
Male and female infertility
Infertility, the inability to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse, affects many couples worldwide. It can be due to factors affecting either the male or female partner, or a combination of both.
Treatment Focus Areas:
Male infertility
Male infertility occurs when a man is unable to cause pregnancy in a fertile female partner. It accounts for approximately 40-50% of all infertility cases.
Causes
Factors contributing to male infertility include:
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Sperm disorders: low sperm count (oligospermia), poor sperm motility (asthenospermia), or abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia).
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Hormonal imbalances: affecting testosterone, FSH, or LH levels.
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Anatomical problems: varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), blockages in the reproductive tract (e.g., vas deferens or epididymis), or undescended testicles.
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Infections: like STIs or inflammation of the testicles or epididymis.
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Genetic disorders: Klinefelter syndrome or cystic fibrosis.
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Lifestyle factors: smoking, heavy alcohol use, drug abuse, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins.
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Medical conditions or treatments: chronic diseases like diabetes and certain cancer treatments (chemotherapy, radiation).
Treatment provided by Vaidyamrit Ayurveda to male infertility:
Ayurveda views male infertility primarily through the lens of "Shukra Dhatu," the essence responsible for reproduction. An imbalance or depletion of Shukra Dhatu, often due to vitiated Vata and Pitta doshas, can lead to conditions like Kshina Shukra (depleted sperm) and oligospermia. Ayurvedic management focuses on restoring dosha balance, enhancing Shukra Dhatu, and improving overall reproductive health through:
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Shamana Chikitsa (Palliative treatment):includes dietary and lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Amalaki, and Yashtimadhu to enhance sperm quality and quantity.
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Shodhana Chikitsa (Purification therapy):Panchakarma therapies like Virechana, Vasti, and Uttarabasti help eliminate toxins and rejuvenate the reproductive system.
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Vajikarana (Aphrodisiac therapy): aims at sexual rejuvenation and improving fertility using herbs like Kapikacchu and Gokshura.
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Preventative measures: emphasize maintaining a healthy lifestyle through Dinacharya (daily routine), Ritucharya (seasonal regimen), and Sadvritta (moral conduct).
Female infertility
Female infertility is a medical condition affecting a woman's ability to conceive.
Causes
Common causes of female infertility include:
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Ovulation problems: polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic dysfunction, or primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).
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Fallopian tube damage: often due to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or previous pelvic surgeries.
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Endometriosis: uterine tissue growing outside the uterus, affecting conception.
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Uterine issues: fibroids, polyps, or an abnormally shaped uterus.
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Cervical factors: cervical stenosis (narrowing) or inadequate mucus production.
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Egg count and quality: declining with age and affected by conditions like POI.
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Unexplained infertility: when no specific cause is found, potentially due to a combination of factors.
Solution provided by Vaidyamrit Ayurveda to female infertility:
Ayurveda views female infertility as a complex condition stemming from imbalances in Tridoshas, Dhatus, Agni, and Mala. It aims to restore balance and enhance reproductive health through:
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Herbal formulations: Shatavari, Ashoka, Lodhra, and Gokshura support hormonal balance, strengthen uterine function, and promote healthy ovulation.
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Panchakarma therapies: Virechan, Vasti, Uttarbasti, and Nasya cleanse and rejuvenate the reproductive system.
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Dietary and lifestyle adjustments: emphasizing a Sattvic diet rich in fresh produce, dairy, nuts, and stress reduction techniques like yoga and meditation.
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Garbhasanskar: a prenatal program focused on educating and bonding with the unborn child, aiming to promote physical and mental well-being in both mother and baby.
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