According to Ayurveda, infertility applies specifically to the biological failure of a woman of reproductive age to contribute to the conception and also to the condition of a woman who is unlikely to carry out a full-term pregnancy. Infertility is often described as an inability, according to modern science, to conceive after a year of daily intercourse without contraceptives.
Causes of infertility
Infertility can be caused by male or female triggers. Infertility causes in women include ovarian factors, tubal factors, age-related factors, uterine disorders, PCOS, endometriosis, etc. The menstrual cycle can be impacted by many causes, such as diet, mental instability, unnecessary physical activity, lifestyle, and stress, which are liable for developing a Doshas imbalance (control the activities of the body-Vata, Pitta and Kapha).
Male infertility is typically caused by conditions that impair either sperm production or sperm transport, including varicocele, cancers, ejaculation problems, tumors, hormonal imbalances, tubular defects that transport sperm, etc.
In Ayurveda, the primary cause of any improper function of the digestive system is agnimandya (vitiation of the digestive fire of the body) and tridosha dushti (vitiation of three governing factors of the body).
Treatment principles of Infertility in Ayurveda
- Agni deepana and Ama pachana
The formation of ama (toxins produced when food forms undigested in the stomach) due to the imbalance in Agni (the strength of digestion) contributes to many diseases.
Therefore, the treatment of Ama must always include treatment of Agni, through the use of the digestive and carminative Ayurvedic formulas, the proper consumption of meals within the required timeframe. Ayurveda Panchakarma Therapy aims to remove Ama and thereby corrects Agni. Good Agni will lead to healthy Ojas as well.
2. Vatanulomana
Vata is the primary dosha involved in infertility. Vatanulomana (correcting the roles of Vata) is also very important in the treatment of infertility. Ayurvedic formulations, following routine exercises and a strict diet schedule, will help in Vatanulomana.
3. Sodhana
Effective sneha-swedas are performed prior to sodhan. Treatment approaches such as Vamana (emesis), Virechana (purification), Vasti (mediated enema), and Utharavasti specific enema delivered through urethral or vaginal pathways are then conducted according to the patient’s condition.
The patient must obey the peyadi krama (strict dietary regimen to be followed after Sodhana). This detoxification treatment helps to eliminate toxins from the body. These therapies tend to fix ovarian, tubular, and uterine disorders that induce infertility.
Ayurveda therapies help to reduce anxiety and eliminate impurities from the body. They feed the body, revitalize the mind and improve the immune system. They are helpful in reducing discomfort, nourishing all of the body’s dhatus, and pacifying Vata
Ayurvedic herbs
Infertility itself is not on its own. It is the outcome of some other type of disorder. The herbs used in the procedure are then geared at eliminating the root cause. The most widely recognized and used herbs, such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemousus), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis).
These are extremely useful formulas that help to establish a synergistic hormonal equilibrium between the Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and the Luteinizing Hormone (LH). No specific herb alone is known to be useful for the promotion of fertility. Therefore, in the treatment of infertility, a mixture of herbs is used to correct the organic or practical problem caused by infertility
Ayurvedic herbs used in the treatment for infertility:
- Ovulation problem – Ashoka, Dashmoola, Shatavari, Aloe vera, Guggulu, etc.
- Premature ovarian failure (POF) – Ashoka, Dashmoola, Shatavari, Guduchi, Jeevanti, etc.
- Blocked fallopian tubes, adhesions (scar tissue), and pelvic inflammatory diseases-Guduchi, Punarnava, etc.
The right mix of herbs helps to manage menstrual cycles, boost overall health and fitness, revitalize sperm (enhancing sperm count, morphology, and motility), minimize stress, increase sleep, control anxiety and increase energy levels, stabilize the endocrine system and improve blood flow in the pelvic cavity, thus encouraging fertility.