stimulation from the opposite sex, or masturbation; inability to achieve an erection during intercourse, preventing penetration; lack of erection angle and rigidity; near cessation of sexual activity and absence of sexual pleasure [i]. Exercise has many benefits, and for men, it offers an even more remarkable advantage: enhanced sexual ability [i]. A large-scale study led by Dr. Goldstein of Boston Medical College showed that men who burn at least 2 kilocalories daily through exercise have a significantly lower chance of developing erectile dysfunction than those who do not exercise [i]. This study involved nearly 600 men and lasted 9 years [i]. The results showed that men with a regular exercise routine had a lower chance of developing erectile dysfunction [i]. Many middle-aged men gradually lose interest in exercise after entering middle age, unaware of the close relationship between regular exercise and sexual ability [i]. There are many types of exercise that can help improve male potency, such as playing ball, walking, swimming, and fitness. The only "wrong" exercise is cycling-it can actually increase the chances of developing erectile dysfunction [i]. In fact, erectile dysfunction is not terrible; psychological factors outweigh physiological factors. However, many medical advertisements exaggerate its severity and harm, increasing the psychological burden on patients. It can be said that 80% of erectile dysfunction is actually a psychological demon [i]. Self-care suggestions for men with erectile dysfunction are as follows: 1. Utilize the accumulated urine in the bladder to stimulate the surrounding nerves, increase the excitability of the sexual nerves, and enhance the erectile ability of the penis. Therefore, retaining some urine before intercourse and mastering this can have a certain effect [i]. 2. Take advantage of the natural morning erection of the penis for appropriate training. Having sex in the morning makes it easier to succeed [i]. 3. When the penis is not fully erect but can still be erect, use sexual positions suitable for a semi-erect state to relax the tension of sexual intercourse [i]. 4. Drinking a small amount of alcohol before intercourse can relieve psychological inhibition and increase the excitation of the brain's sexual center, thus enhancing penile erectile function. However, it is important to note that only a small amount of white wine should be consumed [i]. 5. Taking ginseng royal jelly, which contains more than 40 kinds of nutrients such as protein, fat, sugar, minerals, and trace elements, can improve penile erectile strength and firmness with long-term use [i]. 6. Eating leeks and scallions, especially when stir-fried with pork liver, can enhance sexual function and increase libido [i]. 7. Using a tight-fitting condom can compress the venous return in the subcutaneous tissue at the base of the penis, causing congestion at the tip of the penis, which enhances brain excitation and increases penile erectile strength and firmness [i]. Treatment for erectile dysfunction requires different approaches depending on the severity of the condition. The most crucial aspect is to identify the underlying cause and treat it accordingly [i]. There are many technical and cognitive deficiencies and misconceptions in clinical prevention, treatment, and healthcare. These issues must be corrected during treatment: 1. Treating any lack of erection as erectile dysfunction: Insufficient erection is related to various factors, such as sexual intensity, frequency, mental state, prostatitis, etc., and is not necessarily erectile dysfunction [i]. 2. Treating any lack of erection as erectile dysfunction: Some temporary or occasional cases of erectile dysfunction are often related to psychological factors and environmental changes, and should not be treated as erectile dysfunction [i]. 3. Clinical treatment without differentiation of type or cause: For diagnosed erectile dysfunction, personalized treatment is the only truly effective approach [i]. 4. Most treatments only address the symptoms and not the root cause: Currently, many clinical treatments can provide temporary relief but cannot fundamentally cure erectile dysfunction and restore sexual function [i]. 5. Actively prevent and treat diseases of the urogenital system [i]. 6. Pay attention to early signs of sexual dysfunction: When early signs of decreased sexual function appear, such as poor sexual performance or lack of sexual ability, it is essential to pay attention and find the cause. This is a crucial moment for treating erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation [i]. 7. Do not use aphrodisiac or kidney-tonifying products indiscriminately: Because the ingredients of these products are unclear, some contain hormones or other chemical components. Improper use will worsen the condition [i].