Ayurvedic point of view-Physiology of Male Reproductive System

Physiology of Male Reproductive System
The roots of ‘Śukravaha Srotas’ are the testicles and penis(Ca. Vi. 5/10). Testicles synthesize the hormone testosterone and also they arethe sites of spermatogenesis. Penis is the male copulatory organ through whichthe seminal fluid is deposited in the female reproductive tract. The factor,which is responsible for the formation of ‘Garbha’ (embryo), is known as‘Śukra’ (Ca.Śā. 2/4). ‘Śukra’ is distributed all over the body in the samemanner in which the fat in the milk and juice in the sugar cane plant aredistributed (Ca.Ci. 2/46). Also, this is present in males and females. Allhormones of hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis can thus be included under theterm ‘Śukra’. In some references, ‘Śukra’ stands for only semen. Fatty portionof ‘Majjā’ forms ‘Śukra’. This ‘Śukra’ comes out of bones through the porescreated by ‘Vāyu’ and ‘Ākāśa Mahābhūtas’. As if the water oozing out of new mudpot,
‘Śukra’ also oozes out of these pores and then circulatesall over the body through ‘Śukravaha Srotāmhsi’(Ca.Ci. 15/32-33). ‘Majjā’ stands for even brain substance. ‘Mastakamajjā’ isthe term given to indicate brain by Dalhanha, thecommentator of Suśruta Samhhitā, while commenting on Su.Śā.10/42.Hypothalamus secretes GnRH and Hypothalamohypophysial portal system carriesthis to the anterior pituitary. Anterior pituitary, in response to GnRH,secretes FSH and LH into the blood stream. These hormones then circulate allover the body and stimulate ovaries and testicles to secrete their own hormones.

Ejaculation:
When the person gets excited because of the sexual urge,determination and romantic mental attitude, ‘Śukra’ comes out through theurethra (with which the bladder is connected)as if the melted ghee. This occurs because of the heat produced by the physicalexertion during copulation. The simile given to describe this process is theflow of water from a place of lower altitude to a place of higher altitude(Ca.Ci. 15/34-35). Generalized sympathetic stimulation is an essential featureof sexual activity. Erection requires parasympathetic stimulation whereasejaculation is dependent on sympathetic one. Also, ejaculation is brought aboutby ‘Apāna Vāta’, which represents the sympathetic activity in this case.

Physical properties of Semen: The semen is ‘Snigdha’(unctuous), dense, slimy, sweet, nonirritating (mild), and white just like apiece of alum crystal (Ca.Ci. 30/145-146).