Causes of Infertility (Modern Science Perspective) :
1. Modern science describes the causes of female infertility as :
- Disruption in the hypothalamus; conditions like PCOS or PCOD
- High prolactin levels
- Thyroid problems
- Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes often from PID, endometriosis, or past surgeries
- Uterine fibroids
- Polyps
- Unusual uterine structure
- Cervical stenosis or issues with mucus
- Egg quality and quantity are decreased after mid-30s
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometriosis chronic diseases, and autoimmune conditions
- Exposure to toxins
- Stress
- Being overweight or underweight
- No clear reason found even after testing
2. Causes of male infertility according to modern science :
- Low testosterone levels
- Abnormalities in chromosomes
- Varicocele or swollen veins in the scrotum
- Asthenospermia is when the sperm lacks motility
- Obstructed sperm ducts(from injury or infection, etc.)
- Oligospermia means having fewer sperm than normal
- Teratospermia refers to sperm shaped
- Azoospermia is when no sperm is present
- Sperm quality tends to drop after 40 years of age
- Certain STIs, orchitis, epididymitis, and celiac disease
- Chronic conditions, like kidney problems
- Exposure to harmful toxins
What is infertility ? How does Ayurveda consider infertility ?
Infertility occurs when a couple tries to have a baby with regular unprotected sex for over a year, but the woman does not get pregnant. This means they face challenges in conceiving . In Ayurveda, it is called "Vandhyatva" and is seen as more than just a health problem. It's that something needs to be in balance--body and mind--to conceive.
In Ayurvedic infertility is not due to body symptoms. It just means that there are some imbalances of doshas of body: Vata Pitta, and Kapha. The entire conception process is called Garbhasambhavsamagri. In this, Garbha means the developing embryo or fetus, Samabhav describes how the embryo forms, and Samagri refers to the key factors needed to conceive. Ayurvedic knowledge practiced since ancient days, sees conception as the sacred joining of four vital elements or "seeds": Ritu, Kshetra, Ambu, and Bija. These four must align for conception (Garbha) to occur in a healthy way.
- Ritu or Cycle: This refers to the twelve days after menstruation has stopped. According to modern science, ovulation often happens around fourteen days from the start of a period. A woman’s body produces cervical mucus during a few of these days 10 to 18 days after her menstruation begins. This mucus works like a smooth pathway helping sperm reach the egg more . By keeping track of her cycle, a woman and her partner can pinpoint when she is most fertile often called the "fertile window." Understanding this time can boost their chances of conceiving. Ayurveda connects this healthy and fertile state of the body to Kapha dosha. Kapha focuses on ensuring stability proper lubrication, and growth. For a baby to grow well, a balanced Kapha helps create an ideal and welcoming environment.
- Kshetra (Field): A healthy uterus plays a key role in successful Garbha (conception). Any type of pathology of the uterus decreases the chances of pregnancy. Just like the earth has to be fertile to plant seeds, likewise the uterus has to be healthy and receptive. Drinking Ojas-stimulating milk and ghee and doing Yoga or exercising every day prepares the uterus for conception.
- Ambu is Nourishment: Ambu is related to Rasa Dhatu, which is created after digestion of food. Ambu is related to Preenana or nourishment. Water has the quality of sustaining life, and until nourishment is given to Garbha or foetus, then it can be due to miscarriage. Ayurveda instructs them to maintain a daily routine with a vision of developing Shukra or sperm and Artava or ovum in healthy state.
- Seed or Bija: The fourth is known as Bija and signifies that both Shuddha Shukra (sperm and semen) and Shuddha Artava (ovum) should be strong and healthy. These are the components of a successful Garbha or embriyo because one would need strong seeds for a good harvest. Ayurveda allows for the manufacture of "Shuddha Shukra" and "Shuddha Artava" in the assistance of therapies like Panchakarma, a detoxification process, and certain medications like rasayana and Vajikarana. Ayurveda is of the opinion that conception is not of a physical nature in causative etiology for diseases to any degree. Stress emotional strain, and anxiety often play a big role in influencing fertility too. This is why Ayurvedic care looks at every part of your life. To restore fertility Ayurvedic methods consider your body, thoughts, and lifestyle habits.
Ayurveda's View on Infertility :
It highlights multiple reasons behind this issue. These reasons often combine and work together to block the reproductive system. Things such as seasons, food habits, and obstructions in the body have a big effect even if they may not seem noticeable right away.To explain, Ritu Kal refers to a phase where Kapha and Pitta doshas dominate by nature. When doshas Vata and Pitta operate at this level, they result in infertility. Tubal obstruction or congenital malformation of the uterus is also a cause of infertility. Deficiency of certain vitamins and minerals in the diet provides a hidden cause for such conditions. The imbalance of doshas—Vata—is the root cause of infertility. Problems arise from reasons like excessive physical effort irregular daily routines, and long-term stress. When Vata dosha worsens menstrual cycles become irregular causing abnormal movement of reproductive fluids and disrupted ovulation. Increased Pitta dosha heightens body heat, which inflames reproductive organs and throws hormones off balance affecting the quality of sperm or ovum. Too much Kapha dosha results in excessive secretion of mucus and clogs the sex organs. It causes disease like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or infertility resulting from obesity. Secondly, mental states or psychological conditions like depression, anxiety, and over-stress become enemies of hormones and thus avoid the process of natural conception. Shukra dhatu makes up one of the seven critical tissues in the body. It develops from fatty marrow and comes from sweet tastes. It has the five simple forms: fire, air, water, earth, and ether. It has a mild nature and supports strength, courage, youth, happiness, and reproduction.
