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Read MoreFor many couples, trouble in the bedroom is still a taboo topic. However, problems related to sex life are more common than we realize. Issues in one’s sex life or the inability to perform in bed, regardless of gender, take a toll on relationships and also affect an individual’s self-confidence. Be it premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, or vaginismus, there can be several impediments to having a fulfilling sex life. It is important to not lose hope and seek expert advice, without embarrassment, when one is facing any issue.
Before we discuss the problems that are prevalent, let us look at the main stages of sexual function in men and women.
In men, clinically speaking, the stages of sexual function are
So, what exactly happens during these stages?
The initial phase of penile erection occurs in response to visual, olfactory, or imaginative stimulation, or genital stimulation. During an erection, there is increased blood flow to the erectile tissues in the penis. Ejaculation is dependent on the sympathetic nerves, which are the nerves that prepare our body to deal with stress. These nerves cause the muscles in the vas deferens, seminal vesicles, and prostrate to contract. This results in the emission of semen.[1]deGROAT, WILLIAM C., and AUGUST M. BOOTH. “Physiology of male sexual function.” Annals of internal medicine 92, no. 2_Part_2 (1980): 329-331.
There are three principal stages of sexual function in women:
During arousal, blood flow increases to the internal and external genitalia including the vagina labia minora, clitoris, pelvic floor, and uterus. This causes heightened sensations. The vaginal canal is moistened and lubricated. Finally, rhythmic contractions of the uterus and pelvic floor occur during orgasm. Like in men, the sexual activity in women also depends largely on the sympathetic nervous system. It is also important to note that several hormones play an important role in female sexual function.[2]Marthol, H., and M. J. Hilz. “Female sexual dysfunction: a systematic overview of classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.” Fortschritte der Neurologie-psychiatrie 72, … Continue reading
The ancient ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita, states that the three cornerstones of a healthy life are: a well-balanced diet, proper sleep, and healthy sex life.[3]Dalal, P. K., Adarsh Tripathi, and S. K. Gupta. “Vajikarana: Treatment of sexual dysfunctions based on Indian concepts.” Indian Journal of psychiatry 55, no. Suppl 2 (2013): S273. Ayurveda divides the sexual response cycle into the following stages:
When exactly can one say that they are suffering from sexual dysfunction? Well, if there is a persistent problem that one faces in terms of sexual response or pleasure, one might be suffering from sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction can occur at any stage of the sexual act. Here are a few common ones:
Since, even today, most people are guarded about their sexual problems and there is a lack of systematic surveillance of these disorders, it is rather difficult to gather data. However, studies conducted on a small scale suggest that only 2% of men between 40 and 50 years report erectile dysfunction; it is more common in older men between the ages of 60 and 70 years. The prevalence rates of disorders in women are currently unknown.[5]Shepardson, R. and M. Carey, “Sexual Dysfunctions”, 2021.
Sexual dysfunction can be caused by physical or psychological factors.
Ayurveda enlists several causes that could result in sexual disorders.
Ayurveda classifies erectile dysfunction or klaibya into several types:
Sexual response is a complex phenomenon that is influenced by physiological (comorbidities like diabetes or hypertension), psychological (performance anxiety), and social (marital relationship) factors. A disturbance in any one of these can cause sexual problems. To treat sexual dysfunction, one has to adopt a holistic approach. Sexual dysfunction cannot be treated in isolation. While assessing the problem, the first step is accepting the problem and not being ashamed of it. Destigmatizing discussions related to sexual health is crucial.
A healthy lifestyle is paramount for not only maintaining good health but also for sexual health. Comorbidities and stress play a huge role and these are lifestyle disorders that can be managed. Here are some areas to focus on, along with consulting an expert:
Let us delve deeper into the various kinds of sexual disorders that one may face:
Desire disorders refer to the loss of libido. The dysfunction, in some cases, masks deeper issues such as relationship problems, exhaustion, or substance abuse. Other causes include a deficiency of the testosterone hormone or side effects of medication.
