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 “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 cannot perform sexual act because of looseness (absence of erection) of his phallus (penis). Even if he tries with great determination, he will suffer from tiredness, excessive perspiration, and frustration in his performance.

Physiology of erection

The two chambers of the penis (corpora cavernosa,) which run through 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” is 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 stool.

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, heartbeat, and blood flow.

 

Ayurveda’s take on the 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.

On 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 as the whole male body responds to testosterone.

 

On over-exertion:

Physically and mentally: Working for long hours in an office, experiencing mental stress at office and home, short temperedness, and 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/trauma.

 

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 your spouse or women.

 

Diseases that cause erectile dysfunction:

 

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

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 harmful illegal substances also cause erectile dysfunction.

In Ayurveda texts, these causes have been said in brief as “rukshamannapaanam tathoushadham” – “dry food , drinks, and medicines” causing impotence or erectile dysfunction. Modern medicine has certainly backed this up in much more detail over the course of numerous studies.

 

Trauma to the 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, past history of sexual abuse, and old age also are causes of ED. 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 “ Vajikarana therapy”. 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

• Balanced feelings and emotions.
• Increased 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 could develop a far higher sex drive than desired.

 

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 as well.

This form of treatment is illustrated in Ayurveda – It has been said “A woman who understands a man and is liked by him, along with an erotic environment acts as best aphrodisiac.”

 

Drug Therapy

Numerous herbal preparations are mentioned in Ayurveda to treat ED or impotence. It has been said that people who are wanting to develop an increased rhythm to their intimate routines have to consume these preparations regularly to replenish the energy, vigor, stamina, and strength they expend. These preparations also supply the nutrients which are necessary for production of semen.  It is good to note, each of these herbs treats a different aspect that could be the cause of ED.  It is best to discover first what an individual’s cause is before then taking the subsequent herb for it.

These include:

• Panax Ginseng (Red Ginseng) – overall helper
• Rhodiola Rosea – endurance booster
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) – testosterone booster (note – if your testosterone is already high, increasing it further will not have much effect on ED)
• L-Arginine – circulation booster
• Horny Goat Weed – energy booster

 

Overall 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, drugs, etc.
6. Exercise regularly.
7. Avoid hot, spicy, and bitter foods.
8. Favor fruits, milk products, and nuts for energy.
9. Add a little ghee in your diet.
10. Give a gap of four days between two consecutive intimate acts (this timing appears to help many men alone).