Living in New York City, especially in a vibrant community like the Upper West Side, you’re probably accustomed to having countless healthcare options. When it comes to sensitive conditions such as erectile dysfunction (ED), it’s essential to consider treatments backed by evidence and tailored to your unique needs. At my clinic, conveniently located in NYC, I specialize in using acupuncture and pelvic floor dry needling as integrative approaches to managing ED, often alongside your existing care from physicians and pelvic floor therapists.
Erectile dysfunction can significantly impact your quality of life. It commonly affects older men but can also occur in younger men due to various causes. Medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, high cholesterol, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and vascular disease significantly increase the risk of ED.1 Psychological factors like stress, low self-esteem, relationship problems, and overall psychological issues also play crucial roles.2 Lifestyle factors, including alcohol use, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy dietary habits, further compound the issue.3
While traditional treatments of ED such as oral medications (like sildenafil citrate), intracavernosal injections, vacuum erection devices, penile prostheses, and testosterone replacement therapy address specific aspects of ED, acupuncture and pelvic floor dry needling provide holistic, integrative alternatives. These methods improve local blood supply by enhancing nitric oxide production, relieve muscle tension, and stimulate nerve function, critical for achieving and maintaining penile erection.4,5
As a solo practitioner based in NYC, I emphasize a personalized and integrative approach. This approach includes collaborating with healthcare professionals such as cardiologists for cardiovascular health (coronary artery disease), endocrinologists for eliminating the common causes and managing low testosterone or diabetes, urologists for conditions requiring surgical treatments, and nutritionists and trainers for lifestyle changes such as weight loss, dietary improvements, and increased physical activity.
Research indicates structured and supervised interventions can lead to sustained improvements in sexual health and overall health.6 Dry needling, in particular, effectively reduces scar tissue—a common side effect from surgical treatments or radiation therapy. Additionally, acupuncture supports overall sexual desire and arousal, complementing other ED treatments and improving satisfactory sexual performance.
Protocols involving acupuncture and dry needling are individualized based on your medical history, symptoms of erectile dysfunction, and underlying causes determined through a thorough physical examination and relevant blood tests often done through your primary doctor. This careful assessment ensures treatments are appropriate and safe, avoiding contraindications such as severe pelvic floor hyperactivity. My approach is based on the latest research and clinical trials and is evidence-informed.
Many people ask me this question when they are seeking treatment of ED. Simply “No”; you can stop worrying. While the corpora cavernosa (the part of the penis that is inflated during erection) may be affected, we look for clinical outcomes using systemic approaches. If the pelvic floor is involved, we may needle more intimate areas such as the perineum (an acupuncture point known as Ren 1), around the anus, and other key muscles such as bulbospongiosus and ichiocavernosus involved in sexual arousal, erection, and ejaculation however, this is with your informed consent and is not part of every treatment and is well tolerated and is often after a physical exam is provided by one of your health care providers.
My clinic is centrally located on the Upper West Side of NYC, providing easy access for patients across Manhattan and surrounding boroughs. I offer a supportive and discreet environment where your comfort and confidentiality are prioritized, helping you openly address concerns related to your sex life.
If you’re considering integrative and evidence-informed approaches for erectile dysfunction, acupuncture and pelvic floor dry needling may offer substantial benefits. Reach out to schedule a consultation or learn more about supporting your sexual health through integrative methods.
References
1. Feldman HA, Goldstein I, Hatzichristou DG, Krane RJ, McKinlay JB. Impotence and its medical and psychosocial correlates: results of the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. J Urol. 1994;151(1):54-61. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8254833/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8254833/)
2. Rosen RC. Psychogenic erectile dysfunction: classification and management. Urol Clin North Am. 2001;28(2):269-278. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11402580/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11402580/)
3. Yafi FA, Jenkins L, Albersen M, et al. Erectile dysfunction. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016;2:16003. [https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp20163](https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp20163)
4. Yaacov D, Nelinger G, Kalichman L. The Effect of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation on Males with Sexual Dysfunction. Sex Med Rev. 2022;10:162-167. [https://academic.oup.com/smr/article-abstract/10/1/162/6880309](https://academic.oup.com/smr/article-abstract/10/1/162/6880309)
5. Pelvic physical therapy for male sexual disorders: a narrative review. Nat Rev Urol. 2025. [https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-025-01034-5](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-025-01034-5)
6. Wong C, Louie DR, Beach C. A Systematic Review of Pelvic Floor Muscle Training for Erectile Dysfunction After Prostatectomy and Recommendations to Guide Further Research. J Sex Med. 2020;17:737-748. [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32029399/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32029399/)