Treating sexual desire disorders: since often they are caused by psychological factors, here are a few ways in which this is treated:
Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction, or what was earlier called impotence, is the condition in which one is unable to maintain a rigid penile erection that is necessary for sexual pleasure and intercourse. Of course, a one-time incident cannot be termed as a dysfunction. However, if this condition persists for over six months, it can be categorized as such. This disorder is more common among older men and usually increases with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. [6]Sooriyamoorthy, Thushanth, and Stephen W. Leslie. “Erectile Dysfunction.” StatPearls Internet.
According to ayurveda, the apana vayu is a kind of vayu (air) located in the testicles, urinary bladder, phallus, umbilicus, thighs, groin, anus, and colon. It helps in ejaculation, evacuating bowels, and urination. The condition of erectile dysfunction has been described as klaibya in ayurvedic texts.
Treating arousal disorders:
The following is usually recommended:
Treatment of orgasm disorders:
This usually involves:
Vajikaran is a special branch of ayurvedic rasayana (a category of herbs and deep rejuvenation practices) that promotes sexual health. It revitalizes all the seven dhatus (elements) in the body and restores balance. Vajikaran therapy targets the neuro-endocrine-immune system. In other words, it restores nerve health and hormonal balance. It also alleviates stress.
Ayurvedic aphrodisiacs with therapeutic properties have been used for ages. Here is how they can help promote sexual health:
This herb is an adaptogen (one that helps the body handle stress) with aphrodisiac properties. It is particularly beneficial for treating stress-induced sexual disorders. It has proved effective in improving spermatogenesis (the process by which sperms are formed) and also has testosterone-like properties.[12]Iuvone, Teresa, Giuseppe Esposito, Francesco Capasso, and Angelo A. Izzo. “Induction of nitric oxide synthase expression by Withania somnifera in macrophages.” Life sciences 72, no. 14 … Continue reading
Ashwagandha is available in the form of tablets and powder.
Precaution: If consumed in large doses, one may experience vomiting and diarrhoea.
Literally, shatavari means the woman with a hundred husbands. It symbolizes increased female fertility. It has also been found useful in treating sexual disorders in men. A study proved its efficacy in diabetic male rats. [13] Thakur, Mayank, Shilpi Bhargava, and V. K. Dixit. “Effect of Asparagus racemosus on sexual dysfunction in hyperglycemic male rats.” Pharmaceutical Biology 47, no. 5 (2009): 390-395.
Precaution: Incorrect dosage of shatavari may lead to kidney damage.
Safed musli acts as an aphrodisiac and a sexual stimulant. Its effect on sexual behaviour and spermatogenesis was studied on albino rats. There was an increase in mount frequency and a heightened attractability towards females. It also increased sperm count significantly. [14]Kenjale, Rakesh, Riddhi Shah, and Sadhana Sathaye. “Effects of Chlorophytum borivilianum on sexual behaviour and sperm count in male rats.” Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal … Continue reading
Precautions: People suffering from digestive or liver disorders should consult an ayurvedic practitioner before consuming safed musli.
While there is little research to support its claims, shilajit has been traditionally used to increase vigour. Shilajit, when consumed by women, helps in inducing periods and regulating the menstrual cycle.
How to consume shilajit
Precaution: It can increase the iron levels in your body.
While sexual disorders in men are well defined and manifest in the form of erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation, the dysfunctions in women are harder to define. In women, it is common to observe a loss in libido and often their sexual response is affected by hormones and stress. In addition to the herbs mentioned in the previous section, here are some that can help women in particular:
Moringa is a great way to provide vital nutrients such as calcium, vitamins A, B2, and B3. This also helps in improving female fertility.
Precaution: If you are pregnant, consult a medical professional before consuming moringa.
Nutmeg is often referred to as women’s “viagra” because of their sexual stimulating properties. It is also an antidepressant.
