Indian Ayurveda Yoga

Lack of Libido

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:26:32 +0000

Caraka says that a man is sexually drawn to a woman by his own libido, aphrodisiac drugs and above all, by the splendid qualities of the woman. The best stimulant of all is a merry and pretty woman.
Lack of sex drive (lack of libido) is extremely common in women but quite rare in men. Even men with erectile dysfunction (ED) usually have a perfectly normal sex drive.
Let’s look at the possible causes in the two sexes – males first.
How common is lack of libido in men?
It’s far less common than erectile dysfunction – with which it should not be confused.
Most men with lack of libido can achieve erections, but have lost the desire to have sex.
A man with decreased libido thinks less about sex. He loses interest in sexual activities. Even visual stimulation or touch stimulations may fail to provoke interest, though he may physically have the capacity for sex.
What are the causes of lack of libido in men?
The causes can be either physical or psychological.
Physical causes
? alcoholism – quite common.
? abuse of drugs – such as cocaine.
? anaemia – unusual unless the man has been bleeding for any reason.
? hyperprolactinaemia – an uncommon disorder in which too much of the hormone prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland.
? obesity – quite common; simply slimming down will often help.
? prescribed drugs – tablet used for prostate problems and blood – pressure
? low male hormone level (testosterone)
? any major ‘generalised’ diseases, such as diabetes.
Psychological causes
Psychological causes include:
? depression – very common
? stress and overwork
? sex hang-ups
? latent homo – sexuality
? Serious relationship problems with the wife / partner.
What are causes of low – libodo (frigidity) in women?
Physical
? Fluctuation in female hormone levels, especially after menopause
? Brith control pills may affect libido, sexual arousal and also may cause less vaginal lubrication. Less lubrication means painful intercourse and may put off the woman from sex.
? Other medications, special psychotic drugs, drugs for B.P. etc also may cause lack of interest in sex.
? Fatigue. Tired working women, over loaded with domestic and official work progress to frigidity just because fatigue.
? Vaginitis, (inflammation of the vagina) cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), endometriosis, under – active thyroid gland, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, mucular dystrophy and surgical removed of uterus – these all could be some or the causes for frigidity.
Psychological causes
These causes are very common. It’s entirely understandable that when a woman is having a bad time emotionally, she may lose interest in sex.
Psychological causes include:
depression
stress and over work
anxiety
hang-ups from childhood
past sexual abuse or rape
latent lesbianism
serious relationship problems with the husband/partner
difficult living conditions – eg sharing a home with parents or parents-in-law.
Ayurvedic Remedies
Ayurveda has wonderful medicines and treatments for sexual dysfunctions of both men and women. The treatment is three – pronged. Rasayana rejuvenates. Vajikarnam increases sexual stamina. Diet regimen combined with yogasanas completes the cure.
The first step is
? Approach an experienced Ayurvedic physician.
? The ancient Ayurvedic texts like charaka samhita, susrutha samhita and Ashtanga samhita deal with this subject in detail and have very effective treatment for almost all sexual problems. Hence have trust in your Ayurvedic physician.
? After a thorough examination, the Ayurvedic doctor treats you first for diseases like piles, improper digestion, digestive disorders, constipation diabetes and intestinal worms.
? Then the patients (Male & female) are given internal medicines to correct the exact problem. The treatment may vary according to condition of the patient.
? The entire treatment comprises of using specially made herbs, according to the dosha type and constitution of each patient and their problems.

Begetting a Child

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:23:06 +0000

“Begatting a child is more than a physical act; it is a grand ritual”.
- Caraka Samhita
India is an over populated country. Still pregnancy is considered as an important event that occur in the life of a woman, next to her marriage.
In the olden days, joint family system existed and the elders took care of pregnant woman and the child. Now that this system no longer exists, pregnancy has to be planned to enable the woman to get the possible care from her or his parents. Fortunately medical science has advanced very much and pregnancy and child care are better than what it was decades ago.
Planning pregnancy
• The great Ayurvedic Gurus, Caraka, Sushruta and Kashyap have studied and conducted extensive research on how to get pregnant, how to maintain it, how to deliver a normal child and post pregnancy mother and child care. Let us see what the ancient Ayurvedic texts say about pre – pregnancy preparations. These rules are to be followed at least 3 months before pregnancy.
• A healthy couple, desirous of offspring, should initially clean and detoxify themselves by evacuative measures. This purging has to be done before planning conception.
• Only a healthy body is capable of producing healthy cells and tissues. What you sow is what you reap. In order to conceive a healthy baby, the man’s sperm and the woman’s ovum should of good quality.
• If the cleaning / detoxifying with panchkarama and other / procedures is not possible then follow these steps.
a) Have a well balanced, easily digestible diet. Include whole grains, pulses, bentils (especially green gram), fruits, cow’s milk and butter milk. Avoid maida, fatty & spicy food, refined sugar, curds and beverages containing caffeine. Acharya Caraka says “After evacuative measures, the man should adhere to a diet mainly consisting of ghee, and milk prepared with sweet medicinal plants and the woman to one with oil ana black gram”. The black gram has to be lightly fried in Til oil. These may be later be cooked to make curries and sweets. Limit coffee / Tea to 1 or 2 cups a day.
b) Stop smoking and consuming alcoholic drinks.
c) There are various herbs in Ayurveda that improve the quaity of sperm. Some of these are Aswagandha, Kapikachu (Mucuna Pruriens). Readymade herbal formulations are also available. Dates and raisins also help in improving quality of sperm. The woman should consume daily, on empty stomach twice a day, 30 ml of the decoction made from Brahmi, Guduchi, Dhurva, Haritaki, etc. These herbs are uterine tonics. This decoction may be continued during pregnancy also as it provides micro – nutrients to the fetus – As said earlier the woman should include black gram in her diet.
d) Take your dinner by 8.30 PM or atleast 2 hours before bed time. A light supper is better.
e) Drink water only when you are thristy. Ayurveda believes that consuming excessive water dilutes the digestive enzyme and slow down digestion.
f) Go to bed early and wake up early.
g) Light exercises like walking, yoga etc can be done.
h) De – stress your mind with meditation, pranayamam, with a hobby like reading etc.
i) Modern doctors advise women to take folic acid (5mg) daily from the time they plan a pregnancy. Taking vitamin pills has to be decided by your doctor.
Now let us come to actual ‘act’ – the intercourse for pregnancy.
When not to have sex (for pregnancy)
• Caraka says that during the menstrual period of 3 days and nights, the woman should refrain from intercourse. Coitus during these days results in vaginal inflammation.
• One should not indulge in intercourse when one is beset with anger, depression, grief, anxiety and other negative emotions.
• Do not indulge in sex on full moon day, new moon day, Chaturthi, Shasti, Ashtami, Chaturdasi etc. Ayurveda believes that cosmic vibes on certain days are not conducive to sexual congress.
• Ayurveda and Rigveda dissuade having sex in the day time and the first and last quarter of the night.
• Do not have sex atleast for 3 hours after a heavy meal. Do not indulge in sex on empty stomach, or when hungry or fasting.
When to have sex and how (for pregnancy)
• It is important to choose the right time, right date and right place to have an intercourse.
• The most fertile period in a woman’s life is from the 7th to 17th day of her menstrual cycle. Every month, the day on which a woman gets her menses is reckoned as the first day of her cycle. Therefore a couple desirous of having a child, should indulge in intercourse from 5 or 7th day of the woman’s cycle till the 17th or 18 th day.
• The ideal time to have an intercourse is from 9.30 PM till mid – night.
• Ayurveda suggests that if possible, choose a propitious day having good constellation of stars.
• Caraka says that before having coitus, the couple should be well aroused and be desirous of the sexual act. Both the man and woman should wear white garments and garlands and approach each other with love and affection. The man should get on the bed with his right leg and woman, with her left. Both should recite two invocatory mantras addressed to the Gods. The couple’s room should have a large and comfortable bed.
• The intercourse should be performed in the “Man – top” position and not prone or sideways which can perturb the doshas. After the act the woman should not get up immediately. She must lie down with a pillow undder her waist for at least 30 minutes.
• The couple should have sexual intercourse on an even date after monthly period (wihtin the 7th to 17th fertile period) for a male child and on an odd day for a female off spring.
Ayurveda details the ways of taking care of a pregnant woman and the
child after delivery.

