Today I'll talk about the nine major symptoms that can appear in men with liver-gallbladder damp-heat. If you have more of these symptoms, the condition may be less favorable.

First, dampness, pruritus, and malodor of the scrotum. In TCM, the liver channel traverses the genital region; when liver-gallbladder damp-heat descends, it easily causes these scrotal problems. It's like a humid environment that promotes bacterial growth, so the scrotum becomes damp, itchy, and malodorous.

Second, the stool is always sticky and mushy, not fully cleared, and tends to adhere to the toilet. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that damp-heat accumulates in the intestines and stomach, affecting the transport and transformation function of the spleen and stomach. When spleen and stomach transport are dysfunctional and water-dampness cannot be metabolized away, the stool becomes sticky and unformed, sticking to the toilet and not being washed away.

Third, perianal dampness or even itching. This is also a manifestation of liver-gallbladder damp-heat descending. When damp-heat invades the perianal area and local qi and blood circulation is impeded, dampness and itching will occur.

Fourth, a burning sensation when urinating, yellow urine, and a strong odor. Liver-gallbladder damp-heat affects the bladder’s qi transformation function, leading to concentrated urine, resulting in burning urination, yellowing, and strong odor. It’s like a pot of water: when the fire is too strong, the water decreases and concentrates, and the smell worsens.

Fifth, being easily angered, losing temper over little things, often accompanied by distending pain in the chest and hypochondrium. The liver governs free flow and prefers smoothness while disliking constraint and depression. Liver-gallbladder damp-heat impairs the liver’s dispersing function, causing liver qi stagnation, making a person prone to anger and causing distending pain in the chest and hypochondrial region.

Sixth, the scalp and face tend to be oily, and there is a marked tendency to sweat, with a strong sweat odor. Liver-gallbladder damp-heat affects the body's fluid metabolism, causing abnormal secretion of oils and sweat. It's like a machine malfunctioning—what it discharges will also be problematic.

Seventh, abdominal distension, nausea, loss of appetite, and poor digestion. The spleen and stomach are the foundation acquired after birth; liver-gallbladder damp-heat affects the ascending and descending functions of the spleen and stomach. When spleen-stomach function is disturbed, symptoms such as abdominal bloating, nausea, lack of appetite, and poor digestion occur.

Eighth, frequent bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, dry tongue, propensity to heatiness, and red, swollen, painful eyes. When liver-gallbladder damp-heat rises, it produces symptoms of bitter mouth and dry throat. The liver opens to the eyes; when damp-heat disturbs the clear orifices, the eyes become red, swollen, and painful, and the person is more prone to internal heat.

Ninth, reduced sexual performance, difficulty maintaining erection, and brief duration. The liver and kidney share a common origin; liver-gallbladder damp-heat can affect kidney function. The kidney governs reproduction, so when kidney function is affected, sexual performance naturally declines.

The more of these nine symptoms we have, the more serious the body's condition. Please don't take them lightly — be sure to pay attention.