Sexual dysfunctions
09.14.2009 | Sexual Disorders | Dr S Senthil Kumar
If one is asked to name the single elemental force that governs life in the earth, the answer would be – urge to procreate, in other words – urge of reproduction or propagation of species. The fire in every man and woman on earth is this sexual drive that is almost a command of nature. That is why the sexual act has been the most pleasant sensory feeling of the human race.
Ayurveda has a separate branch called ‘Vrisha sikitsa’ to deal with Aphrodisiac treatment. It has excellent medicines, oils, massages to rejuvenate and restore vigour and virility. The comphrensive treatment ‘vaaji karnam’ which literally means “inducing horse power.” Combined with Rasayana treatment it is the treatment of choice for sexual dysfunctions.
Charaka had said that “Vaaji karnam” enables man to indulge in excessive sexual acts. Ayurveda prohibits sexual union when the woman is menstruating. The primary objective of Ayurvedic vaaji karanam is to enable a person to produce off springs. Absolute celibacy is not desirable. Suppression of sexual urge leads to mental stress.
Ayurveda recommends two special therapies – Rasayana and vaaji karnam – for physical and mental health. Of the seven ‘dhathus’ or tissues specified by Ayurveda, the seventh tissue “Sukla” is responsible for reproduction. The Ayurvedic treatment for sexual dysfunction boosts sukla tissue by building up all body tissues.
Sexual dysfunction in Men
Impotence / Erectile dysfunction
This is an inability of a man to achieve or maintain an erection. It denotes the inability of a man to have sexual inter course.
There are 3 forms:
• Primary impotence is when the man’s inability to get an erection is from the very beginning.
• Secondary impotence is – the man can normally attain an erection but fails on one or more occasions, in between normal activity.
• Third form is impotence caused by advancing age.
Erection of a penis occurs due to a complex interaction of neurological, Vascular, hormonal and psychological actions. Pleasurable stimuli cause
the brain to command dilation of arteries supplying blood to erectile tissues (corpus cavernosum and corpus spongiosum) which become engorged with blood and dramatically expand. In order to keep the blood in the penis to sustain erection of the tissues, muscles tighten around the veins that normally drain blood from penis, slowing the out flow of the blood. Once ejaculation takes place or the stimulation stops – the arteries constrict and the veins relax.
Causes
Psychological factors like Depression, fear, anxiety, ignorance, Guilt complexes arising out of masturbation habits in adolescence. Seventy percent of the causes of impotence are due to psychological reasons.
• Organic factors – hormonal disorder, damage to nerves of the penis due to surgery like prostate surgery, diabetes. Spinal diseases, multiple lesions of the external genitals like tight foreskin, disturbance of the endocrine glands (diminished activities of thyroid or pituitary glands), diseases of the central nervous system (Tabes dorsalis – neuro syphilis also called loco motor ataxia), low sex drive, certain drugs etc. Many drugs can affect the ability to achieve like anti hyper tensives, anti depressants, some sedatives like cimetidine, digoxin, lithium and anti psychotics.
Premature ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is ejaculation that occurs too early, usually before, upon immediately after penetration.
Causes
• Psychological factors like anxiety.
• Unusually sensitive penile skin
Premature ejaculation can be very distressing to a man and his partner.
Decreased libido
Decreased libido is a reduction in sex drive.
Causes
1) Low testosterone levels
2) Psychological causes depression, anxiety, relationship problems
3) Some drugs, like the drugs for high blood pressure
Lack of desire
Desire (also called sex drive or libido) is the wish to engage in sexual activity. It may be triggered by thoughts, words, sights, smell, or touch. Desire leads to the first stage of the sexual response cycle, excitement. Excitement is sexual arousal. During excitement, blood flow to the penis increases, leading to an erection. Also, muscle tension increases throughout the body. In the plateau stage, excitement and muscle tension are maintained or intensified. Orgasm is the peak or climax of sexual excitement. At orgasm, muscle tension throughout the body further increases. The man experiences contractions of the pelvic muscles followed by a release of muscle tension. Semen is usually, but not always, ejaculated from the penis. Although ejaculation and orgasm often occur nearly simultaneously, they are separate events. Ejaculation can occur without orgasm. Also, orgasm can occur in the absence of ejaculation, or with the use of certain drugs (such as some antidepressants). Most men find orgasm highly pleasurable. In resolution, a man returns to an unaroused state. After orgasm, men cannot have another erection for some time (refractory period), often as short as 20 minutes or less in young men but much longer in older men. The time between erections generally increases as men age.
Sexual dysfunctions in women
Dyspareunia.
Dyspareunia is pain during sexual Intercourse
Causes
1. Vaginal dryness
2. Use of contraceptives like poorly fitting diaphragm
3. Inflammation
4. Injury
5. Infections
6. Tumours
7. Menopause
8. Psychological factors.
When a woman has a sexual intercourse for the first time,
the hymen (membrane covering the opening of the vagina) if still intact, may be torn as the penis enters vagina, causing pain and sometimes bleeding. This is a superficial pain and will disappear. As women age, the lining of the vagina thins and becomes dry due to decrease in estrogen levels. This condition is called atrophic vaginitis. As a result, intercourse may be painful.
