Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Erectile Dysfunction?Benefits of Yoga for EDYoga Poses for Erectile DysfunctionPossible Health RisksWhere to Find Yoga Routines for Erectile DysfunctionFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Erectile Dysfunction?
Benefits of Yoga for ED
Yoga Poses for Erectile Dysfunction
Possible Health Risks
Where to Find Yoga Routines for Erectile Dysfunction
Frequently Asked Questions
Yogais a practice that focuses on bringing balance and harmony between the mind and body. Originated in northern India over 5,000 years ago, yoga’s combination ofphysical postures (called asanas),breath work, and meditation has been shown to help enhance health and mental well-being. The benefits of this ancient practice have helped to popularize it in Western culture.
Today, many people practice yoga recreationally as a form of exercise and relaxation. It is also used effectively in mind-body medical interventions for certain conditions, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), pain disorders, and cancer recovery.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
In general, yoga has been shown to increase blood flow, improve flexibility and balance, and encourage mindfulness. These health-promoting effects are thought to also have the potential to help improve symptoms oferectile dysfunction, or ED, naturally.
In this article, we’ll discuss the possible benefits of yoga for ED as well as specific yoga poses that are recommended to help with this condition.
If you are struggling with ED, it is important to talk to your doctor, because it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying health condition, such as heart disease.
There is limited research on yoga and erectile dysfunction, but several small studies suggest that yoga may improve sexual function and satisfaction. In one study, healthy males (ages 28 to 60) who completed 12 weekly yoga sessions reported significant improvements in all measures of sexual function, including desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, confidence, erection, ejaculatory control, and orgasm.
Another study on patients undergoing prostate cancer treatment (during and after which erectile dysfunction is a common side effect) showed similar benefits: Patients who did yoga twice-weekly during a course of radiation therapy saw a significant reduction in sexual dysfunction as well as improvements in urinary incontinence and fatigue, compared with those who didn’t do yoga.
While experts do not fully understand how yoga supports erectile function, it is thought to be through a combination of physical benefits such as increasing blood flow and improving cardio-respiratory fitness, and psychological effects including stress reduction and mindfulness.
Other possible benefits of yoga for ED include:
Regular yoga practice has also been shown to be effective at improving overall health, which further supports erectile function. However, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness for ED.
Types of Yoga to Support Sexual Function
There are many types of yoga, including Hatha (usually a slower class moving through classic poses) and Vinyasa (which involves building a dynamic, faster-moving flow to build heat). Any of these forms of yoga may offer the same health and well-being benefits, including possibly helping with ED symptoms.
There are two specific types of yoga that get a lot of attention for their sexual benefits. However, the sexual benefits are unproven and it’s not necessary to practice these types of yoga to see benefits for ED. These yoga types are:
There are different yoga poses that can help stimulate blood flow to the groin area and support penile function. Studies are more likely to have explored specific poses for premature ejaculation.Some of the many suggested poses include:
Standing Poses
Seated Poses
Yoga is considered a relatively safe exercise regimen for almost anyone to try. Start slow and ask the instructor for modifications as needed.
As with any exercise regimen, it is always a good idea to contact your healthcare provider before trying something new to determine if it’s right for you. For instance, people who have a heart condition should avoid more intensive types of yoga, such asBikram or hot yoga, which can do more harm than good due to the temperature and strenuousness of the exercise.
There are also some poses that are known to increase the heart rate and raise blood pressure, so it is important to know the benefits and risks based on your specific health condition before trying yoga.
There are many resources online that can help you find yoga routines. While the classes may not be specifically designed for erectile dysfunction, they will offer health-supporting benefits that may help reduce ED over time.
For classes that you can do at home, you can search YouTube for free, beginner-friendly options. There are also a number of other online classes available.
If you’d like to try an in-person yoga class, a simple online search should show you yoga studios, exercises studios, and community centers that offer yoga in your area. You can also ask your healthcare provider for recommendations and resources that are in your area.
When possible, practicing yoga with your partner can be especially beneficial.
A Word From Verywell
If you have ED, there is help beyond prescription medications. Yoga may be a good place to start treating the condition naturally. Yoga can increase blood flow, improve flexibility, and reduce stress, among other benefits—and these health benefits have been shown to help reduce ED symptoms. Maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, and lowering stress are other smart strategies to reduce ED.
ED often stems from a psychological or emotional concern, and it can cause its own psychological distress, so it’s important to get the support you need to deal with the condition. Don’t hesitate to seek out help from a licensed mental health professional. In addition, have an open conversation with your partner. With the help of your healthcare professionals, support system, and healthy lifestyle strategies, you can find a way back to a satisfying sex life.
Best Online Yoga Classes
Frequently Asked QuestionsSome of yoga poses suggested for penile health include the following:Garudasana(eagle pose)Uttanasana(standing forward bend)Baddha Konasana(seated heel-to-heel pose)Paschimottanasana(seated forward bend)Janu Sirsasana(seated head-to-knee posture)Yoga is not a cure for ED. The practice can help increase blood flow, improve flexibility, reduce stress, improve body confidence, and foster mindfulness. These benefits may also help support better penile function over time. Yoga is also a good exercise modality for some specific health conditions and your overall health.People who have a heart condition shouldn’t try an extreme type of yoga, like hot yoga or Bikram, for erectile dysfunction. There are also some poses that may increase heart rate and raise blood pressure, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before trying yoga.
