Dhat Syndrome - Loss of Men's 'Elixir'

What Is Dhat Syndrome?

Dhat syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by loss of semen through urine, nocturnal emission or wet dreams, or masturbation. This condition is mostly seen in young, recently married men of average to low socio-economic status. Dhat syndrome is associated with weakness, fatigue, sleeplessness, and palpitations. The word 'Dhat' comes from the Sanskrit word'Dhatu', which means elixir or the constituent part of the body. So they considered semen to be the 'Dhatu' or the integral part of the body.

Losing semen was considered a big problem. According to various cultural beliefs, semen is something that is to be preserved. This loss of semen created concern among individuals, and they believed that it would cause sexual dysfunction. Dhat syndrome is typically a problem in the youthful generation.

What Are the Causes of Dhat Syndrome?

There is no known physical cause for the disease. It mainly occurs due to wrong beliefs and misconceptions about normal sexual activities. Dhat syndrome is believed to be excessive masturbation, sensual dreams, or absence of sexual desires. An imbalance of emotions and alcohol consumption can be other stated causes of Dhat syndrome. Some experts believe Dhat syndrome is a culture-bound syndrome unique to a specific ethical or cultural community. Some studies suggest that this syndrome affects men living in the Indian subcontinent.

What Are the Symptoms Associated With Dhat Syndrome?

• Nocturnal emission.

• Secretion of semen in urine.

• Anxiety.

• Stress

• Irritability.

• Fatigue.

• Loss of appetite.

• Loss of physical strength.

• Loss of concentration.

• Psychosexual dysfunction.

• Discoloration of urine.

• Exhaustion.

What Are the Clinical Manifestations of Dhat Syndrome?

The Dhat syndrome can be categorized into three.

1. Dhat Alone: Patients with Dhat alone syndrome have hypochondriacal, depressive, or anxiety symptoms.

2. Dhat With Comorbid Depression and Anxiety: In this type of patient, Dhat syndrome appears as an accompanying feature. Patients have psychiatric comorbidities and sexual comorbidities.

Psychiatric Comorbidities:

• Depression.

• Anxiety disorder.

• Sleep disturbances.

• Stress-related disorders.

• Somatoform disorders.

• Hypochondriasis.

Sexual Comorbidities:

• Premature ejaculation.

• Desired disorder.

• Erectile dysfunction.

3. Dhat With Sexual Dysfunction: Dhat syndrome can be accompanied by sexual dysfunction. People with sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction, impotence, and low libido have Dhat syndrome accompanied.

What Are the Problems Associated With Dhat Syndrome?

1. Erectile Dysfunction: Occurs in persons with Dhat syndrome due to medications or anxiety disorders.

2. Ejaculation Issues: They may experience premature ejaculation during a sex

3. Low Libido: Mental issues like anxiety and tension about engaging in sexual activity can result in low libido.

Other problems like weakness, fatigue, low mood, guilt, and anxiety will be experienced by the patients.

What Is Dhat Syndrome in Females?

Dhat syndrome in females is similar to that in males, where a female experiences anxiety and distress due to non-pathological vaginal discharge. Common symptoms include fatigue, irritability, tiredness, and pain sensation. In addition, many women experience a high non-pathological discharge, and they find it difficult to talk to a clinician. As a result, they face the following problems regarding treatment.

• Repressed sexuality-related emotions.

• Lack of knowledge of sexual health.

• Lack of access to proper healthcare.

• Lack of sensitivity among clinicians.

How Is Dhat Syndrome Treated?

• The treatment of Dhat syndrome needs an integrated approach to the treatment part.

• Listen to the problems with empathy, reassuring, and help them with “counseling”.

• Collaboration with doctors of various specialties like urology, venereology, and neurology.

• Health care assistance and support from a psychologist, mental health specialist, etc

• Treatment for Dhat syndrome should begin before it reaches sexual “dysfunction”.

• Assessing the sex knowledge and clarification of various misconceptions about semen and nocturnal emission

• Various techniques to remove stress and anxiety in patients.

• Lifestyle management and yoga can help in managing Dhat syndrome.

1. Dhat Syndrome and Anxiety:

In patients with Dhat syndrome and anxiety, the root cause of anxiety is loss of semen. Various cultural beliefs linked to this loss of semen and sexual dysfunction is the major cause of anxiety. Anti-anxiety drugs are found to be effective in this situation. In addition, a detailed study of their health problems and sexual health is assessed. In many cases, proper treatment for anxiety and changes in lifestyle can bring change in Dhat syndrome.

2. Dhat Syndrome and Depression:

Due to persistent anxiety issues, people often fall into a state of depression. Fatigue and stress are common symptoms that accompany depression. Proper and timely treatment for depression is vital in managing Dhat syndrome. Antidepressant drugs can be prescribed according to the symptoms. Counseling and therapy sessions go hand in hand to regulate the symptoms.

3. Dhat Syndrome and Sexual Dysfunction:

Having a good sex life is an important aspect of one's life. Good sexual health affects the overall health of a person. The myths and misconceptions about Dhat syndrome can make someone uncertain about their sex life, leading to low self-esteem can push an individual to severe mental illness. Such people need proper education on sexual health. Proper counseling and psychiatric care can help them to have a stress-free life.

What Are the Complications of Dhat Syndrome?

If left untreated, Dhat syndrome will result in various problems.

• Weakness.

• Impotence.

• Oligospermia (a condition in which sperm count is very less in semen).

• Infertility.

• Erectile dysfunction.

What Are the Myths and Facts Related to Dhat Syndrome?

Myths:

• Semen is an integral part of the body, and loss of semen is harmful to the body.

• Several drops of blood or bone marrow make up one drop of blood.

• The white discharge seen in the urine contains some vital substances.

Facts:

• Losing semen is a natural process after sexual intercourse or masturbation.

• There is no relation between blood, bone marrow, and semen.

• The white discharge in urine is not always semen nor contains any vital substances.

Conclusion

Dhat syndrome is an important psychosexual problem that needs to be addressed, and proper treatment is to be provided. The exact cause of Dhat syndrome is not clear. The treatment mainly focuses on proper sex education, improved mental health, and relieving stress and anxiety. Many myths are also associated with this syndrome which needs more study and research.