PCOD or PCOS

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:22:40 +0000

PCOS and PCOD
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or Polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) is a disease characterised by enlarged ovaries which contain multiple (poly) cysts (small sacs filled with fluid). PCOS is a health problem that can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones, insulin production, heart, blood vessels, and appearence. Women with PCOS have these characteristics:
? High levels of male hormones, also called androgens, that cause certain masculine changes in the body
? An irregular or no menstrual cycle
? May or may not have many small cysts in their ovaries. Cysts are fluid – filled sacs.
PCOS is the most common hormonal reproductive problem in women of childbearing age.
Patients suffering from polycystic ovarian disease (PCOS) have multiple small cysts in their ovaries ( the word poly means many). These cysts occur when the regular changes of a normal menstrual cycle are disrupted. The ovary is enlarged; and produces excessive amounts of androgen and estrogenic hormones. This excess, along with the absence of ovulation, may cause infertility. Other names for PCOS are polycystic ovary disease (PCOD) or the stein leven that syndrome.
An estimated five to ten percent of women of childbearing age have PCOS.
The ovaries are two small organs, one on each side of a woman’s uterus. A woman’s ovaries have follicles, which are tiny sacs filled with liquid that hold the eggs. These sacs are also called cysts. Each month about 20 eggs start to mature, but usually only one becomes dominant. As the one egg grows, the follicle accumulates fluid in it. When that egg matures, the follicle breaks open to release the egg so it can travel through the fallopian tube for fertilization. When the single egg leaves the follicle, ovulation takes place. In women with PCOS, the ovary doesn’t make all of the hormones it needs for any of the eggs to fully mature. They may start to grow and accumulate fluid. But no one egg becomes large enough. Instead, some may remain as cysts. Since no egg matures or is released, ovulation does not occur and the hormone progesterone is nor made. Without progesterone, a women’s menstrual cycle is irregular or absent. Also, the cysts produce male hormones, which continue to prevent ovulation.
These are some of the symptoms of PCOS:
? Infrequent menstrual periods, no menstrual periods, and / or irregular bleeding
? Infertility or inability to get pregnant because of not ovulating
? Increased growth of hair on the face, chest, stomach, back, thumbs, or toes
? Acne, oily skin, or dandruff
? Pelvic pain
? Weight gain or obesity, usually carrying extra weight around the waist
? Type 2 diabetes
? High cholesterol
? High blood pressure
? Male – pattern baldness or thinning hair
? Patches of thickened and dark brown or black skin on the neck, arms, breasts, or thighs
? Skin tags, or tiny excess flaps of skin in the ampits or neck area
? Sleep apnea, excessive snoring and breathing stops at times while asleep
? High levels of male hormones – a process called masculization or virilisation.
Causes
? Exact cause is not yet known.
? Could be heriditary. It is often transmitted from mother to daughter
? Obesity could be a cause, because fatty tissues are harmonally active and they produce estrogen which disrupts ovulation
? Graffian follicle is a mature follicle is the ovary prior to ovulation (follicle means – a small secretory cavity, sac or gland). Due to inadequate secretion of luteinizing hormone (released by pituitary gland, that stimulates ovulation), this Graffian follicles fail to ovulate and remain as multiple cysts is the ovary.
? Overactive adrenalin glands also produce excess androgens, which contribute to PCOS.
? High insulin levels is the blood.
Diagnosis
There is no single test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor will take a medical history, perform a physical exam – possibly including an ultrasound, check your hormone levels, and measure glucose, or sugar levels, in the blood. If you are producing too many male hormones, the doctor will make sure it’s from PCOS. At the physical exam the doctor will want ot evaluate the areas of increased hair growth, so try to allow the natural hair growth for a few days before the visit. During a pelvic exam, the ovaries may be enlarged or swollen by the increased number of small cysts. This can be seen more easily by vaginal ultrasound, or screening, to examine the ovaries for cysts and the endometrium. The endomentrium is the lining of the uterus. The uterine lining may become thicker if there has not been a regular period. Blood tests are also very useful for making the diagnosis. Typically, blood levels of hormones reveal a high LH (luteinising hormone) level; and a normal FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) level (this is called a reversal of the LH: FSH ratio, which is normally 1:1); and elevated levels of androgens ( a high dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA – S) level);
Treatment
Because there is no cure for PCOS, it needs to be managed to prevent problems. Treatments are based on the symptoms each patient is having and whether she wants to conceive or needs contraception. Below are descriptions of treatments used for PCOS.
Birth control pills. For women who don’t want to become pregnant, birth control pills can regulate menstrual cycles, reduce male hormone levels, and help to clear acne. However, the birth control pill does not cure PCOS. The menstrual cycle will become abnormal again if the pill is stopped. Women may also think about taking a pill that only has progesterone, to regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent endometrial problems. But progrsterone alone does not help reduce acne and hair growth.
Diabetes Medications. The medicine, Metformin, also called Glucophage, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps with PCOS symptoms. Metformin affects the way insulin regulates glucose and decreases the testosterone production. Abnormal hair growth will slow down and ovulation may return after a few months of use. These medications will not cause a person to become diabetic.
Fertility Medications. The main fertility problem for women with PCOS is the lack of ovulation. Even so, her husband’s sperm count should be checked and her tubes checked to make sure they are open before fertility medications are used. Clomiphene (clomid) medication and gonadotropin injections can be used to stimulate the ovary to ovulate. PCOS patients are at increased risk for miltiple births when using these medications. In vitro Fertilization (IVF) is sometimes recommended to control the chance of having triplets or more. Metformin can be taken with fertility medications and helps to make PCOS women ovulate on lower doses of medication.
Medicine for increased hair growth or extra male hormones. If a woman is not trying to get pregnant there are some other medicines that may reduce hair growth. Spironolactone is a blood pressure medicine that has been shown to decrease the male hormone’s effect on hair, Propecia, a medicie taken by men for hair loss, is another medication that blocks this effect. Both of these medicines can affect the development of a male foetus and should not be taken if pregnancy is possible. Other non – medical treatments such as electrolysis or laser hair removal are effective at getting rid of hair. A woman with PCOS can also take hormonal treatment to keep new hair from growing.
Surgery. Although it is not recommended as the first course of treatment, surgery called ovarian drilling is available to induce ovulation. The doctor makes a very small incision above or below the navel, and inserts a small instrument that acts like a telescope into the abdomen. This is called laparoscopy. The doctor then punctures the ovary with a small needle carrying an electric current to destroy a small portion of the ovary. This procedure carries a risk of developing scar tissue on the ovary. This surgery can lower male hormone levels and help with ovulation. But these effects may only last a few months. This treatment doesn’t help with increased hair growth and loss of scalp hair.
A healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is another way women can help manage PCOS. Since obesity is common with PCOS, a healthy diet and physical activity help maintain a healthy weight, which will help the body lower glucose levels, use insulin more efficiently, and may help restore a normal period. Even loss of 10% her body weight can help make a woman’s cycle more regular. Increasing physical activities, Aerobic exercises, walking, Jogging. swimming are advised.
How does Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affect a woman while pregnant?
There appears to be a higher rate of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, pregnancy – induced high blood pressure, and premature delivery in women with PCOS. Researchers are studying how the medicine, metformin, prevents or reduces the chances of having these problems while pregnant, in addition to looking at how the drug lowers male hormone levels and limits weight gain in women who are obese when they get pregnant.
Ayurveda
Ayurveda has excellent herbal medicines for all types of gynaecological problems from menarche to menopause. Herbal medicines, as good as Metformin, are available. These natually prepared medicines do not have side effects. Ayurveda’s herbal medicines for diabetes, also act well against PCOS., Potent herbal Ayurvedic medicines can improve ovaluation as effectively as clomiphene.
Ayurvedic medicines can control, Acne, hirsutism, Alopecia, Hyperandrogenism insulin resistance etc as well as any allopathic medicines.