Some of yoga poses suggested for penile health include the following:Garudasana(eagle pose)Uttanasana(standing forward bend)Baddha Konasana(seated heel-to-heel pose)Paschimottanasana(seated forward bend)Janu Sirsasana(seated head-to-knee posture)
Some of yoga poses suggested for penile health include the following:
Yoga is not a cure for ED. The practice can help increase blood flow, improve flexibility, reduce stress, improve body confidence, and foster mindfulness. These benefits may also help support better penile function over time. Yoga is also a good exercise modality for some specific health conditions and your overall health.
People who have a heart condition shouldn’t try an extreme type of yoga, like hot yoga or Bikram, for erectile dysfunction. There are also some poses that may increase heart rate and raise blood pressure, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before trying yoga.
7 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Field T.Yoga research review.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016;24:145-161. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.06.005Cui X, Zhou J, Qin Z, Liu Z.Acupuncture for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:1-6. doi:10.1155/2016/2171923Dhikav V, Karmarkar G, Verma M, et al.Yoga in male sexual functioning: a noncompararive pilot study.J Sex Med. 2010;7(10):3460-3466. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01930.xBen-Josef AM, Chen J, Wileyto P, et al.Effect of Eischens yoga during radiation therapy on prostate cancer patient symptoms and quality of life: a randomized phase II trial.Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2017;98(5):1036-1044. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.03.043Harvard Health.Yoga benefits beyond the mat.Joshi AM, Arkiath Veettil R, Deshpande S.Role of yoga in the management of premature ejaculation.World J Mens Health. 2020;38(4):495-505. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190062Bhat S, Pandey MK, K U, Gokani N, Rao TSS.A scoping review: Is yoga an effective intervention for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation?Cureus. 2024;16(1):e53265. doi:10.7759/cureus.53265
7 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Field T.Yoga research review.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016;24:145-161. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.06.005Cui X, Zhou J, Qin Z, Liu Z.Acupuncture for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:1-6. doi:10.1155/2016/2171923Dhikav V, Karmarkar G, Verma M, et al.Yoga in male sexual functioning: a noncompararive pilot study.J Sex Med. 2010;7(10):3460-3466. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01930.xBen-Josef AM, Chen J, Wileyto P, et al.Effect of Eischens yoga during radiation therapy on prostate cancer patient symptoms and quality of life: a randomized phase II trial.Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2017;98(5):1036-1044. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.03.043Harvard Health.Yoga benefits beyond the mat.Joshi AM, Arkiath Veettil R, Deshpande S.Role of yoga in the management of premature ejaculation.World J Mens Health. 2020;38(4):495-505. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190062Bhat S, Pandey MK, K U, Gokani N, Rao TSS.A scoping review: Is yoga an effective intervention for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation?Cureus. 2024;16(1):e53265. doi:10.7759/cureus.53265
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Field T.Yoga research review.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016;24:145-161. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.06.005Cui X, Zhou J, Qin Z, Liu Z.Acupuncture for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:1-6. doi:10.1155/2016/2171923Dhikav V, Karmarkar G, Verma M, et al.Yoga in male sexual functioning: a noncompararive pilot study.J Sex Med. 2010;7(10):3460-3466. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01930.xBen-Josef AM, Chen J, Wileyto P, et al.Effect of Eischens yoga during radiation therapy on prostate cancer patient symptoms and quality of life: a randomized phase II trial.Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2017;98(5):1036-1044. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.03.043Harvard Health.Yoga benefits beyond the mat.Joshi AM, Arkiath Veettil R, Deshpande S.Role of yoga in the management of premature ejaculation.World J Mens Health. 2020;38(4):495-505. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190062Bhat S, Pandey MK, K U, Gokani N, Rao TSS.A scoping review: Is yoga an effective intervention for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation?Cureus. 2024;16(1):e53265. doi:10.7759/cureus.53265
Field T.Yoga research review.Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2016;24:145-161. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.06.005
Cui X, Zhou J, Qin Z, Liu Z.Acupuncture for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review.Biomed Res Int. 2016;2016:1-6. doi:10.1155/2016/2171923
Dhikav V, Karmarkar G, Verma M, et al.Yoga in male sexual functioning: a noncompararive pilot study.J Sex Med. 2010;7(10):3460-3466. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01930.x
Ben-Josef AM, Chen J, Wileyto P, et al.Effect of Eischens yoga during radiation therapy on prostate cancer patient symptoms and quality of life: a randomized phase II trial.Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2017;98(5):1036-1044. doi:10.1016/j.ijrobp.2017.03.043
Harvard Health.Yoga benefits beyond the mat.
Joshi AM, Arkiath Veettil R, Deshpande S.Role of yoga in the management of premature ejaculation.World J Mens Health. 2020;38(4):495-505. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190062
Bhat S, Pandey MK, K U, Gokani N, Rao TSS.A scoping review: Is yoga an effective intervention for erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation?Cureus. 2024;16(1):e53265. doi:10.7759/cureus.53265
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