According to World Health
Organization (WHO), global estimates of infertility ranges between 8 and 12% of
couples with women of childbearing age, affecting between 50 and 80 million
people.
Infertility can simply be
defined as the biological inability of a person to contribute to conception. It
can also be defined as the inability to conceive after a long period (at least
12 months) of unprotected intercourse.
Types
of Infertility:
·
Primary infertility-refers to couples who aren't pregnant after
at least 12 months of unprotected intercourse.
· Secondary infertility- refers to couples that have been pregnant
at least for once, but aren't able to get pregnant later.
Causes:
Elderly group, clotting
disorders, accumulated toxins, nervous system imbalances, obesity,
smoking, autoimmune disorders such as antiphospholipid syndrome , thyroid
disease, eating disorders, excessive exercise, growths in the uterus /
cervix, use of certain drugs, infection, environmental pollutants, cancer
, birth defects.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Infertility:
"Fertility depends on
nature's rasa; a fruitfulness, sweetness, wetness, happiness. When these rasas
are depleted, sterility, dryness, loneliness, and isolation are bound to set
in. The rishis predicted that the increase of fear in modern culture would result
in the decline of the earth's fertility."- maya Tiwari, "Women's
power to Heal"
Ayurveda is a wellness
science. The branch of Ayurveda that deals with infertility is known as
Vajeekarana. Ayurveda terms infertility as the failure to achieve conception of
a couple of mature age, having normal coitus, during the appropriate period of
menstrual cycle regularly for at least a year. In ayurveda, conception takes
place due to a healthy sperm, healthy ovum, and a healthy uterus. Thus, a
defect in either the egg or sperm, or any part of the male or female
reproductive organs, could possible make conception difficult. According to
ayurveda, the reproductive health for both men and women depends on the health
of the Shukra Dhathu. Once the Shukra Dhathu is affected, the ojas (finest
product of digestion that gives energy, happiness, contentment) becomes slow.
Types of fertility:
·
Vandhya- absolute sterility
·
Apraja-curable infertility
·
Sapraja-secondary infertility
Causes:
· Overindulgence in sexual activities may lead to Shukra Kshaya.
It may also lead to klebya (impotency)
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· Poor nutrition
· Sluggish digestion
· Having sex by compulsion with someone who you don't like
· Abnormalities in kshetra, ambu, sadbhavas, vayu and rutu –
Ayurveda concept of getation
· Eating spicy, salty foods increase pitta, which thus destroys,
weakens, and restricts the formation of Shukra Dhathu
· Infected reproductive tissue
· Controlling sexual urges for a long duration could lead to
Veeryaavarodha( obstruction of semen). This could lead to decreased libido.
Line of treatment:
·
Correcting the digestive system Detoxification
·
Stress management,
·
Proper nutrition, strengthening the system
The treatment modalities
includes panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications, Activities,
Advice of food and life style changes.
Panchakarma – Virechana,
Basti, Nasya
Externally – Abhyanga
Shiro Dhara
Internally – Shatavari
(Asparagus recemosus) is considered as the best herb for female.
Shilajit (asphaltum),
Musali (Asparagus Adscendens ) Kapikachu (Mucuna pruriens),
Aswagandha (Withania Somnifera) are best for males
Activities:
Specific Asanas,
Panayamas, Bandhas, Mudras
Food:
Timely
regular wholesome meals in a conducible non disturbing atmosphere
Lifestyle changes:
specific to the individual’s constitution, nature of work and geographical
conditions.