Infertility: Napunsakatva

Eggs (Shonita) and sperm (Shukra) are the result of the deepest level of nutritional transformation in the dhatus (the body's structural tissues). All that we eat and drink gets continually refined until it is transformed into the most vital essence, the potential of life, known as ‘ shukra' in Sanskrit. This is the seed of life.

Ayurveda believes that if there are any obstructions in the body then the reproductive system becomes deficient and it is necessary to undergo a programme of rejuvenation to re-establish the health of the reproductive tissues. ‘Obstructions' or weakness in the system could be due to impaired digestive system, excess weight, anaemia, constipation, hormonal disturbances etc.

Certain foods and herbs are more egg and sperm potentiating than others. Milk, almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, saffron, honey, ghee are all seen as the ultimate reproductive foods in Ayurveda. Herbs such as Ashwagandha and Shatavari are all used to enhance egg and sperm quality and quantity. Ashwagandha is the fertility tonic for vata types, Shatavari is the tonic for pitta types and Punarnava is advised to kapha types.

Some Ayurveda medicines like Chandraprabha vati, Gokhshuradi gugglu, Kauncha ghan vati, Dhatu paushtika churna etc are recommended to improve the sperms and semen quality.

In some cases Basti with Ksheer bala tail is found quite effective.

Erectile Dysfunction: Dhwaj Bhanga

Lowered testosterone level, Over exertion, Mental stress, Strained relationship, Past history of sexual abuse, Chronic disease, Trauma to pelvic region, Using anti depressant, Addiction to cocaine, heroine etc may lead to the erection problem in males that leaves both partners sexually unsatisfied.

"Premature" or "rapid" ejaculation is relative to the man and/or his partner's expectations. The start-stop procedure works best with a committed and giving partner who is willing to take the time to help. The man must focus in on his steady progression toward the inevitable, that point of no return. He must identify all the internal indicators that he is approaching that threshold where his body will automatically take over and propel him to orgasm. This requires relaxation and concentration. He must stay within himself and feel his process unfolding. Then he must stop before reaching the point of ejaculatory inevitability. Typically the

instructions are to start and stop four or five times before "letting go" and ejaculating.

In these cases preparations containing Ashwagandha, Shilajit, Jaiphal, Jaivitri, Kankol, Musli helps a lot.

Prostate Enlargement: Ashthila Granthi Vriddhi

The prostate is a small gland that sits just below the bladder. It opens into the urethra and secretes an alkaline fluid that makes up a part of the semen. Under various stresses it can become swollen and this obstructs the flow of urine out of the bladder. This is known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH).

The symptoms are:
increased urgency and frequency (because the bladder is filled but urination is obstructed), feeling of incomplete emptying, increased night time urination, hesitant and intermittent flow, obstructed flow, terminal dribbling, decreased urinary force,
premature ejaculation, occasional blood in the urine.

Ayurveda views that the major causes of this condition are suppression of natural urges, fasting, excessive exercise, excessive intercourse, too much astringent, bitter, and pungent foods, wine and meat in excess. These lead to stagnation in the reproductive tissue. Excessive sex is probably the most common cause, as too much ejaculation depletes the prostate of nourishing fluids - and as a result the excessive demand for semen causes inflammation of the tissue.