Complications of Diabetes

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:21:11 +0000

Too much sugar in the blood for a long time causes complications of diabetes. High blood sugar can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, eyes, nerves and kidneys. Diabetes problems can be scary, but there is a lot you can do to prevent them or slow them down.
High blood sugars can cause feet and skin problems High blood sugar causes two problems that can hurt your feet:
1. Nerve damage. First problem is damage to nerves in your legs and feet. With damaged nerves, you might not feel pain, heat, or cold in your legs and feet. You might let a sore or cut on your foot get worse because you do not know it is there. This lack of feeling is called diabetic neuropathy. It can lead to a large sore or infection.
2. Poor blood flow. The second problem happens when not enough healthy blood flows to your legs and feet. Poor flow makes it hard for a sore or infection to heal. This problem is called Peripheral vascular disease. Smoking when you have diabetes makes blood flow problems much worse.
These two problems can work together to cause a foot problem.
One in five diabetics get a foot problem. For example, you get a blister from shoes that do not fit. You do not feel the pain from the blister because you have nerve damage in you foot. Next, the blister gets infected. If blood sugar is high, the extra sugar feeds the germs. Germs grow and the infection gets worse. Poor blood flow to your legs and feet ca slow down healing. Once in a while a bad infection never heals. The infection might cause gangrene. If a person has gangrene, the skin and tissue around the sore die. The area becomes black and smelly.
To keep gangrene from spreading, a doctor may have to do surgery to cut off a toe, foot, or part of a leg. Cutting off a body part is called an
amputation.
Anyone can have corns, blisters, and athlete’s foot. If you have diabetes and your blood sugar stays high, these foot problems can lead to infections.

Management of Arthritis

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:19:54 +0000

Ayurveda offers a comphrensive cure for bone-joint diseases
It believes that veyu aggravation in the body causes Arthritis and allied conditions
The general line of Ayurvedic treatment for Arthritis include, medications, Abhyanga, (Massage), Swedana (Fomentation), proper diet exercises yoga, rest and relaxations.
Medications
For long term / chronic Arthritis
Corrects the root cause
Ensures sure relief
Dispels inflammation
Improves functional mobility
Controls morning stiffness
Affords anti-coagulent action
Produces lasting relief in rheumatic conditions
Checks joint erosion
Ayurvedic management of Arthritis
Ayurveda offers complete and comphrensive care for bone-joint diseases.
It believes that vayu aggreravation in the body causes Arthritis and its allied conditions.
General lines of Ayurvedic treatment in Arthritis includes medications, oil for external application proper diet, exercises, rest & relaxation.
Ayurvedic herbs for arthritis are
Ingredients Remarks

