Erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for his sexual needs or the needs of his partner. It can be a sign of a physical or psychological condition. It can cause stress, relationship strain and low self-confidence.

• Trouble getting an erection.
• Trouble keeping an erection.
• Reduced sexual desire.

According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas or elements present in our body: vata, pitta and kapha which should be in balance. The ejaculatory function depends on the apana vayu, one of the five types of vayu is located in the testicles. When a man has desire (ichcha) to have sex, arousal intensifies actions of vayu and at this moment highly active vayu liberates the teja or heat of pitta. Thus tejas and vayu increase body temperature, heart beat and blood flow causing erection. When there is vitiation in any of the dosha it will lead to Klaibya (Erectile dysfunction).

1. Physiological problems - Erection requires a sequence of events. Injury to any of these parts which are part of this sequence (nerves, arteries, smooth muscles, fibrous tissue) can cause ED
2. Lowered level of testosterone hormone
3. Over exertion physically and mentally: Working for long hours in office, mental stress at office and home, short temperedness and insufficient sleep causes erectile dysfunction
4. Strained relationship with sexual partner - Erectile dysfunction also occurs when there is a disliking towards a sexual partner
5. Diseases that cause erectile dysfunction: Neurological disorders, hypothyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, anemia, depression, arthritis, endocrine disorders, diabetes, and diseases related to the cardiovascular system also become reasons for erectile dysfunction
6. Consumption of medicines - using antidepressants, tranquilizers and antihypertensive medicines for a long time
7. Smoking and Tobacco use
8. Obesity
9. Trauma to pelvic region: Accidental injury to pelvic region and surgeries for the conditions of prostate, bladder, colon or rectal area may lead to erectile dysfunction
10. Other causes -  Prolonged bicycle riding, past history of sexual abuse and old age also cause erectile dysfunction.

Treatment protocol aims at:

1. Relief from all erectile problems.
2. Enhancing or maintaining sexual ability.
3. Balancing hormones and providing adequate nutrients for a healthy reproductive system.

The first line of treatment should always be avoiding the causative factors. If the problem persists then consider the following treatment protocol.

• Trouble getting or keeping erection and Reduced sexual desire - Erection is the result of increased blood flow through the penile arteries, filling two chambers inside the penis. As the chambers fill with blood, the penis grows rigid. Any alteration in the process due the causative factor may result in erection problems. Rasona , Ashwagandha, Kapikacchu, Gokshura , Musali,  Shivalingi beej, Shilajit, Shatavari  and Yasthimadhu are adaptogenic which balances testosterone, increases blood circulation and is rich in antioxidants. It helps to release stress and anxiety. It also calms nerves and balances the dosha.

Other therapies - Shirodhara (pouring medicated oil or liquid over head), Abhyanga (oil massage),  Swedam (steam therapy), Snehapana, Virechanam (Purgation therapy), Elakizhi, Pizhichil, Navara/mamsa kizhi fomentation therapy with poultic  made up of Shashtika shali rice or Flesh )Vasti (medicated enema through anal root) and Uttara vasti (medicated enema through urethra) , Counseling,Yoga , Meditation treatments are usually done.

Rasona, Ashwagandha, Kapikacchu, Gokshura, Musali, Shivalingi beej, Shilajit, Shatavari, Yasthimadhu