Infertility, recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a reproductive system disease, is defined as the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after at least a year of consistent, unprotected sexual intercourse. Primary infertility applies to couples who have never experienced a successful pregnancy despite trying for a year or more. On the other hand, secondary infertility refers to the struggle of couples to conceive again after having had one or more previous pregnancies. Essentially, primary infertility is when a couple has never had a child, while secondary infertility occurs when a couple, after having had a child, encounters difficulties in achieving another pregnancy.

Causes of Infertility in Women:

• Pelvic Surgery:

Surgical procedures in the pelvic region can lead to scarring and affect reproductive organs.

• Issues With the Cervical Mucus:

In some cases, cervical mucus may be too thick, hindering the passage of sperm through the cervix.

• Fibroids:

Uterine fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus, can interfere with implantation.

• Endometriosis:

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, potentially causing infertility.

• Sterilization:

Surgical procedures like tubal ligation may result in the blockage of the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg and sperm from meeting.

• Pelvic Inflammatory Illness:

Infections in the reproductive organs can cause scarring and damage, impacting fertility.

• Drug and Medication Side Effects:

Some medications may have side effects that affect fertility, and certain drugs can interfere with hormonal balance.

Causes of Infertility in Men:

• Poor-Quality Sperm:

Factors such as low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal sperm morphology can contribute to male infertility.

• Damaged Testicles:

Trauma, infections, or certain medical conditions can cause damage to the testicles, affecting sperm production.

• Sterilization:

Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for male sterilization, preventing the release of sperm during ejaculation.

• Ejaculatory Issues:

Problems with ejaculation, such as retrograde ejaculation where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting the penis, can impact fertility.

• Hypogonadism:

Low testosterone levels, often due to issues with the testes or the pituitary gland, can affect sperm production.

Theory and Ayurvedic View on Infertility Treatment

Infertility is defined as the inability of a person, animal, or plant to reproduce through natural means.The concept of Garbha Sambhava Samagri in Ayurveda highlights four crucial factors essential for conception. These factors are Ritu (season), Kshetra (uterus), Ambu (nourishment/fluids), and Beeja (sperm and egg). According to Ayurvedic principles, the harmonious interaction of these factors is necessary for successful reproduction. Any abnormalities or imbalances in Garbha Sambhava Samagri can contribute to infertility.

Ritu (Season):

Ayurveda recognizes the influence of seasons on health and fertility. Certain seasons are considered more conducive to conception. Imbalances in the body’s response to seasonal changes can affect reproductive health.

Kshetra (Uterus):

The health of the uterus is critical for successful conception and pregnancy. Any structural abnormalities, infections, or imbalances in the uterine environment can impact fertility.

Ambu (Nourishment/Fluids):

Adequate nourishment and proper fluids are essential for the formation of healthy reproductive tissues, including shukra dhatu (sperm and egg). Imbalances in diet and digestion can affect the quality of these tissues.

Beeja (Sperm and Egg):

The quality of both male and female reproductive cells (sperm and egg) is crucial for successful conception. Factors such as hormonal balance, genetic factors, and overall health influence the quality of beeja.

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Ayurvedic Infertility Treatment for Male and Female

Ayurvedic Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Cure Infertility

Infertility  Ayurvedic Treatment: Causes

In Ayurveda, the concept of “shukra dhatu” refers to the reproductive tissue, and Ayurvedic principles emphasize the holistic approach to health, focusing on balance and harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. Infertility in Ayurveda is often attributed to imbalances in various aspects of the body and mind. The root causes of infertility, according to Ayurveda, may include:

• Accumulated Toxins (Ama):

Ama refers to the buildup of undigested or improperly processed substances in the body. It can result from poor digestion and lifestyle choices, leading to imbalances in doshas and impacting reproductive health.

• Poor Nutrition:

Ayurveda recognizes the significance of a balanced and nourishing diet for overall health, including the health of reproductive tissues. Deficiencies in essential nutrients can affect the formation of shukra dhatu.

• Sluggish Digestion (Mandagni):

Weak digestion can contribute to the accumulation of ama and disrupt the proper transformation of nutrients, impacting the nourishment of tissues, including shukra dhatu.

• Nervous System Imbalances:

The balance of the nervous system is crucial in Ayurveda. Stress, anxiety, and nervous system imbalances can affect hormonal regulation and reproductive functions.

• Stress:

Stress, both mental and physical, is considered a significant factor in Ayurveda. It can disrupt the balance of doshas, impair digestion, and influence the endocrine system, all of which play a role in fertility.

• Disease of the Reproductive Organs:

Specific ailments affecting the reproductive organs can directly impact fertility. Ayurveda aims to identify and address these issues through holistic treatment approaches.

• Disruption of Natural Biological Rhythms and Hormones:

Ayurveda places importance on maintaining harmony with natural biological rhythms, including circadian cycles. Disruptions in these rhythms, along with hormonal imbalances, can affect reproductive health.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Infertility

1. In Ayurveda, the formation of toxins (ama) due to poor digestion (agni imbalance) can lead to various diseases. Treating ama should always involve addressing agni by using digestive Ayurvedic formulations, maintaining a proper meal schedule, and following a healthy routine. Panchakarma treatments in Ayurveda help eliminate ama, correcting agni, and contributing to healthy ojus (vitality).
2. Infertility in Ayurveda is often linked to the vata dosha. Therefore, correcting vata functions (vatanulomana) is crucial in infertility treatment. This involves using Ayurvedic formulations, following exercise routines, and sticking to a disciplined diet schedule.
3. Sodhana, a detoxification process, is conducted after suitable sneha swedas (oleation therapies). Techniques like vamana (emesis), virechana (purgation), vasti (medicated enema), and uttaravasti (special enema) are employed based on the patient’s condition. Following the detoxification, patients need to adhere to a specific diet. These therapies help expel toxins, addressing ovarian, tubular, and uterine issues causing infertility. Ayurvedic treatments release tension, remove impurities, nourish the body, revitalize the mind, and strengthen the immune system. They are beneficial for reducing stress, nourishing all bodily tissues, and pacifying vata.

