complementary medicine

Definition of 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. Erectile dysfunction is sometimes called as “impotence”.

The term "erectile dysfunction" can mean the inability to achieve erection
an inconsistent ability to do so
or the ability to achieve only brief erections.
Ayurveda defines Erectile dysfunction or ED as follows.

Sankalpapravano nityam priyaam vashyaamapi sthreeyam ||
na yaathi lingashaithilyaath kadaachidyaathi vaa yadi |
Shwaasaarthaha swinnagaatrshcha moghasankalpacheshtitaha ||
mlaanashishnashcha nirbeejaha syodetat klaibyalaxanam |

This means even though a man has a strong desire to perform sexual act with a cooperative partner
he can not perform sexual act because of looseness (absence of erection ) of his phallus ( penis). Even if he performs sexual act with his determined efforts he does not get erection and gets afflicted with tiredness
perspiration and frustration to perform sex

Physiology of erection

The two chambers of penis (corpora cavernosa
) which run throught the organ are filled with spongy tissue. The corpora cavernosa are surrounded by a membrane
called the tunica albuginea. The spongy tissue contains smooth muscles
fibrous tissues
spaces
veins
and arteries. The urethra
which is the channel for urine and semen runs along underside of the corpora cavernosa..

Due to sensory or mental stimulation
or both
the erection begins. Due to impulses from brain and local nerves the muscles of corpora cavernosa relax and allow blood to flow in and fill the spaces of spongy tissue.

The flow of blood creates pressure in the corpora cavernosa
making the penis expand. The tunica albuginea helps trap the blood in the chambers
thereby sustaining erection. When muscles in the penis contract to stop the inflow of blood and open outflow channels
erection recedes.

In ayurveda physiology of erection and ejaculation is described as follows

Vrishunow basthimedram cha naabhyuuru vankshnow gudam|
Apaanasthaanamantrasthaha shukra mootra shakrunti cha||

The “apaanavayu” one of the five types of vayu is located in the testicles
urinary bladder
phallus
umbilicus
thighs
groin
anus and colon. Its functions are ejaculation of semen
voiding of urine and stools”.

Shushruta explains the process of erection and ejaculation as “ When a man has desire (iccha) to have sex
his response to touch increases ( Vayu located in skin causes flow of signals from skin to brain
thus causing sensation of touch). This causes arousal or “harsha” . Arousal or Harsha 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. “

Causes of ED

Erection requires a sequence of events. Erectile dysfunction can occur when any of the events is disturbed. Nerve impulses in the brain
spinal column
around the penis and response in muscles
fibrous tissues
veins
and arteries in and around the corpora cavernosa constitute this sequence of events. Injury to any of these parts which are part of this sequence ( nerves
arteries
smooth muscles
fibrous tissue ) can cause ED.

Lowered level of testosterone hormone:

The primary male hormone is testosterone. After age 40
a man's testosterone level gradually declines. About 5% of men that doctors see for erectile dysfunction have low testosterone levels. In many of these cases
low testosterone causes lower sexual interest
not erectile dysfunction.
The whole male body responds to testosterone.

Even sushruta has illustrated about this response of body to the element “Shukra” . He has said

"yatha payasi sarpistu goodashchekshow raso yatha shareereshu tatha shukram nrinaam vidyaadhbishagwara"

This means " The shukra ( the element which helps in reproduction) is present all over the body .

This can be explained with the following examples.

1. The ghee is present in milk in an invisible form. This is extracted from milk using many processes.

2. The sugar is present all over the sugarcane. It is extracted by subjecting the sugarcane to number of processes.

Same way shukra is present all over the body. But the cream of shukra (semen) comes out of the body only during the process of ejaculation. But this process of ejaculation needs a joyful union of mind and body.

Decrease in production of “Shukra” causes erectile dysfunction.

Over exertion -

physically and mentally : Working for long hours in office
mental stress at office and home
short temperedness
insufficient sleep cause erectile dysfunction.

These causes are explained in ayurveda as "shoka chintaa
bhaya
traasaat .... " which means that erectile dysfunction or Impotence occurs due to grief
fear
anxiety and terror.

Strained relationship with sexual partner: Erectile dysfunction also occurs when there is a disliking towards sexual partner.

Ayurveda describes this as "naarinaamarasamjnatwaat..." means disliking for women.

Diseases that cause Erectile dysfunction:

Neurological disorders
hypothyroidism
Parkinson's disease
anemia
depression
arthritis
endocrine disorders
diabetes
diseases related to cardiovascular system also become reasons for erectile dysfunction..


According to ayurveda the diseases which cause erectile dysfunction are "Hritpaandurogatamakakaamalashrama..." - Heart diseases
anemia
asthma
liver disorders
tiredness .

Apart from these the imbalance in tridoshas also cause impotence or erectile dysfunction.

Consumption of medicines
drugs and tobacco:

Using antidepressants
tranquilizers and antihypertensive medicines for a long time
addiction to tobacco especially smoking
excessive consumption of alcohol
addiction to cocaine
heroin and marijuana cause erectile dysfunction.


In ayurveda texts these causes have been said in brief as "rukshamannapaanam tathoushadham" - "dry food
drinks and medicines" cause impotence or erectile dysfunction.


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.

These causes are mentioned as abhighata (trauma)
shastradantanakhakshataha (injury from weapons
teeth and nail.) in ayurveda.


Other reasons:

Obesity
prolonged bicycle riding
past history of sexual abuse and old age also cause Erectile dysfunction.


Ayurveda describes the cause of impotence or erectile dysfunction due to old age as follows. " diminution of - tissue elements
strength
energy
span of life
inability to take nourishing food
physical and mental fatigue lead to impotence"


Remedies for ED

ED is treatable at any age. The total treatment in for impotence is called as “ Vajikarana therapy” in ayurveda. As this therapy increases the strength of a man to perform sexual act
like a horse
it is called 'Vaajikarana'. ( ' Vaaji'=Horse.)


Vaajikarana therapy leads to
• Happiness.
• Good strength.
• Potency to produce healthy offspring.
• Increased span of erection.


Eligibility for vajikarana therapy.


1. The vajikarana therapy should be administered to persons who are between 18 to 70 years of age.
2. These therapies should be administered only to a self controlled person. If this therapy is administered to a person who does not have self control
he becomes nuisance to society through his illegitimate sex acts.


Psychotherapy


Decreasing anxiety associated with intercourse
with psychologically based treatment helps to cure ED. The patient's partner can help with the techniques
which include gradual development of intimacy and stimulation. Such techniques also can help relieve anxiety when ED from physical causes is being treated.


Same treatment is illustrated in ayurveda. It has been said “A woman who understands a man and is liked by him
along with erotic environment act as best aphrodisiac. “


Drug Therapy


Numerous herbal preparations are mentioned in Ayurveda to treat ED or impotence. It has been said that people who have strong sexual urge
who want to enjoy sex regularly have to consume these preparations regularly to replenish the energy
vigor
stamina and strength. These preparations also supply the nutrients which are necessary for production of semen.


Ayurveda tips to overcome ED

1. Consuming herbal preparations to rejuvenate the reproductive organs.
2. Massaging the body with a herbal oil which gives a relief from physical exertion and also acts as aphrodisiac.
3. Practicing Yoga and Meditation to overcome mental exertion and to cope up with stress.
4. Sleep at least for 8 hours a day.
5. Avoiding the consumption of alcohol
tobacco
heroin etc.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Avoid hot
spicy and bitter foods.
8. Favor sweets
milk products
nuts and urad dal.
9. Add little ghee in your diet.
10. Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intercourses

Author:
Dr.SavithaSuri
; B.A.M.S