/ayurveda/fertility-wellness/

Definition:
According to modern science, Infertility is the failure to conceive even after one year of unprotected intercourse regardless of the cause. Infertility may result due to issues in either or both of the partners.

According to Ayurveda, infertility is referred to as “Vandhyatva”. A woman whose Artawa (menstrual cycle) is perished is called Vandhya. Male infertility is called “Shandatwa or Napumsakata”

Types of Infertility:

There are two types of infertility namely primary infertility and secondary infertility.

Primary Infertility:

Primary infertility refers to couples who are not able to conceive after at least one year of unprotected sex (intercourse).

Secondary Infertility:

Secondary infertility refers to couples who are able conceive at least once, but never again.

Causes for infertility:

Infertility may be due to male or female factors. In Ayurveda, main cause for any abnormal function in body is Agnimandya (vitiation of the digestive fire of body) and tridosha dusti (vitiation of three elements of the body).

For Female:        

  • Ovarian factors
  • Tubal factors
  • Age related factors
  • Uterine problems
  • PCOS
  • Endometriosis
  • Adenomyosis
  • Endocrine disturbances
  • Stress

For Male:

  • Abnormal sperm production or function
  • Problem with the delivery of sperm
  • Premature ejaculation
  • Over exposure to certain environmental factors
  • Excessive smoking
  • Alcohol intake
  • Deskbound work
  • Stress
  • Loss of libido

These factors can be affected by diet, emotional instability, excessive physical exercise, life style and stress responsible for creating an imbalance of the dosha.

Four essential elements of fertility:

Optimal functioning of the below listed four elements is essential based on Ayurveda.

Timing (Rtu):

This is a well-known aspect and most people try to focus more on this element. Generally, following female menstrual cycle gives an idea about ovulation. Following the rules of nature, Spring can be a better season for fertility.

The field (Female reproductive system – Kshetra):

Healty female reproductive organs like uterus, ovaries, fallopian tube are an important necessity for consumption.

Ambu (Health and nutrition fluid):

The role of vital fluids like plasma, lymph and blood cannot be ignored. In addition, amblical cord and amniotic fluid in the fetal development plays an important role.

The seed (bheeja – ovum and sperm):

Quality of sperms and egg are considered as the most complete tissues and thus need to be given at most attention for fertility.

Miscellaneous factors:

  • Proper functioning of vata
  • Physically and mentally healthy partners

Treatment:

Panchakarma treatments will correct agni by eliminating ama. Healthy agni is quite essential for healthy ojas. The main dosha contributing to infertility is vata. Hence, rectifying vata is a key in treating infertility.

Female infertility:

  • Virechana – Purgation
  • Uttara vasti
  • Vasti – Medicated enema
  • Abhyanga – full body massage
  • Udwartana – dry powder massage
  • Shirodhara
  • Per conceptional detox

Male infertility:

  • Virechana – Purgation
  • Uttara vasti
  • Sneha Vasti – Medicated oil enema
  • Yapana vasti – Rejuvenating enema
  • Abhyanga – full body massage
  • Udwartana – dry powder massage
  • Shirodhara
  • Per conceptional detox
  • Vajikaranam

These treatments will help release stress and remove impurities from the body. They nourish all the dhatus of the body, strengthen the immunity, revitalize the mind and pacifies the vata.

Ayurvedic herbs useful in Infertility:

For Female:

  • Shatavari (asparagus racemousus)
  • Ashwagandha (withania somnifera / Indian ginseng)
  • Amlaki (Emblica officinalis)
  • Aloe Vera
  • Ashoka (Saraca asoca)
  • Punarnava (boerhaavia diffusa)

For Male:

  • Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens)
  • Gokshura(Tribulus terrestris)
  • Ashwagandha (withania somnifera / Indian ginseng)
  • Satavary(asparagus racemousus)
  • Yashtimadhu(Glycyrrhiza glabra)