Vitex Negunda aromatic, tonic, vermifuge, Useful in
dispersing swelling of joints from acute rheumatism and testicles from suppressed Gonorrhea.
Cassia lanceloat ——–
Withania somnifera diaretic, for rheumatism,
debility from oldage,
aphrodosiac tonic, for emacipation
of children leaves & ground roots -
used as local application to painful
swellings:-
Bosewellia serrata diaretic, astringent, emmenagogue,
in rheumatism, nervous and skin
diseases.
Balsamodentron mukkul Gum. resin – antispetic, expectorant,
aphrodisiac, enriches blood,
demulcent, aperient, carminative
antispasmodic, emmenagogue
Saussurea lappa Root – chronic rheumatism, skin
diseases, tonic, stomachic, stimulant, used in Asthma, cough &
cholera
Ricinus communis Purgative, relieves pain. The root of
the plant is the ingredient of various
prescriptions for rheumatic
afflictions such as lumbago.
Allium sativum Carminative, aphrodisiac,
Rheumatism used internally and
also externally with its oil.
Medicines used in Ayurveda for Arthritis
Balarishta, Vadha vithvamsini Rasa, Vadagajankuja Rasa, yogaraja Guggulu, Navagrahi sinduram, Vadha Rakshasa, Swarna vadha rakshasa, Rasa manikyam, Loha sowveram, Bhaskara lavanam, Maharasnathi kwatha churanam Brihachakalathyam krutham, Panjathiktha gugglu kritham,
? Massage and Fomentation
These form an important and popular method of Ayurvedic treatment for Arthritis and resultant pain management. These treatments have shown excellent results. The oils used for these have now become household names and cures. For relieving stiffness and pain, fomentation adds further relief after massage.
External oils for Arthritis
Amavadha Thailam, Balakuduchiyathi Thailam, Balakvakanthathi Thailam, Pralanjana Vimarthana Thailam, Poonaka Thailam, Dhanvanthra Thailam.
Sheerabala Thailam, Pinda Thailam, Narayana Thailam, Maha Masha Thailam etc.
? Exercises
? Important caution:- Do not take up exercises in cases of severe inflammation, with out consulting your doctor. In acute cases, rest usually heals. But the moment inflammation subsides, start exercises. Too much rest makes joints immobile and stiff.
? Mode of exercises, type of exercises cure to be decided by your doctor or a good physio ? therapist.
? Yoga
? Yogic exercises benefit not only the body but also the mind.
? The yogasanas must be practiced under the guidance of a yoga therapist.
? Recommended Asanas are Bhujangasana, Chakrasana, Dhanurasana, Gomukhasana, Halasana, Matyasana Partatasana, Paschimottanasana, Pawanmuktasana Sawangasana, Usthrasana etc.
? Diet Therapy
? In treating Arthritis diet regimen is as important as medicines
? The diet regimen is better recommended by your doctor to suit your specific disease / Arthritic problem
? In general avoid fried, fatly foods, dry roasted nuts vinegar, soft, aerated drinks, hot spices, chocolate.
? Patients with gout must avoid foods that raise uric acid levels. These foods are organ meats, some fish & sea food, alcohol, asparagus, spinach, lentils, beans, celery etc.
? Avoid weight gain
? Consume calcium rich foods like milk and milk products
? Induce Vitamins A, E, B complex, C and D in your diet or as supplements. Zinc also is to be taken as it increases mobility.
? In general osteo-arthritis patients should take calcium and aion rich foods like milk and milk products, fruit and vegetables.
? Those with Rheumatoid Arthritis should avoid oils, food colours, potatoes etc.
? Gout patients must avoid cauliflower, spinach, brinjals mushroom, tomatoes, pumpkin; milk milk produces pulses and other protein rich foods.
? Living with Arthritis
? Take medications ? Ayurveda prescribes very good medications without side effects
? Massage affected joints ? get the massage dose by a therapist.
? Apply heating pad (Fomentation) to affected joints
? Maintain your weight.
Taking care of your bones
? A cup of milk daily is essential to get the calcium requirements of the body.
? Chappathi prepared with chana flour (Besan) is a good supplement and taken once in 2 days, helps elderly people to strengthen their bones.
? Horse gram green grams (sprouted) also helps in strengthening the bones.
Osteoporosis
? Osteoporosis is a condition in which a progressive decrease in the density of bones weaken the bones, making fractures likely.
? In women bone density progressively increases until the age of thirty, when the bones are at their strongest After that, the bone density gradually decreases. The decrease accelerates after menopause
? Causes could be, hereditary. In sufficient calcium in the diet, sedentary lifestyle, Thin build, Use of cortico ? steroids or thyroid hormones, Early menopause ? alcohol and fobacco.
? Symptoms: Progressive low bone density may cause bones to collapse and deformities. Vertebrae is more bone to fracture in osteo ? porosis causing back pain.
? Even minor strain or fall may cause fractures.
Treatment
? Consuming adequate amount of calcium & vitamins D.

Weight Reduction Methods

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 13:18:26 +0000

Every woman desires to have a slim and svelte body. Because of this over whelming desire, ladies tend to adopt wrong methods of “shedding weight”, resulting in loss of health but not loss of weight. These common mistakes are:
1. Setting too ambitious a target. Your targets for weight reduction should be based on practical, logical reasons. If you attempt to shed all the acquired fat in a short time and indulge in over straining “crash methods” of weight reduction, the results could be serious. Sudden reduction of weight may cause metablic problems.
2. “Starving”, your self is another mistake. Or some people go on ‘all vegetable’ or ‘all fruit diet’. Remember your brain needs adequate amounts of glucose to function properly. If you starve your body, you starve your brain. Frequent fasting will damage the brain. Hence eat small quantities but for more number of times. Starvation diet is especially harmful to persons with gout or cardiac, renal or cerebral disorders.
3. Do not believe advertisements that promise miraculous reduction of weight in just a few weeks. Medically, this is not just possible.
4. Similarly beware of special dietary foods that are touted as Instant weight reducing foods. Consult your doctor before using such foods / supplements. These foods may not contain starch or sugar. But instead of sugar, syrup, Fructose etc could have been added.
5. Do not eat “snacks” especially chocolates in between meals. Give up the attitude that what if just one chocolate is eaten. Instead, eats fruits or raw vegetables.
6. Do not watch T.V. for long periods. Do not become a slave to the Idiot Box. Watching T.V. makes you lazy and you put on 1/2 kilo more per month if you watch T.V. for 5 hours a day. Also the “snackes” you munch during your T.V. watching time, definifely adds kilos to your weight.
7. Another erroneous belief is, if you sleep too much, you put on weight. If you sleep for only 4 hours a day, your carbohydrate food will not get digested. Adequate sleep is required for proper brain function and metabolism.
8. Avoiding or neglecting to take, salads. If salads are consumed before food, one tends to eat less.
9. Following the “Dr. Atkins Revolutionery diet” without consulting a doctor. This diet advocates avoiding foods rich in carbo – hydrates and including a lot of protein and fat rich foods! Its main “mantra” is that carbo hydrats are body’s energy. It body is deprived of it, it will “burn” fat & protein & use these for its energy requirements. Hence body’s fat is reduced. You can eat Met, eggs chesse, full cream, meat fried in butter etc but you must not take Bread, pasta, certain fruits, vegetables. After practising this diet for some time, carbo – hydrate foods will be permitted in the end of this dietary regimen. This being a difficult diet regimen, do not undertake it without consulting your doctor. Atkins diet may cause reduction in weight but if you stop it, weight will again increase.
10. Many go by their body weights to determine their level of obesity. The correct method to determine whether you are overweight or not is the “BMI” method. Body Mass Index (BMI) is obtained by multiplying your weight in kilos by 1000 and dividing with your height in centi metre, squared. Eg: you weight is assumed is 60 kilos and height 165 c.m.

