Mumbai: India has come a long way in terms of sexual health since the Kamasutra was first written. The ancient text was written solely to teach a man how to obtain pleasure and live a fulfilling life filled with love. The definitions and practices of a person’s sexuality have evolved since then, but the goal remains the same, namely pleasure and procreation.
The term “sex” remains taboo in many Indian households. The way it is practiced has an impact on an individual’s overall well-being; and despite its importance, sexual health is often overlooked. The taboo of not being able to talk about sexual health issues openly adds to the misery even more.
A survey conducted by Kelton in collaboration with Men’s Health Network, the American Sexual Health Association, HealthyWomen, and Pfizer, examined the impact of sexual health issues on health, happiness, and communication among 3,105 adults in committed relationships. The survey states that 1 in 5 people avoid sex due to the sexual health problems they face and 26% of them avoid addressing their issues to a doctor due to embarrassment.
According to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, approximately 81% of men experience sexual health issues such as libido loss, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation. Women, on the other hand, experience sexual health issues such as low arousal and a lack of desire to engage in sexual activities. The health problems that men and women face differ according to culture, social strata, and so on, and the factors that contribute to these problems range from psychological issues such as performance pressure, anxiety, depression, or past trauma to physical issues such as hormonal imbalances, old age, alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. In the wake of the hour, it is also noticed that patients who suffered from covid experience fatigue and low sex drive. One of the side effects caused by anti-depressants can also aggravate sexual dysfunction. Many sexual health problems could be a sign of serious health issues but they often get neglected due to the stigma revolving around them.
Commenting on the efficacy of treatments for sexual health problems, Dr Mukesh Batra, Padma Shri recipient, and Founder – of Dr Batra’s Group of Companies said, ”While conventional treatment has various options to help treat these problems, the condition is only treated at the surface, and the medicines that are administered also cause more harm than good. There is a need to address these issues in the safest way possible and that is when a complimentary stream of medicine such as homeopathy helps. Homeopathy reaches the root of the problem and treats it accordingly. Deficient erections, fatigue, tiredness, and anxiety are some of the sexual health problems that can be addressed with the help of homeopathy. Damiana Mother tincture Q is a useful homeopathic treatment for premature ejaculation and decreased sexual desire and Lycopodium is an effective homeopathic medicine used to treat erectile dysfunction caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Homeopathy medicines are plant-based, making them safe and effective and devoid of any side effects.”
He further added that it is necessary to initiate important sexual health conversations in order to avoid sexual health problems. Sex education is an urgent need that should be encouraged in social settings. Safe sex practices, such as the use of condoms and other precautionary measures, should be encouraged. Only by instilling healthy conversations will we see change.
