Infertility

Infertility, defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer, impacts millions of individuals worldwide, with significant implications for families and communities. Statistics indicate that approximately one out of every six individuals of reproductive age faces infertility challenges at some point in their lives. In males, infertility often stems from issues related to semen ejaculation, low sperm count or absence of sperm, and abnormalities in sperm morphology and motility. In females, infertility can arise from various factors affecting the ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and hormonal balance. While some causes may affect only one partner, others can impact both. Risk factors for infertility include advancing age, particularly for individuals in their late 30s and 40s. For men, fertility typically starts declining around the age of 50. Other factors that can impact male fertility include eating disorders, heavy alcohol consumption, exposure to environmental toxins like chemicals, lead, and pesticides, excessive exercise, radiation or chemotherapy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), intoxicants and obesity.

Infertility can be categorized as primary, meaning a person has never achieved pregnancy, or secondary, where at least one previous pregnancy has occurred. Fertility care involves activities aimed at preventing, diagnosing, and treating infertility. According to Ayurveda, infertility arises from an imbalance in the body's doshas, or energies, which impacts reproductive health. Ayurvedic approaches to treating infertility concentrate on rebalancing these energies through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, detoxification methods, and specific therapies. By addressing the root causes of imbalance and fostering general health and wellness, Ayurveda seeks to boost fertility and facilitate natural conception.

When addressing infertility in females, the primary goal is to regulate their menstrual cycle if it is irregular. By using medication, adjusting diet, and making lifestyle changes, correcting the menstrual cycle can significantly improve outcomes in infertility cases. Poly cystic ovarian syndrome, obesity, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory diseases are common diseases that affect the fertility in female.

Male infertility is commonly caused by issues with sperm, including reduced or absent sperm count, as well as abnormal sperm morphology and impaired sperm motility. In Ayurveda the channel carrying nutrient to reproductive system is called as shukravaha strotas. Healthy functioning of shukravaha strotas plays important role in maintaining the harmony and happiness in marital life. Shukra dhatu is one of the saptadhatus (seven tissue factors) mentioned in Ayurveda literature.

Management of Infertility

Ayurveda extensively discusses infertility under Vajikarana, one of its eight major specialties. This branch focuses on enhancing virility, addressing aphrodisiacs, and promoting progeny health. Ayurvedic teachings emphasize four essential factors for conception: Ritu (reproductive period), Kshethram (female reproductive tract), Ambu (nutrition), and Beejam (sperm and ovum). Any disruption or abnormality in these factors can impair fertility outcomes.

Ayurvedic treatments, including purification (shodhana) and balancing (shamana) therapies, aim to clear blockages in channels, balance doshas, and support the optimal production of healthy semen (shukra dhatu) and ovum (stree shukra). This approach creates a favorable environment for fertilization and enhances the chances of conception. Key herbs used in treating infertility include Kapikachu (Mucuna pruriens), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris), Satavari (Asparagus racemosus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Musli (Curculigo orchioides), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), and Satapushpa (Dill seeds).

Pre conceptional care

Preparing for conception involves taking proactive steps to improve health before pregnancy, which plays a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes for infertility and increasing the chances of a healthy pregnancy and baby. Preconception care involves lifestyle adjustments like quitting intoxicants and achieving a healthy weight, along with addressing any medical issues that might impact pregnancy. Its goal is to optimize the health of both partners before attempting to conceive, ultimately improving outcomes for both mother and child. In ayurveda herbal formulations that address bodily imbalances and prepare the body for a healthy pregnancy through internal and external therapies. Small lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact on infertility cases, emphasizing the importance of our proactive role in achieving the blessing of parenthood.