60 x 1000
Your BMI is —————– = 22.00.
Now refer to BMI chart.
1.65 x 1.65

BMI Chart
Less than 18.5 – Low Weight
18.5 to 24.9 – Normal Weight
25 to 29.9 – Over Weight
30 to 34.9 – Slightly obese
35 to 39.9 – Middle level obeseity
Above 40 – Obese.

Ayurveda and obesity
Ayurveda calls the digestive power as power of ‘Agni’ (fire). This Agni develops ‘dhatus’ and provides nutrients. When this fire power is affected, the foods becomes only. More food is eaten resulting in more fat that deposits in several parts of the body. All actions that increase “kapha” dosha, increase fat accumulation. Ayurveda therapies consist of langanam and Udvarthanam. Langanam therapy cleanses the stomach and body while Udvardanam consist of dry massage with herbs. Consult your physician to choose a slimming method that suits you.

Erectile Dysfunction

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:45:38 +0000

Erectile dysfunction, also called impotence (lack of power), is considered to be a typically male problem, because it is generally expected that the penis should become sufficiently hard to enter the vagina and remain there long enough to provide pleasure, orgasm, and then ejaculate. If this does not happen, most people do not worry: they blame drink or stress at work, and they do fine the next time. There are also older men who have no erections anymore and accept that. They can still be good sexual partners and enjoy orgasm and ejaculation without an erection.
In most other cases, however, erectile dysfunction or impotence is problematic. Situations differ, as do causes. Some are simple, others more complex.
Causes
In general, a distinction is made between ‘physical’ and ‘mental’ causes of erectile dysfunction. An example of the former: after an accident at work, a man’s spine or pelvis is injured, and this injury has damaged the nerve which stimulates the small penile artery that fills the penis with blood during arousal. If the nerve is damaged, it does not pass the signal to the artery, so that no erection occurs even though the man is aroused, with or without a partner.
In most other cases of erectile dysfunction the cause is (partly) mental, i.e. the man is quite capable of having erections when he is alone or in his sleep. But when he is with his partner, he cannot have an erection that is strong enough or lasts long enough. This may also be called ’situational’, because the man may have no problem when he is with another partner.

Age:
Age is directly associated with erection problems. The general deterioration of physical and mental functions can be blamed, but only to some extent. There is, of course, a gradual decrease in the production of testosterone (the male hormone), an increase in prostate size, higher blood pressure and sugar levels. Life style probably also plays a part, such as excessive drinking and smoking, obesity, depression, or the use of drugs against depression, obesity or blood pressure. Men who live healthy and balanced lives (which may very well include a little drinking and smoking), who are successful and have attractive love partners, can retain good erectile function until death.

Young men:
When young men are impotent with a partner, even though they have morning erections and no problem when masturbating, the situation is to blame. He feels in adequate. This may be due to an earlier experience: he fears a repeat. This condition adversely influences his sexual competence, and so he ‘fails’ again. The behavior of the partner plays an important part in the whole process.

Medication:
Since 1998 a drug called sildenafil has come on the market under various brand names. It became a world famous remedy for erectile dysfunction. Sexologists stress that such medicines cannot be used to improve libido, or save a bad sexual relationship. Apart from the relational aspects which cause or contribute mainly to erectile dysfunction or impotence, a small number of males need other approaches to help them get erections long enough to enjoy sessions of lovemaking and intercourse.
The most therapies available to overcome erectile dysfunctions, relaxes the smooth muscles round the small arteries of the penis, so that the blood can freely flow and fill the corpora cavernosa (hollow spaces) of the penis, making it hard. At the same time, the veins which carry the blood off when the penis is flaccid are closed, so that the erection continues for a sufficiently long time to have sexual intercourse. Sildenafil cannot normally be had without a doctor?s prescription, and is not normally covered by health insurance. It is not an aphrodisiac, although pleasure in sex obviously increases if a desired erection is attained and held. But if there is little or no appetite, it does not help. Because it may pose a risk for people with high blood pressure or cardiac problems. Other drugs are also available which do not work directly on the blood flow, but on the nerve centre in the brain involved in bringing about an erection. They have the advantage of working faster and have longer effective period, even a whole weekend, whereas Sildenafil works only for four hours.

Ayurveda:
Plant extracts like Aswagandha, Safed musli, Crochus, ,yohimbine, ginseng and papaverine, which used to be thought of as quack medicines, have shown their effectiveness in scientific trials too, and are prescribed in sexological practice throughout the world. Numerous patent, proprietory and shastrik Ayurvedic formulations are available and they produce wonderful results, if used for prolonged periods. Quality Ayurvedic preparations prescribed by experienced physicians produce best results in short period. Ayurvedic medicines are totally free from side effects and being non hormonal can be used for longer periods with out any fear.
Mechanical aids:
For men who do not benefit from erection pills are advised not to use them, there are still some mechanical means left whereby they can obtain and hold an erection.
The cock ring, placed around the base of the erect penis, keeps the penis from going flaccid by blocking the blood flow through the veins, which are close to the surface of the penis. A cock ring is placed into position after the penis has become hard, and must not be left in place longer than 30 minutes.
The vacuum pump is a plastic cylinder with an air pump at the top. It is placed on the flaccid penis, and then the air is pumped out. As a result the air pressure inside the cylinder decreases, which causes blood to flow into the penis, making it hard. A cock ring is usually placed around the base of the penis to prevent blood flowing away again when the cylinder is removed.
A hollow imitation penis or extension condom can be used if no erection is possible but intercourse is desired.
A penile prosthesis is a more permanent solution, requiring an operation. Thin cylindrical tubes are placed inside the two corpora cavernosa, giving the man a lasting erection, which is not always very comfortable, although the penis can be bent to fit against the lower abdomen.
A newer form is the Scott-Bradley prosthesis, in which small balloons are placed inside the penis, which can then be inflated with a fluid substance, causing an erection. Afterwards, the fluid is released again, returning the penis to its flaccid state.

