Infertility in Ayurveda
Ayurvedic Treatment for Infertility in Kerala, India
Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Fertility problems are pretty common nowadays. Many people struggle with conceiving and thus have to try therapies to be able to conceive.
Causes of Infertility
For Men
There are a variety of risk factors, medical conditions, and medications that can affect fertility. A few of the causes are:
- Problems related to the production of sperm.
- The decrease in sperm count, or the number of sperm.
- The shape of the sperm.
- Movement of the sperm, which includes both the wiggling motion of the sperm themselves and the transport of the sperm through the tubes of the male reproductive system.
- Retrograde ejaculation
- The swelling of the veins around the testicles
- Testicles that haven’t descended into the scrotum
- Having antibodies that attack your sperm and destroy them
- A hormonal imbalance, such as low testosterone production
For Women
Female infertility can be caused by a variety of factors that affect or interfere with the following biological processes:
- Problems related to ovulation
- Problems related to fertilization
- Problems related to implantation
- Ovulation disorders, which can be caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal imbalances
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Premature ovarian failure
- Scarring from a previous surgery
Apart from these factors like stress, anxiety, depression, inconsistent lifestyle and others can also be a factor of infertility for both men and women.
Symptoms of Infertility
The main symptom of infertility is the inability to conceive. There may be no other obvious symptoms. Sometimes, a woman with infertility may have irregular or absent menstrual periods. In some cases, a man with infertility may have some signs of hormonal problems, such as changes in hair growth or sexual function.
The Ayurvedic Explanation
Ayurveda considers the hormones as a type of agni called dhatu agni or cellular fire. The function of dhatu agni is to support the metabolic changes within each dhatu which means tissue. The Sukra dhatu agni relates to those hormones that act upon the reproductive function in men and women. So, in short dhatu Agni in Ayurveda in functional classification of hormones. Treating the dhatu agni treats the issue by balancing the feedback mechanism, not by introducing more of a hormone externally. The effect of various food and herbs on these functions are the basis of ayurvedic treatment, not its effect on a hormone.
The control and functioning of each hormone in our body are regulated by an equal and opposite hormone produced from a completely different anatomical location. Ayurveda seldom treats the affected gland alone and focuses on improving the coordination function within our body by achieving balanced Agni and doshas mainly pitta and vata.
Ayurveda Treatment for Infertility
Agni deepana and Ama pachana
Ama formation (toxins created when undigested food forms in the stomach) by the imbalance in Agni (the power of digestion) lead to many diseases. Therefore, the treatment of Ama must always include the treatment of Agni, including the use of digestive and carminative Ayurvedic formulations, eating meals at proper time following an appropriate schedule. Ayurveda Panchakarma treatments help to eliminate Ama thus corrects Agni. Healthy Agni will also contribute to healthy Ojas.
Vatanulomana
The main dosha involved in infertility is Vata. So Vatanulomana (correcting the functions of Vata) is very important in the treatment of infertility. Ayurvedic formulations, following routine exercises and strict diet schedule will help in Vatanulomana.
Sodhana
Suitable sneha-swedas are done before sodhana. Then treatment modalities like vamana (emesis), virechana (puragation), vasti (medicated enema) and utharavasti special enema administered through urethral or vaginal routes) are done as per the condition.
Panchakarma
Panchakarma is one of the most famous treatment methods in Ayurveda. The process comprises of five steps for the detoxification and rejuvenation of mind and body. This treatment contains herbal massages and cleansing enemas.
Diet Practices
Food plays an important role in ayurveda infertility treatment. Following the diet recommendations can help resolve problems with infertility. The following are the food items to include in your diet:
- Almonds
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Milk and other dairy products
- Dried fruits
Ayurveda treatment for infertility requires proper lifestyle management and other treatment methods. At Krishnendu Ayurveda, we have a very systematic approach in treating infertility; we plan a customized treatment for each individual which is specific to their symptoms.