Role of Ayurveda in Sexual Healthcare with Respect to DSM 5 Criteria: A Comprehensive Review

Sexual health disorders constitute a significant burden on individual wellbeing and public health, affecting physical vitality, mental health, interpersonal relationships, and social functioning. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), provides standardized diagnostic criteria for sexual dysfunctions and paraphilic disorders based on symptom duration, severity, and associated distress. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, conceptualizes sexual health as an expression of systemic balance involving Doshas, Dhatus—particularly Shukra Dhatu—Agni, Ojas, Manas, and ethical conduct (Dharma). This comprehensive review critically analyzes DSM-5 definitions and clinical characteristics of male and female sexual dysfunctions and paraphilic disorders and correlates them with Ayurvedic etiopathogenesis, clinical features, and management principles. Classical Ayurvedic texts along with contemporary biomedical literature indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science are reviewed. The article highlights conceptual convergences, differences, therapeutic scope, ethical considerations, and future research directions for integrative sexual healthcare.