Sexual Disorders in Men

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:44:44 +0000

A sexual disorder in men means difficulties in sexual intercourse. Sexual dysfunction includes a variety of disorders that affect sex drive (libido), the ability to achieve or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction, or impotence), ejaculation, and the ability to achieve orgasm.
Sexual dysfunction may result from either physical or psycho logic factors; many sexual problems result from a combination of both. A physical problem may lead to psycho logic problems (such as anxiety, fear, or stress), which can in turn aggravate the physical problem. Men feel pressured by a partner to perform well sexually and become distressed when they cannot (performance anxiety). Performance anxiety can be troublesome and further worsen a man’s ability to enjoy sexual relations.
Normal Sexual Function
Normal sexual function is a complex interaction involving both the mind (thoughts, memories, and emotions) and the body. The nervous, circulatory, and endocrine (hormonal) systems all interact with the mind to produce a sexual response. A delicate and balanced interplay among all parts of the nervous system controls the sexual response in men.
The most common sexual dysfunctions in men are
? Lack of Desire
? Decreased libido
? Erectile Dysfunction
? Premature Ejaculation
? Retrograde Ejaculation
Desire (also called sex drive or libido) is the wish to engage in sexual activity. It may be triggered by thoughts, words, sights, smell, or touch. Desire leads to the first stage of the sexual response cycle, excitement. Excitement is sexual arousal. During excitement, blood flow to the penis increases, leading to an erection. Also, muscle tension increases throughout the body. In the plateau stage, excitement and muscle tension are maintained or intensified. Orgasm is the peak or climax of sexual excitement. At orgasm, muscle tension throughout the body further increases. The man experiences contractions of the pelvic muscles followed by a release of muscle tension. Semen is usually, but not always, ejaculated from the penis. Although ejaculation and orgasm often occur nearly simultaneously, they are separate events. Ejaculation can occur without orgasm. Also, orgasm can occur in the absence of ejaculation, especially before puberty, or with the use of certain drugs (such as some antidepressants). Most men find orgasm highly pleasurable. In resolution, a man returns to an unaroused state. After orgasm, men cannot have another erection for some time (refractory period), often as short as 20 minutes or less in young men but much longer in older men. The time between erections generally increases as men age.
Decreased Libido
Sex drive (libido) varies greatly among men. Different men find different degrees of libido satisfactory. Libido may be decreased temporarily by conditions such as fatigue or anxiety. Libido also tends to gradually decrease as a man ages. Persistent low libido may cause a man and his sex partner distress.
Occasionally, libido can be low throughout a man’s life. Lifelong low libido can result from traumatic childhood sexual experiences or from suppression of sexual thoughts. Most often, however, low libido develops after years of normal sexual desire. Psycho logic factors, such as depression, anxiety, and relationship problems, are often the cause. Some drugs (such as those used to treat high blood pressure, depression, or anxiety) and decreased levels of testosterone can also lower libido.
A man with decreased libido thinks less about sex. He loses interest in sexual fantasy and masturbation, and also in sexual activity. Even sexual stimulation, by sights, words, or touch, may fail to provoke interest. The man often retains the capacity for sexual function. Some men continue to engage in sexual activity to satisfy their partner.
A blood test can measure the level of testosterone in the blood. However, the diagnosis is usually based on the man’s description of his symptoms. If the cause is psycho logic, various psycho logic therapies including behavioral therapies can help. If the testosterone
Level is low; testosterone can be given, usually as a patch or gel applied to the skin or as an injection. If a drug appears to be the cause, a doctor can often try treating the man with a different drug
Erectile Dysfunction
Every man is occasionally unable to achieve an erection; this is normal. Erectile dysfunction occurs when the problem is frequent or continuous.
Erectile dysfunction can range from mild to severe. A man with mild erectile dysfunction may occasionally achieve a full erection, but more often he achieves an erection that is inadequate for penetration. He may frequently be unable to achieve an erection at all. A man with severe erectile dysfunction is rarely able to achieve an erection.
Erectile dysfunction becomes more common with age but is not part of the normal aging process. About half of men 65 years of age and three fourths of men 80 years of age have erectile dysfunction.
Causes
To achieve an erection, the penis needs both an adequate inflow of blood and a slowing of blood outflow. Disorders that narrow arteries and decrease blood inflow (such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, or a blood clot) or surgery on the blood vessels can cause erectile dysfunction. Also, abnormalities in the veins of the penis can sometimes drain blood back to the body so rapidly that erections cannot be sustained despite adequate blood inflow.
Neurological damage is another possible cause of erectile dysfunction. Damage to the nerves leading to or from the penis produce erectile dysfunction. Such damage could result from surgery (most commonly prostate surgery), spinal disease, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, peripheral nerve disorders, stroke, alcohol, and drugs.
Occasionally, hormonal disturbances (such as abnormally low levels of testosterone) cause erectile dysfunction. Also, factors that decrease a man’s energy level (such as illness, fatigue, and stress) can make erections difficult.
Many drugs can interfere with the ability to achieve an erection, especially among older men. Drugs that commonly cause erectile dysfunction include antihypertensives, antidepressants, some sedatives, cimetidine, digoxin, lithium, and antipsychotics.
Psycho logic issues (such as depression, performance anxiety, guilt, fear of intimacy, and ambivalence about sexual orientation) can impair the ability to achieve erections. Psycho logic causes are more common in younger men. Any new stressful situation, such as a change of sex partners or problems with relationships or at work, can also contribute.
Symptoms
Sex drive (libido) often decreases in men with erectile dysfunction, although some men do maintain a normal libido. Regardless of whether libido changes, men with erectile dysfunction have difficulty engaging in intercourse either because the erect penis is not sufficiently hard, long, or elevated for penetration or because the erection cannot be sustained. Some men stop having erections during sleep or upon awakening. Others may attain strong erections sometimes but be unable to attain or maintain erections other times.
When testosterone levels are low, the result is more likely to be a drop in libido than erectile dysfunction. Low testosterone levels can cause gradual development of many symptoms, including enlargement of the breasts (gynecomastia, raised pitch of the voice, shrinking of the testes (testicles), and loss of pubic hair. Low testosterone may also cause thinning of the bones, loss of energy, and loss of muscle mass.
Diagnosis
Measurement of blood pressure in the legs may reveal a problem with the arteries in the pelvis and groin that supply blood to the penis. Examination of the man’s rectum may reveal a problem with the nerve supply of the penis.
A blood sample is taken to measure the level of testosterone. Certain blood tests can help identify diseases that may lead to temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction. For example, blood tests can reveal evidence of diabetes (which can lead to permanent erectile dysfunction) or infection (which can lead to temporary erectile dysfunction).
If a problem with the arteries or veins is suspected, specialized tests may be performed. Ultrasound examination can reveal narrowing or blockage within the arteries of the penis.
Treatment
Some men and their partners may choose not to pursue treatment for erectile dysfunction. Physical contact without an erection may satisfy their needs for intimacy and fulfillment.
Sometimes, discontinuing use of a particular drug can improve erections.
For men who choose to pursue treatment, there are many choices.
Ayurvedic Treatment: Many Ayurvedic drugs are used to treat erectile dysfunction. Most drugs given to treat erectile dysfunction increase blood flow to the penis. Most of these drugs are given by mouth, but some drugs can be applied locally on the penis.
Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is ejaculation that occurs too early, usually before, upon, or shortly after penetration.
Many males, especially adolescents, ejaculate sooner than they or their partners would like. Premature ejaculation is not just ejaculation that occurs before a man wants it to but rather ejaculation that occurs very soon often within a minute or two after penetration.
Many experts believe that premature ejaculation almost always results from anxiety or other psycho logic causes. Others think that unusually sensitive penile skin may be a cause. Premature ejaculation is rarely caused by a disease, although inflammation of the prostate gland or a nervous system disorder can cause the condition.
Premature ejaculation can distress a man and his partner. If the man ejaculates too early, the partner may be left unsatisfied sexually and may become resentful.
Ayurvedic Treatment methods that can help a man delay ejaculation includes a variety os sedatives which reduce the mental anxiety and pressure of performance.
Retrograde Ejaculation
Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which semen is ejaculated backward into the bladder rather than out through the penis.
In retrograde ejaculation, the part of the bladder that normally closes during ejaculation (the bladder neck) remains open, causing the ejaculatory fluid to travel backward into the bladder. Common causes of retrograde ejaculation include diabetes, spinal cord injuries, certain drugs, and some surgical operations (including major abdominal or pelvic surgery one of the most common causes is transurethral resection of the prostate).
Men with retrograde ejaculation can still have orgasms. However, retrograde ejaculation decreases the amount of fluid ejaculated out of the penis; sometimes, no fluid comes out. The condition can cause infertility but is otherwise not harmful.

