Ayurvedic Name: Klevya
Description:
Klevya refers to male infertility or erectile dysfunction resulting from imbalances in Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, affecting reproductive health. It is often linked to excessive stress, poor diet, overindulgence in sexual activities, or chronic illnesses. Symptoms include loss of libido, premature ejaculation, weak erection, or complete inability to perform sexually.
Ayurveda considers this condition as a depletion of Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue) and Ojas (vital energy). Treatment involves Vajikarana therapy, which includes Rasayanas like Shilajit, Ashwagandha, Kapikacchu, and Shatavari, along with dietary modifications, meditation, and yoga to restore vigor and sexual health.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Vandhyatva (Infertility): Difficulty in conceiving despite regular, unprotected intercourse over an extended period.
- Kshrama (Fatigue): Fatigue and stress associated with infertility treatments or lifestyle factors.
- Agnimandya (Poor Digestion): Digestive disturbances, often caused by hormonal imbalances.
- Aruchi (Loss of Appetite): Reduced appetite due to stress or anxiety related to fertility issues.
- Trishna (Excessive Thirst): Increased thirst in women with hormonal imbalances.
- Vishama Agni (Irregular Digestion): Digestive irregularities, often affecting nutrient absorption.
Diagnosis:
Semen Analysis and Hormonal Profile (Testosterone, FSH, LH)
Risk Factors:
- Dietary Factors
High-fat, Low-nutrient Diet: Diets rich in unhealthy fats and low in antioxidants can lead to poor blood circulation, which is crucial for erectile function.
Excessive Alcohol and Caffeine: High alcohol and caffeine intake can interfere with nerve signals and blood flow, contributing to erectile dysfunction. - Lifestyle Factors
Stress and Anxiety: Psychological stress, anxiety, and depression can interfere with erectile function by affecting hormonal balance and blood flow.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of exercise, obesity, and poor cardiovascular health can reduce blood circulation to the genital area, leading to erectile dysfunction. - Medical Conditions
Cardiovascular Disease: Poor cardiovascular health, high blood pressure, and diabetes can impair blood flow to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction.
Hormonal Imbalances: Low testosterone levels or other hormonal imbalances can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
Complications:
- Psychological Stress (Manasik Dourbalya): Erectile dysfunction often leads to anxiety, depression, and relationship stress.
- Reduced Self-esteem (Atma-Vikriti): Men with erectile dysfunction may experience reduced self-confidence and body image issues.
- Cardiovascular Issues (Hridaya Roga): Erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of underlying heart disease or poor circulation.
- Hormonal Imbalances (Dosha Kshaya): Low testosterone levels or other hormonal imbalances can contribute to erectile dysfunction.
- Impaired Fertility (Vandhya Patana): Erectile dysfunction may lead to difficulties in conception, as it interferes with sexual activity.
Epidemeology:
More common in men aged 40 and older, with a 10-20% prevalence in men over 40.
Affects approximately 30 million men in the U.S. alone, with global estimates suggesting over 300 million men may be affected by 2025.
Higher incidence in individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and obesity are strong risk factors for developing erectile dysfunction.
References:
- Acharya Agnivesha. Caraka Samhita. Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Cakrapanidatta, Edited by Siddhi Nandan Mishra Acharya, Varanasi: Chaukamba Orientalia; First Edition 2009, Reprint Edition 2018, Siddhi Sthana, 9th Chapter, Verses 50-57, pp1078.
- Acharya Agnivesha. Caraka Samhita. Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Cakrapanidatta, Edited by Siddhi Nandan Mishra Acharya, Varanasi: Chaukamba Orientalia; First Edition 2009, Reprint Edition 2018, Chikitsa Sthana, 1st Chapter, Verses 25-25, pp5.
- Acharya Agnivesha. Caraka Samhita. Ayurveda Dipika Commentary by Cakrapanidatta, Edited by Siddhi Nandan Mishra Acharya, Varanasi: Chaukamba Orientalia; First Edition 2009, Reprint Edition 2018, Siddhi Sthana, 3rd Chapter, Verses 16-19, pp981.
- Acharya Govind Dasji Bhisagratna Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Commented upon by Vidya shri ambika datta shastri by Dr. Kanjiv Loachan First Edition 2006, Volume 3rd verses 355-356, pp558.
- Acharya Govind Dasji Bhisagratna Bhaisajya Ratnavali, Commented upon by Vidya shri ambika datta shastri by Dr. Acharya Kaviraj 10th Edition 2010, 5/1286-1287, pp-1312
- Peter E Lipsky Harrison’s Principles of internal medicine, vol.1, 16th Edition,Editor Jean D. Wilson et al.., Health Professions Division, Mc.Graw Hill,inc 2002, pp272.
- https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1918/2447