Ayurveda considers a healthy amount of shukra to equal half an Anjali, a traditional unit of measure. , it appears clear like alum has a liquid and viscous texture, feels sweet, and smells like honey.Ayurvedic texts outline eight types of shukra imbalances (shukradusti). These disturbances can connect to vata, pitta, or kapha doshas.A man's sperm health can decline when his Vata and Pitta doshas become unbalanced. This can lead to issues labeled as "Ksheena Shukra," "Shukradushti," or low sperm count poor sperm movement, and unusual sperm shape. Ayurvedic treatments address "Shukra Dushti" and "Ksheena Shukra" by focusing on a whole-body method. The approach aims to balance the affected doshas, remove harmful toxins, and strengthen the Shukra dhatu.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Infertility :
Ayurveda takes specific steps to address infertility. Here are its main approaches:
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Panchakarma: Shodhan therapy or Detoxification to treat Infertility
Panchakarma acts as a deep cleansing method that helps to eliminate toxins and maintain balanced doshas. Before heavy detoxification begins, Ayurveda uses oil massages called Snehana, along with therapies that induce sweating known as Swedana.
Panchakarma Methods Involve:
- Vamana or Therapeutic Emesis – This process clears an imbalanced Kapha dosha and proves helpful in cases of hormonal irregularities such as PCOD or PCOS.
- Virechana or Purgation Therapy – Treatment eliminates excess Pitta dosha from the body. Treatment increases the metabolism and fertility efficiency.
- Basti or Medicated Enema – The treatment sustains the Vata dosha, which is related to ovulation, sperm motility, and sperm shape. The process called Vatanulomana is achieved through Basti.
- Uttar Basti – This is a specific type of enema given through the vaginal or urethral passage. It cleans and revives the reproductive organs. It facilitates implantation of the embryo in the uterus and corrects disease conditions such as improper mobility of sperms, and abnormal sperms in men. Individualized treatment is obtained by one with Panchakarma. The patients need to follow Samsarjana Krama, extremely strict dietary control after Panchakarma.
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Strengthening Agni and Digestion
When agni is out of balance undigested food builds up in the stomach leading to ama. Ama often causes various health problems. Panchakarma helps the body get rid of ama, but treating ama also involves improving agni. This requires digestive and carminative Ayurvedic medicines eating meals on time, and sticking to a proper daily routine. Restoring balance to agni supports the creation of healthy ojas.
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Vatanulomana (Restoring Vata Dosha Balance)
Vata plays a key role in infertility. Fixing issues related to Vata is essential. Ayurvedic remedies regular physical activities, and following a disciplined diet plan assist in achieving Vatanulomana.
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Rasayana and Vajikarana Treatment
The Goal Of Rasayana Therapy Is:
- To boost general health
- To increase energy and vitality
- To support proper organ function
- To slow down the effects of aging
Inner process gets advanced in Rasayana therapy, the body accordingly gets prepared for conception.
Vajikarana Therapy Is Applied In Management Of
- Boost both the quality and amount of semen. It may be beneficial in low sperm count (oligospermia), defective sperm motility (asthenospermia), or abnormal sperm morphology (teratospermia).
- Support ovarian and egg health. It ensures regular ovulation and the quality of the follicles is enhanced.
- Augment reproductive energy of the body.
- Augment libido and sexual desire.
Rasayana is applied to general well-being management, whereas Vajikarana is applied to reproductive well-being management. Both the therapies combined provide a generalized treatment for infertile patients.
Ayurvedic medicines were observed to manage the reproductive well-being through the following :
- Shatavari – Shatavari is a good uterine tonic. Shatavari maintains increased follicular growth and contributes to endometrial thickening.
- Shatavari – Shatavari acts as a strong tonic for the uterus. It promotes better follicle growth and boosts endometrial thickness.
- Ashwagandha – Ashwagandha aids in addressing problems related to ejaculation.
- Vidarikand – Vidarikand supports the improvement of sperm count and health. It also promotes conception by improving mental health.
- Kapikacchu – Kapikacchu stimulates sperm production and enhances the sperm drive and increase libico.
- Gokshura – Gokshura raises testosterone as well as sperm quality.
How Ayurveda talks about diet and conceiving :
Ayurveda highlights eating foods that strengthen the dhatus, keep doshas in check, and boost overall health—reproductive health. Some important tips include:
- Eating Foods That Build Ojas – Ojas-building foods contribute to the creation of strong and plentiful semen known as Shukra dhatu in Ayurveda. Some of them include examples like rice, wheat, barley, ghee, honey, butter, almonds, walnuts black raisins, dates, figs, and protein lentils like green gram and beans.
- Staying Away from Processed and Spicy Foods – Shun processed food products like pizza, burgers French fries, and soft drinks.
- Avoiding Bad Food Combinations – Never take food combinations like milk and fruits.
- Do not eat stale food or leftovers.
- Eat food that is cooked.
- Have meals at the same time every day.
- Stay away from refined sugar and oil.
Conclusion :
The journey to parenthood is supported at Aatreya Ayurveda Clinic, best Ayurvedic Clinic for Infertility in Pune with scientific Ayurvedic care, warmth, and trust. The clinic, the best for Ayurvedic Treatment for Infertility in PCMC offer couples affected infertility issues families with not only hope but also a tried-and-tested means route through body-mind-nurturing therapies including Panchakarma for infertility and Uttar basti for infertility. Best Ayurvedic doctors for infertility in Pune, Dr. Sagar and Dr. Nomina Pampattiwar employ traditional methods that steer clear of harsh chemicals and invasive procedures. Many lives have been changed by their approach as trustworthy Ayurvedic doctors for infertility in Pune.