Andropause

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:30:50 +0000

Male reproductive changes

Ageing gracefully is a boon given to some, may be, not to all. Aging is a process of gradual and progressive changes through the several phases of life – child hood, puberty, teen age, adult hood, middle and old age.

While your age is what your mind thinks it is, traditionally it is around 60 that one ‘retires’ and leaves his ‘work’ for a retired life.

With age, many of the body’s functions decline. Aging changes in the male reproductive system occur gradually during a process called ‘Andropause’

For women, the stoppage of ‘fertility’ – menopause – is definife. For men it is not the same way. The decline occurs gradually.

Aging changes in the male reproductive system

1. Prostate enlargement & Urinary function:-

The prostate gland enlarges with age as some of the prostate tissue is replaced with a scar like fibrotic tissue. This condition, called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), affects about 50% of men. This may cause problems with urination as well as with ejaculation.

In both men and women, reproductive system changes are closely related to changes in the urinary system.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) may eventually interfere with urination. The enlarged prostate partially blocks the tube that drains the urinary bladder (urethra). Changes in the prostate gland predispose elderly men to urinary tract infections.

Vesicoureteral reflux (backup of urine into the kidneys) may develop if the bladder is inadequately drained, eventually resulting in kidney failure if untreated.

Prostate gland infections or inflammation (various forms of prostatitis) may also occur.

Prostate cancer becomes more common as men age. It is one the most frequent causes of cancer death for men. Bladder cancer is also a common cancer in older men. Testicular cancers are possible, but these more often occur in younger men.

2. Fertility:-

Fertility varies from man to man, and age is not a good predictor of male fertility. Prostate function is not closely related to fertility, and a man can father children even if his prostate gland has been removed. Some fairly old men can ( and do) father children.

The volume of fluid ejaculated usually remains the same, but there are fewer living sperm in the fluid.

3. Decrease in libido:-

Decrease in the sex drive (libido) may occur for some men. Sexual responses may become slower and less intense. This may be related to decreased testosterone level, but it may also result from psychological or social changes related to aging (such as lack of a willing partner), illness, chronic conditions, or medications.

Aging by itself does not necessarily prevent a man from being able to enjoy sexual relationships.

4. Testicular dysfunction:-

Aging changes in the male reproductive system occur primarily in the testes. Testicular tissue mass decreases and the level of the male sex hormone testosterone stays the same or decreases very slightly.

The tubes that carry sperm may become less elastic ( a process called sclerosis). The testes continue to produce sperm, but the rate of sperm cell production slows. The epididymis, seminal vesicles, and prostate gland lose some of their surface cells but continue to produce the fluid that helps carry sperm.

5. Erectile dysfunction:-

Erectile dysfunction may be a concern for aging men. It is normal for erections to occur less frequently than when a man was younger, and aging men often have less ability to experience repeated ejaculation. However, erectile dysfunction is most often the result of a medical or psychological problem rather than simple aging, and 90% of erectile dysfunction is believed to be of medical rather than psychological origin. Age may cause decreased blood flow to the penis.

Medications (especially those used to treat hypertension and certain other conditions) can cause some men to be unable to develop or maintain an erection that is sufficient for intercourse. Disorders such as diabetes can also cause erectile dysfunction.

If erectile dysfunction occcurs, it can often be treated. Some medications can be changed, and other erectile dysfunction treatments may be helpful.

6. Prevention:-

Many physical age – related changes, such as prostate enlargement or testicular atrophy, are not preventable. Early and proper treatment of underlying health disorders such as hypertension and diabetes that may be responsible for changes in urinary and sexual health may prevent later problems with urinary and sexual function.