Precaution: Do not consume in excess (more than 120 g) as it can cause hallucinations. Excess amounts can also cause pregnant women to miscarry.
There isn’t any reason to worry if the herbal remedies are consumed as per the advised dosage and with the precautions kept in mind.
It is important to bear in mind that sexual function in every human being is a complex act that depends on not only certain organs of the body but also on the mind and one’s social relations. Any sexual disorder must be treated without stigma and by adopting a holistic approach.
In addition to specific herbs, lifestyle changes also go a long way in promoting sexual health. If you feel you can benefit from personal consultation, do not hesitate to reach out to an experienced ayurvedic practitioner and a medical professional specializing in this domain.
References
↑1 | deGROAT, WILLIAM C., and AUGUST M. BOOTH. “Physiology of male sexual function.” Annals of internal medicine 92, no. 2_Part_2 (1980): 329-331. |
---|---|
↑2 | Marthol, H., and M. J. Hilz. “Female sexual dysfunction: a systematic overview of classification, pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment.” Fortschritte der Neurologie-psychiatrie 72, no. 3 (2004): 121-135. |
↑3 | Dalal, P. K., Adarsh Tripathi, and S. K. Gupta. “Vajikarana: Treatment of sexual dysfunctions based on Indian concepts.” Indian Journal of psychiatry 55, no. Suppl 2 (2013): S273. |
↑4 | Purohit, Dharitri, Ramadevi, Arpana Jain, “A Review on Shukra Dushti and Disorders of Different Phases of Sexual Response Cycle”, International Ayurvedic Medical Journal |
↑5 | Shepardson, R. and M. Carey, “Sexual Dysfunctions”, 2021. |
↑6 | Sooriyamoorthy, Thushanth, and Stephen W. Leslie. “Erectile Dysfunction.” StatPearls Internet. |
↑7 | Gillman, Nicholas, and Michael Gillman. “Premature ejaculation: Aetiology and treatment strategies.” Medical Sciences 7, no. 11 (2019): 102. |
↑8 | Munjack, Dennis J., and Pamela H. Kanno. “Retarded ejaculation: a review.” Archives of sexual behavior 8, no. 2 (1979): 139-150. |
↑9 | Magnuson, Sandy and Senja Collins, “Collaboration between Couples, Counselors and Physical Therapists when Treating Dyspareunia: An Untapped Partnership,” 10, no. 1 (2002): 109-111. |
↑10 | Harish, Thippeswamy, KrishnaPrasad Muliyala, and Pratima Murthy. “Successful management of vaginismus: an eclectic approach.” Indian journal of psychiatry 53, no. 2 (2011): 154. |
↑11 | Mezzich, Juan E., and Ruben Ed Hernandez-Serrano. Psychiatry and sexual health: An integrative approach. Jason Aronson, 2006. |
↑12 | Iuvone, Teresa, Giuseppe Esposito, Francesco Capasso, and Angelo A. Izzo. “Induction of nitric oxide synthase expression by Withania somnifera in macrophages.” Life sciences 72, no. 14 (2003): 1617-1625. |
↑13 | Thakur, Mayank, Shilpi Bhargava, and V. K. Dixit. “Effect of Asparagus racemosus on sexual dysfunction in hyperglycemic male rats.” Pharmaceutical Biology 47, no. 5 (2009): 390-395. |
↑14 | Kenjale, Rakesh, Riddhi Shah, and Sadhana Sathaye. “Effects of Chlorophytum borivilianum on sexual behaviour and sperm count in male rats.” Phytotherapy Research: An International Journal Devoted to Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Natural Product Derivatives 22, no. 6 (2008): 796-801. |
Dr. Aswathy has 10+ years of experience as an Ayurvedic consultant and medical officer in different nursing homes and hospitals. She has a deep knowledge of classical texts, Ayurvedic treatments, and Panchkarma. Dr. Aswathy is proficient in diagnosis through traditional Ayurvedic means and plans treatment that is specific to an individual’s constitution.
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