Male and female Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of unprotected intercourse or being unable to carry a fetus to term. A lot of couples experience delays in conceiving without any major health issues and some never procreate.

The main causes of infertility are stress, hormonal imbalance, lack of quality sperm & ovum etc. The increasing prevalence of medical disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, and hypothyroidism and lifestyle diseases such as obesity and addictions in the young also contribute to infertility.

In Ayurveda, this condition is mentioned as Vandhyatha. Treatment for Infertility can differ based on the cause of infertility. Ayurveda treatments and medication can help correct the hormonal balance, ensure regular ovulation, improve the quality and quantity of sperm (beeja) etc. This includes purificatory treatments like Panchakarma, rasyanaika treatments, special therapies like uthara vasti and oral medicines. Repeated treatments can provide better results in case of infertility.

Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) is the diagnosis given to women with abnormal uterine bleeding in whom no clear etiology can be identified. DUB has been observed in both ovulatory and anovulatory cycles and may have a significant impact on their physical, social, emotional and material quality of life.

Ayurveda considers heavy menstrual bleeding as Raktapradara. It is mostly attributed to an unwholesome diet and lifestyle that vitiates the doshas. The treatment protocol includes dosha purifications like virechanam and vasti, vaginal tampoons (yoni pichu), avagaham etc, along with oral medicines, all of which can help in balancing the doshas and correcting the condition.

LEUCORRHOEA includes all abnormal blood-free vaginal discharges with or without foul smell or itching. It can also cause pain in the thighs and calf muscles and burning micturition etc.

Ayurvedic treatment of leucorrhoea is aiming at balance Kapha, restoring the digestive fire, and to cleanse the accumulated toxins. After this, rejuvenating herbs are prescribed to tone the reproductive system.

By age 50, it is estimated that 70% of women will have one or more uterine fibroids, with around 30% of patients symptomatic and requesting treatment. Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign tumors of smooth muscle, taking origin in the uterine wall.
Symptoms of fibroids are abnormal and excessive uterine bleeding, pelvic pain, painful intercourse and infertility.

Ayurvedic management includes Vata-Kapha pacifying therapies, blood purifying medicines, treatments to manage weight and hormonal imbalance and stress management.

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to address infertility issues women. It aims to balance the body’s doshas, enhance reproductive health, and improve the chances of conception. The treatment may involve a combination of therapies, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications based on individual needs.

Ayurvedic treatments for infertility may include:

• Panchakarma: Panchakarma therapies, such as Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enema), are used to detoxify and cleanse the reproductive organs.
• Snehana and Swedana: These treatments involve the application of medicated oils and herbal steam to improve blood circulation and reproductive health.
• Herbal remedies: Specific herbs like Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Guduchi are used to support hormonal balance, promote ovulation, and regulate menstrual cycles.
• Diet and lifestyle: A well-balanced diet, stress management, and regular exercise play a crucial role in addressing infertility.

Erectile dysfunction affects a considerable proportion of men at least occasionally. Contributing factors could also include stress, overweight, diabetes, smoking, alcoholism etc.

One branch of ayurveda is Vrishya Chikitsa or treatments to increase virility, which can help in ED. But all erectile dysfunction would have an underlying cause. Searching for the cause and managing it along with the physical, spiritual and mental healing is important in the management of ED.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual disorders.
Vrishya Chikitsa, a branch of Ayurveda for the treatments to increase virility, can help in premature ejaculation as well.

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to address infertility issues in  men  It aims to balance the body’s doshas, enhance reproductive health, and improve the chances of conception. The treatment may involve a combination of therapies, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications based on individual needs.

In men, Ayurvedic treatments for infertility may include:

• Vajikarana therapy: Vajikarana formulations, which consist of potent aphrodisiac herbs, are prescribed to improve sperm quality, quantity, and motility.
• Rasayana therapy: Rasayana herbs are used to improve overall vitality and boost reproductive health in men.
• Stress reduction: Stress can negatively impact male fertility, so stress management techniques are emphasized.
• Dietary recommendations: A nutritious diet, including foods that enhance reproductive health, is suggested.

It’s important to remember that Ayurvedic treatments for infertility may take time, and individual results may vary. For couples struggling with infertility, it’s best to consult an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner who can create personalized treatment plans based on their specific health conditions.