Erectile dysfunction that is caused by medications or illness is often successfully treated. Sexual response changes are most frequently related to factors other than simple aging. Satisfactory sex in older men is more likely if sexual activity has continued during middle age.

Aging may be retarded to certain extent by “clean” living. Moderation in any thing, in any phase of life, is the “mantra”. Ayurveda has excellent herbal medicines that boosts the Immunity defence of the body. It has systematic rejuvenation therapies, which can make you younger than your age. Starting with “Chyavana Pras” there ae several natural medicines that restore health and help to live longer.

Inability to conceive

Dr Senthil Kumar S — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 12:29:37 +0000

Infertility is the inability in a woman to conceive or a man to induce conception. It means the inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after repeated intercourse without contraception for a year. The problem could be either with the man or the woman or both.
Infertility must be distinguished from impotence among males and frigidity in females. Frigidity and impotence both indicate a failure to perform the sexual act or to perform it imperfectly.
Normal conception takes place when the sperm of the male, inserted into the vagina during coitus travel through the uterus and unites with the ovum secreted by the ovaries. If this union fails to occur, the woman does not conceive.
Causes ? Male
? According to Ayurveda the general causes are ? defective sperms, congestion of the ducts that carry sperm, trauma sustained by the genital organs, functional disorders or congenital defects of the reproductive organs, general diseases and improper development of reproductive organs.
? Sterility among males could be caused by problems with sperm, sperms may be abnormal, too few in number (oligospermia) or absent (azoospermia) or lack the motility to reach penis for ejaculation.
Heat, can greatly reduce sperm production and make sperms move slowly. Exposure to excessive heat, prolonged fever, un descended testes and varicose veins in the testes may increase temperature of testes.
Hormonal disorder like hypothyroidism, hypo gonadism, disorders of the adrenalin gland or pituitary gland can impair production of sperm. Genetic disorders like abnormality of the sex chromosomes can interfere with sperm production.
The other causes for reduced sperm output are mumps (mumps orchids) that affect the testes, injury to the testes, exposure to industrial or environmental toxins and drugs. Use of anabolic steroids may affect hormone levels and thus also interfere with sperm production.
Serious disorders of the testes, blocked ?Vasa deferentia? missing seminal vesicles and blockage of both ejaculatory ducts may result in total absence of sperm.
Occasionally, semen moves in the wrong direction. This disorder is called retrograde ejaculation and is more common among men who have diabetes or who have pelvis surgery. Infertility then results.
Diagnosis
Semen analysis is the primary step in treating infertility in men. Parameters measured in semen analysis are: sperm count, motility, morphology, volume, fructose and pH.
Sperm count should show over 20 million sperm per milliliter. As for motility, 60% of observed sperm or at least 8 million per millimeter should show good forward movement. The WHO criteria are that normal motility is when at least 50% of the observed sperm move forward normally.
Regarding morphology, a sample is normal if 30% of the observed sperm have normal morphology. Volume of the sample should be between 1.0 ml and 6.5 ml. WHO criteria specify that any volume greater than 2.0 ml is normal.
Fructose level, as per WHO?s specification, should be 13 mol per sample. Absence of fructose may indicate problem with the seminal vesicles.
Causes – Women
The common cause of infertility in women is the problem with ovulation ? that is, the ovaries do not release an egg each month. For instance the ovaries may not produce progesterone. This female hormone causes the lining of Uterus to thicken in preparation for a potential fetus. Ovulation may not occur if the brain does not release/ secrete gonadotropin ? releasing hormone that stimulates pituitary gland to produce the hormones that trigger ovulation.
Ovulation problems may also be due to:-
? Congenital deformities such as the mouth of the Uterus being clogged or displacement of Uterus, inflammation of the mouth of the womb, anemia, blood poisoning etc.
? Thyroid or adrenal gland disorders, diabetes, obesity or psychological stress.
? Irregular, painful, scanty menstruation.
? If the fallopian tubes are blocked, the egg can not reach Uterus or the sperm can not reach the egg.
? Structural disorders like birth defects of the Uterus, fallopian tubes, fibroids in the Uterus, adhesion in the Uterus also block the fallopian tubes.
? Mucus in the cervix is supposed to thin down & become clear and elastic so that the sperm can easily move through mucus to the Uterus to the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place. It the mucus does not change at ovulation (because of infection), pregnancy does not occur. If the mucus contains antibodies that kill sperm before they can reach eggs, then also pregnancy does not happen.
The amazing fact about ovulation is that Baby girls are born with 1
to 2 million eggs in the ovaries and no more eggs develop after birth.
Diagnosis
A simple test to determine whether ovulation is occurring is to take the woman?s temperature at rest (basal body temperature) each day. An increase of more than 0.9 degree F (0.5 degree C) indicates that ovulation has occurred. However basal body temperature is not 100% reliable. More advanced techniques like Ultrasonography or ovulation predictor kits are now available. The level of progesterone in blood and saliva are also tested. If necessary endometrial biopsy also in done.

Ayurvedic conception of infertility
Ayurveda considers that primarily physical disorders are to be corrected before the treatment for conception is started. And after this, special care is given to manage the healthy growth of fetus.
The ?shodana chikilsa? in Ayurveda consists of
1. Snehapanam ? special herbal ghee or oil is given early morning, starting with low dosage and increasing the dosage slowly.
2. Sweedanam ? Medicated steam bath is given
3. Virechana ? Medicated purgation to void the body of all toxins
4. Kashaya vasthi ? special medicated enema to strengthen the nervous system.
5. Sneha vasthi ? medicated oil given as enema to clear problems of genitourinary tract.
6. Ottaravasthi ? specially made ghee to irrigate the vaginal tract. It clears problems of Uterus.
After proper rest, vajeekarna is done to improve the quality,
Quantity, count and mobility of semen and also to improve the stamina of the patient. This is the real aphrodisiac treatment.
Wonderful and miraculous herbs are available in Ayurveda to treat female/ male infertility. All you need is to consult an experienced Ayurvedic physician.

Recommended Yogasanas
I Suryanamaskara:
II Yogasana
1. Shirshasana
2. Halasana
3. Baddha Konasana
4. Kurmasana
5. Ardha Matsyendrasana
6. Paryankasana
7. Paschimothanasana
8. Mulabandasana
9. Sarvangasana
10. Bhujangasana
11. Dhanurasana
12. Upavista Konasana
13. Kandasana
14. Shavasana
Diet regimen:
Onion juice with honey / ghee, Amla powder, milk, butter and a high protein food (fish, white meat, and eggs) are recommended.