Last Updated:June 22, 2025, 17:16 IST
Erectile Dysfunction is not just a bedroom issue. It’s a symptom – a red flag that something isn’t right with your physical, emotional, or psychological well-being
One of the key ways yoga can help with erectile dysfunction (ED) is through stress reduction. (PTI File)
yoga
Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, News18.com is running this weekly sex column, titled ‘Let’s Talk Sex’. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance.
In this article, we will explain how yoga can genuinely support men struggling with erectile dysfunction.
Recommended Stories
Erectile Dysfunction is not just a bedroom issue. It’s a symptom – a red flag that something isn’t right with your physical, emotional, or psychological well-being. While medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are well-known contributors to ED, psychological triggers like performance anxiety, chronic stress, depression, and low self-esteem are equally significant. And that’s where yoga comes in — not just as a workout, but as a lifestyle practice that calms the nervous system, regulates blood flow, strengthens the body, and quiets the mind.
How Yoga Can Improve Erectile Dysfunction
The Role of Stress Reduction: One of the key ways yoga can help with erectile dysfunction (ED) is through stress reduction. Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your sex life, often leading to or exacerbating ED. By engaging in yoga, you can tap into a powerful tool to combat stress. Practicing yoga encourages mindfulness and relaxation, helping you to find a calm centre amidst life’s chaos. As your stress levels decrease, so may the frequency and severity of your ED episodes. This isn’t just theory—it’s backed by studies that highlight yoga’s effectiveness in reducing cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.
Enhancing Blood Flow & Erections: Yoga is also an excellent way to enhance your circulation.
An erection is all about blood flow. If circulation is weak, the penis won’t receive sufficient blood to stay erect. Yoga poses that involve hip opening, core strengthening, and spinal flexibility naturally increase circulation to the lower abdomen and pelvis — enhancing oxygen and nutrient supply to sexual organs. Various yoga poses, such as the cobra pose or downward-facing dog, promote increased blood flow throughout your body, including your pelvic region. Improved circulation is crucial for achieving and maintaining erections. When blood flow is optimized, you’re more likely to experience improved erectile function.
Strengthens Pelvic Muscles: Yoga, especially poses like Mula Bandha (Root Lock), functions similarly to Kegel exercises. These movements engage the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles, which support erectile function and ejaculation control. Over time, these exercises lead to firmer erections and more stamina.
Balances Hormones: ED is sometimes linked to low testosterone levels. Certain yoga poses stimulate endocrine glands such as the adrenal and thyroid glands, which are crucial in hormonal regulation. Practices like Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) and Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) are known to balance hormone production and improve overall vitality.
Builds Body Awareness and Self-Confidence: ED often triggers a vicious mental cycle of fear, shame, and low confidence. Yoga teaches you to become more aware of your body — how it feels, how it breathes, how it responds. This mindfulness translates into better self-esteem, better communication with your partner, and improved sexual expression.
Boosting Overall Fitness: It’s no secret that physical activity is good for your health, and yoga is no exception. Regular practice contributes to overall physical fitness by increasing flexibility, strength, and stamina. These benefits translate into better sexual performance as well. Being in good shape can boost confidence and energy levels, both of which are important for a healthy sex life. So, unroll that yoga mat and embrace the journey towards better physical and sexual health with each pose.
Key Yoga Poses to Improve Erectile Function
Engaging in regular yoga practice can be more than just a path to flexibility and stress relief; it may also contribute to enhancing your sexual health. Let’s dive into some key postures that can potentially transform your intimate life.
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): The Cobra Pose is a staple in many yoga routines, and it’s particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their erectile function. By strengthening the lower back muscles and promoting blood flow to the pelvic region, this pose can help improve your stamina and performance.
How to do it: Lie face down, with your hands placed under your shoulders. Inhale and lift your chest off the ground, keeping your elbows slightly bent. Hold the pose for a few breaths before gently lowering yourself down.
Bound Angle Pose (Baddha Konasana): Frequently referred to as the Butterfly Pose, this posture is excellent for opening up the hips and increasing circulation in the pelvic area. It’s also a great stress reliever, which can indirectly benefit sexual health.
How to do it: Sit with your feet together and knees bent, allowing them to drop towards the floor. Hold your feet or ankles and sit up straight, breathing deeply.
Plow Pose (Halasana): The Plow Pose is known for its ability to stimulate the thyroid gland, balance hormones, and boost circulation, contributing to improved erectile function.
How to do it: Lie on your back, lift your legs over your head, and try to touch the floor behind you with your toes. Hold the position gently without straining your neck.
By incorporating these poses into your regular routine, you might notice not only an improvement in your overall well-being but also in your sexual health. Remember, like any exercise, consistency is key, so try to practice these poses regularly for the best results.
It’s a Lifestyle Change
The true beauty of yoga lies not just in the postures, but in the philosophy it offers. Yoga encourages a disciplined, healthy lifestyle: balanced meals, restful sleep, avoiding excessive screen time, and creating emotional harmony. When you combine all these habits, ED doesn’t stand a chance. Your energy improves. Your confidence returns. You become more connected to yourself and to your partner.
Yoga offers a safe, natural, and deeply transformative path to reclaiming your sexual health. It may not be a magic bullet, but it creates the right environment for healing: a calm mind, a healthy body, and a confident spirit.
So, if you’re struggling with ED or simply want to improve your intimacy and vitality, it’s time to roll out that mat, take a deep breath, and start your journey inward. The answers you’re looking for may just be found in silence, stillness, and a few powerful stretches.
About the Author
Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain
Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain is the winner of the Swasth Bharat Rattan Award and is a Certified and Licensed Sexologist by the American Board of Sexology. He is currently a Senior Consultant at Dr SK Jain’s Burlingto…Read More
Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain is the winner of the Swasth Bharat Rattan Award and is a Certified and Licensed Sexologist by the American Board of Sexology. He is currently a Senior Consultant at Dr SK Jain’s Burlingto…
Read More
The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
Location : First Published:News lifestyle Let’s Talk Sex | Can Yoga Help with Erectile Dysfunction? Science Says Yes