Psychological factors may be difficult to identify. Dislike or repulsion towards a sex partner, fear of pregnancy, or a traumatic sexual experience like rape could be some of the psychological reasons
Vaginismus
Vaginismus is a sudden and painful contraction of the
muscles surrounding the vagina, usually in response to the ‘vulva’ or vagina being touched. Sexual intercouse is painful or impossible
Causes
The woman has a unconscious desire to prevent sexual intercourse and the condition may be associated with fear or aversion. Earlier episodes of painful attempts of intercourse can lead to vaginismus. Physical disorders like plevicinfection, irritation due to douches etc, injury or surgery etc can also cause vaginismus. Kegel exercises are suggested to be performed.
Vulvodynia
This denotes chronic discomfort in the vulva – the area
Containing the external genital organs.
Causes
• Injuries, irritants like soap or synthetic under clothing
• Hormonal changes
• Eating greens, chocolates, berries or nuts can result in Urine that irritates the vulva.
The vulva may burn or sting. It may feel raw or irritated. It
could be quite distressing as daily activities are affected.
Decreased libido
This denotes reduction in sex drive fluctuation in the levels of
hormones such as estrogen, may cause low libido. Depression, anxiety stress, matrimonial problems, oral contraceptives, beta – blockers can also reduce sex – drive.
Sexual arousal disorder
This is the persistent inability to attain vaginal lubrication.
Psychological factors, physical disorders, vaginal dryness counseling, kegel exercises, use of topical estrogen, sensate focus therapy may help.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurveda has wonderful medicines and treatments for sexual dysfunctions of both men and women. The treatment is three – pronged. Rasayana rejuvenates. Vajikarnam increases sexual stamina. Diet regimen combined with yogasanas completes the cure.
The first step is
1. Approach an experienced Ayurvedic physician.
2. The ancient Ayurvedic texts like charaka samhita, susrutha samhita and Ashtanga samhita deals with this subject in detail and have very effective treatment for almost all sexual problems. Hence have trust in your Ayurvedic physician.
3. After a through examination, the Ayurvedic doctor treats you first for diseases like piles, improper digestion, digestive disorders, constipation diabetes and intestinal worms.
4. Then the patients (Male & female) are given internal medicines to correct the exact problem. The treatment may vary according to condition of the patient.
5. The entire treatment comprises of using specially made herbs, according to the dosha type and constitution of each patient and their problems.
Home Remedies ( To be taken in consultation with your Ayurvedic Doctor)
1. Soup made with drumstick flowers is useful for newly weds to sustain their sexual vigour
2. Prepare a juice by squeezing two dates in an ounce of water. To this add the white of one egg, four almonds, a tablespoonful of drumstick flowers (if available) and a pinch of saffron. Take this preparation thrice in a week for 2 months.
3. Every night boil in milk 2 or 3 seedless dates cut into small pieces. Add a pinch of saffron. Drinking this for 2 months wull improve stamina.
Ayurvedic herbs for curing sexual disfunction
Ayurveda considers sex as an important and integrated part of human life. Caraka Samhita deals with the suject of sex elaborately. It has excellent herbal medicines and can sucessfully treat sexual dysfunctions. Most of herbs can be used by both the sexes. Let us know about some of the herbal aphrodisiacs
1. For improving the quality and quantity of male sperm:- Herbs under this group, prevent premature ‘death’ of the sperm, increase its life and stimulate production of sperm. E.g. White museli, goksar, shatavari, etc
2. For curing erectile dysfunction – Aswagantha, Museli etc.
3. For preventing premature ejacualtion:- Nutmeg, Aswagandha, Jatamansi Kapikaachchu etc.
4. Herbs for controlling excessive desire for sex:- Camphor, sarpagandha etc calm the nerves and reduce lust for sex.
Herbs
1. Withania somnifera (Aswagantha, Amukkra Kizhangu) This super herb is being used medicinally since yore.
• Aswagandha has the distinction of being mentioned in the ancient indian sex manual “kamasutra” by vatsyana.
• It acts in two ways – first if calms the mind. Secondly it builds up the body – strength and hence leads to a healthy sex life.
• It contains Nitric acid which dilates blood vessels and causes more blood to flow to the genital area.
• It functions like the male hormone testosterone.
• Improves body’s immunity srength.
• It is a major ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations for sexual debility
• It is called Indian Ginseng.
• Mix powder of Aswagandha 1 part, sugarcandy – 3 parts to gether. Take 4 gm of this powder in cow’s milk, daily twice.
2. Crocus sativus (Saffron, Keshara, Kesar, Zafron, Kungumapu) A well known aromatic spice, famous for its flavour and aphrodisiac qualities. It is probably the costliest spice in the world. It stimulates sexual functions.
3. Mucuna Pruriens:- (Kapikatchchu, Poonaikali) Very effective nervine tonic aphrodisiac, maintains optimal performance of the nervous system. Improves semen and sexual vigour. Used in Leucorrhoea, spermattorrhoea, stimulates Testosterone without no adverse effects. In a trial, seed powder administered to male rats increased sexual activity considerably
4. Argyreia Speciosa / Lettsomia nervosa (Samudra palakha, Samandar – ka – pat, Samudra pachai) cures nervous diseases.
OUR TREATMENT METHODS
Our treatment methods are the most comprehensive, they not only alleviate the sufferings but also check repeated occurrence. We give “state of the art” Ayurvedic Medicines in the form of Tablets, Capsules and Oil, which are manufactured using Herbal extraction processes, only. We do not give Shasstrik preparations, hence
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