Cure Prospective of Infertility Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurveda takes a personalized approach by considering individual body types, strengthening systems involved in fertilization, and providing an effective alternative for addressing fertility issues. Methods in Ayurveda focus on building Ojas, improving overall well-being, and stimulating key areas like the hypothalamus, indirectly prompting the ovaries to mature and produce eggs. This traditional practice offers non-invasive, cost-effective treatments for female infertility, serving as a complement or alternative to modern Western medicine. Ayurvedic treatments minimize the risk of side effects by emphasizing the rebalancing of individuals rather than merely treating specific ailments. These approaches often contribute to overall health and well-being.

Infertility Ayurvedic Treatment: Prevention

Maintain a Healthy Weight:

• Weight extremes contribute to 30% of infertility cases.
• Obesity increases infertility rates, and losing just 5% of body weight improves fertility in overweight women.
• Underweight women may face ovulation issues.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices:

• Exercise regularly and avoid extreme or inadequate physical activity.
• Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
• A moderate caffeine intake (1-2 cups per day) has no conclusive effect on fertility.

Nutrition for Women:

• Follow the Fertility Diet, emphasizing:
• Full-fat dairy for healthy ovulation.
• Adequate protein from meat and vegetables.
• Soy for female fertility; men should avoid it.
• Increased fiber, dark leafy greens, beans, and walnuts.
• Avoid trans fats, processed foods, and excessive carbs and sugar.

Nutrition for Men:

• Consume antioxidants like vitamin C, E, folic acid, selenium, and zinc to reduce sperm damage.
• Ensure sufficient vitamin D for sperm motility.
• Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids positively impact reproductive outcomes.

Exercise:

• Moderate exercise (up to one hour) reduces infertility risk and improves sperm quality.
• Avoid extreme exercise, and exercise less than 15 minutes may increase infertility risk.

Oral Health:

• Maintain good oral health, as gum disease negatively impacts pregnancy.

Quit Smoking:

• Smoking increases infertility risk by 13%, prolonging the time to conceive.

Alcohol:

• No safe dose of alcohol; it affects conception and implantation.

Manage Stress:

• Practice stress-reducing techniques like acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and massage.

Understanding Fertility Cycle:

• Timing intercourse based on fertility cycles improves conception chances.

Lubricants:

• Use sperm-friendly lubricants without spermicides.

Sleep:

• Ensure sufficient sleep for melatonin production, reducing cortisol levels.

Men’s Health:

• Avoid tight-fitting clothes, long bike rides, hot tubs, and holding laptops in laps to improve sperm production.

Recommended Yoga Poses for Infertility

Yoga, rooted in ancient Indian traditions, holds the potential for revolutionary changes in mind, body, and soul. Within this ancient practice, Fertility Yoga emerges as a set of yoga poses that not only reduce stress and eliminate toxins but also fortify the body, increasing the likelihood of conception.

Bridge Pose (Sethubandhasana):

• Lie on your back, bend your knees, and place feet hip-width apart.
• Lift your body up, forming a bridge, and hold for 20-30 seconds.
• Strengthens muscles, improves blood circulation to the abdomen, helpful for arthritis and infertility.

Forward Bent Pose (Uttanasana):

• Stand with feet hip-width apart, bend at the hips without bending knees.
• Hold for 8-10 breaths, then return to standing.
• Enhances chances of conception, promotes blood circulation in the pelvic area, and relieves stress.

Legs Up The Wall Pose (Viparita Karani):

• Sit close to a wall, lie down, and swing legs up against the wall.
• Hold for 10 minutes to stimulate reproductive organs and improve chances of conception.

Shoulder-Stand Pose (Salamba Sarvangasana):

• Lie flat, lift legs and buttocks up, supporting body with elbows.
• Hold for 30-40 seconds, repeating 2-3 times.
• Boosts immunity, stimulates the thyroid gland, and increases blood flow in the pelvis.

Butterfly Pose (Baddha Konasana):

• Sit with feet together, knees dropped to the sides.
• Hold feet, keep soles pressed to each other, and breathe normally.
• Opens hips, stimulates reproductive organs, and increases chances of conception.

Infertility Ayurvedic Treatment at Dheemahi Ayurveda

Dheemahi Ayurveda is dedicated to prioritising patient health and well-being through a rich tradition of Ayurvedic wisdom passed down through five generations. Our team comprises expert doctors who are committed to your health journey. Dheemahi Ayurveda is an authentic and traditional Ayurveda Hospital.

With daily consultations we provide more reliability as by doing physical examinations, doctors can get more findings about the condition of the patient.

For chronic diseases – routine follow-up check-up is also an essential requirement which cannot be ignored. In the case of therapies needed for the relief of the symptoms, the supervision of a doctor is very much important. Dheemahi facilitates the supervision of our doctors in every Panchakarma therapies with exact documentation of your treatment schedule.