Managing Sexual Health with Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and Cardiovascular Conditions
Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart conditions often share common underlying factors and can significantly impact sexual function.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to erectile dysfunction in men and reduced lubrication and sensation in women.
- High Blood Pressure: Hypertension can narrow blood vessels, restricting the blood flow necessary for sexual arousal and performance.
- Heart Problems: Conditions like coronary artery disease can limit physical endurance and, in some cases, necessitate caution with sexual activity.
Unani Treatments for Enhanced Sexual Health
Unani treatments for sexual health in individuals with these conditions often involve a combination of:
Herbal Remedies (Muqawwiyat-e-Bah)
Unani medicine utilises a vast pharmacopoeia of herbs known for their aphrodisiac and tonic properties. Some commonly used herbs, after proper diagnosis and prescription by a qualified Unani physician, may include:
- Withania somnifera: Known for its adaptogenic properties, it may help reduce stress and improve energy levels, indirectly benefiting sexual function.
- Chlorophytum borivilianum: Traditionally used as a natural aphrodisiac and general tonic, believed to improve vigour and vitality.
- Tribulus terrestris: Supports libido and improves erectile function by potentially enhancing testosterone levels.
- Crocus sativus – Saffron: Known for its antioxidant properties and mood-enhancing effects, which can positively influence sexual desire.
- Orchis mascula: Often used as a general tonic and aphrodisiac in Unani medicine.
Dietary Modifications (Ghidha)
Unani emphasises the importance of a balanced and nourishing diet to maintain humoral balance.
Recommendations include:
- Foods rich in antioxidants: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can protect blood vessels and nerves from damage.
- Lean proteins: Essential for tissue repair and overall strength.
- Healthy fats: Found in nuts, seeds, and olive oil, these can support hormonal balance.
- Avoiding excessive intake of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats: These can exacerbate inflammation and negatively impact cardiovascular health.
Regimental Therapy (Ilaj bil Tadbeer)
This involves various non-pharmacological interventions aimed at detoxification, strengthening organs, and improving blood circulation. For sexual health, these might include:
- Massage (Dalk): Specific massages with medicated oils may help improve blood circulation to the pelvic region.
- Cupping (Hijamat): In some cases, cupping therapy might be used to improve blood flow and remove toxins, though its application for sexual health in individuals with chronic conditions requires careful consideration and expert supervision.
- Exercise (Riyazat): Regular, moderate physical activity, tailored to individual capabilities and approved by a doctor, is crucial for cardiovascular health and overall vitality, which in turn can positively impact sexual function.
Lifestyle Adjustments (Tadabir-e-Sehat)
Unani medicine strongly advocates for a healthy lifestyle. For individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart problems, this includes:
- Stress Management: Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and adequate sleep can significantly reduce stress, a known contributor to sexual dysfunction.
- Smoking Cessation: Smoking severely damages blood vessels and exacerbates chronic conditions, making cessation vital for sexual and overall health.
- Alcohol: Alcohol intake can negatively impact sexual performance and overall health.
The Holistic Advantage
The strength of Unani medicine lies in its holistic approach. It doesn’t just treat symptoms but aims to address the root cause of imbalances by considering the individual’s unique temperament, lifestyle, and environment. When it comes to sexual health in the context of chronic diseases, this comprehensive perspective can be particularly beneficial.
Sexual Problems, Including:
- Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Unani treatments aim to enhance blood circulation, strengthen the nerves, and improve the overall vitality of the reproductive organs.
- Premature Ejaculation (PE): Therapies focus on improving control and delaying ejaculation time.
- Poor Semen Quality/Quantity (Oligospermia/Azoospermia): Unani medicine is used to increase sperm count and improve semen health.
- Low Libido/Sexual Desire: Treatments often involve tonics to boost sexual drive and overall energy.
- Nocturnal Emissions: The involuntary emission of semen during sleep, often accompanied by sexually arousing dreams. This is a normal physiological phenomenon, particularly during puberty and adolescence.
- Spermatorrhea – Dhatu Rog: The excessive, involuntary passing of semen (often mixed with urine or stool), which is not associated with orgasm. This term is often used in cultural contexts and may be related to underlying conditions like anxiety or chronic prostatitis.
- Addiction to Masturbation: A pattern of excessive, out-of-control sexual thoughts, urges, or behaviours (such as masturbation) that cause distress, negatively impact quality of life, and interfere with relationships, work, or other aspects of life.
- General Sexual Weakness/Debility.
Before You Begin: Crucial Considerations
It is essential to:
Seek a Qualified Unani Physician: Only consult a certified and experienced Unani physician for diagnosis and treatment. They can assess your individual needs and recommend appropriate and safe interventions.
Our Clinic Address
Kozhikode: Dr. Roy Medical Hall, Jaffer Khan Colony, Opposite Planetarium, (Behind Al Hind Tours & Travels) Kozhikode – 673006, Kerala, India. Mobile: +91 9349113791
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Consultation Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Closed on Sunday.