From an early age, men are conditioned to believe an unreal, "manly" ideal. Suck it up. Tough it out. Don't let them see you sweat. The unspoken rules of patriarchal culture instruct that a real man shouldn't complain or show vulnerability, especially about something as deeply personal as sexual health.

But staying silent and bottling up that pain takes a major toll. When a man faces issues like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation or low sex drive, the typical response is to hide it and suffer alone. According to recent studies, approximately 50% of men over the age of 40 experience some form of erectile dysfunction which further leads to low self esteem and confidence issues. Admitting to sexual difficulties can feel like a hit to your masculinity and self-worth. So the problems get brushed aside, even as anxiety, depression, shame and relationship troubles start piling up.

This vicious cycle is really common, but it remains deeply stigmatised and kept under wraps. June's Men's Mental Health Awareness Month should be a wake-up call that these unhealthy expectations are causing serious harm. Tremendous pressure gets placed on men to always be sexually capable, even as more and more face sexual challenges.

Ayurveda provides an alternative to this toxic mindset. Ayurveda recognizes the close connection between the mind and body, treating sexual health as directly linked to overall well-being. There's no masculine facade to uphold - just an open, judgement-free space to heal.

Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

Causes of ED in Men

• Poor blood flow - ED can be caused by conditions that impair blood flow to the penis like atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, or circulatory issues.
• Psychological issues - Anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health concerns can interfere with sexual feelings and cause or worsen ED.
• Chronic illnesses - Diseases like diabetes, heart conditions, obesity, Parkinson's, MS, and others can contribute to ED.
• Lifestyle factors - Smoking, excessive alcohol use, drug abuse, lack of exercise, and poor diet choices increase ED risk.

Impact on Mental Health

When a man experiences ED, the psychological toll can be immense. ED can trigger feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and masculinity issues. This can lead to performance anxiety that worsens the problem. ED may cause depression, increased stress, and struggles in relationships.

Ayurvedic Treatments

• Ashwagandha - This adaptogen helps the body manage stress and reduce anxiety/depression. Its nourishing properties support sexual health.
• Shilajit - Rich in vitamins/minerals, this"destroyer of weakness" boosts energy, vitality and stamina.
• Diet Changes - An Ayurvedic diet with fresh veg, fruits, nuts, seeds, legumes and healthy fats improves circulation and overall health.
• B Feral Gold Malt: Made with Safed Musali, Ashwagandha, Trikatu, Rajat Bhasma and Vanga Bhasma. This malt boosts stamina, immunity and helps overcome the psychology causes of Erectile Dysfunction. 

Premature Ejaculation (PE)

Causes of PE in Men

• Psychological factors - Issues like depression, anxiety, guilt, or past sexual trauma can contribute to PE.
• Hormones - Imbalances in testosterone, thyroid, dopamine or other hormones can impact ejaculation control.
• Medications - Some antidepressants, muscle relaxants and other drugs may increase PE risk.

Psychological Effects

For men, the inability to control ejaculation can lead to embarrassment, dissatisfaction with sexual experiences, low self-confidence and relationship problems. PE can take a major mental toll.

Ayurvedic Remedies

• Yoga/Meditation - Practices like yoga nidra, pranayama and meditation promote mind-body awareness and ejaculatory control.
• Herbs - Ashwagandha, bala and other herbs help increase energy, vitality and stamina.
• Breathing Techniques - Specific breathwork like kegel exercises are used in Ayurveda for greater ejaculatory control.

Low Libido

Factors Contributing to Low Libido

• Hormones - Low testosterone or high prolactin can drastically reduce sexual desire.
• Chronic Stress - High levels of stress deplete energy and disrupt hormone balance, lowering libido.
• Poor Lifestyle - Lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking and alcohol abuse negatively impact libido.

Mental Health Implications

When a man lacks sexual desire and passion, it can shake his sense of masculinity and self-worth. Low libido often stems from or leads to depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts and emotional distress.

Ayurvedic Solutions

Gokshura - This revered Ayurvedic herb has been used for centuries to treat sexual dysfunction and boost libido.

Saffron - Regarded as a potent aphrodisiac, saffron can elevate mood and increase sexual desire.

Regular Exercise - Ayurveda promotes exercise to increase energy, endurance, muscle strength and sexual abilities.

Recognizing the deep connection between the mind and body, Ayurveda provides natural remedies and lifestyle changes that not only tackle the root causes of sexual health issues but also promote overall health.

Ultimately, it's vital to foster open conversations about men's sexual health and mental health, reducing stigma and encouraging proactive care. June's Men's Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder to prioritize these discussions, helping men live healthier, more fulfilling lives. Remember, seeking help and prioritizing self-care is not a sign of weakness but a step towards reclaiming one's health and happiness.