Description

Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant (conceive) after one year (or longer) of unprotected sex. 

Infertility can further be broken down into, 

• Primary Infertility

Primary infertility refers to the inability to give birth either because of not being able to become pregnant, or carry a child to live birth, which may include miscarriage or a stillborn child. 

• Secondary Infertility

Secondary infertility refers to the inability to conceive or give birth when there was a previous pregnancy or live birth.

Causes(Nidan): 

Acquired

• Age
• Tobacco smoking
• Sexually transmitted infections
• Body weight and eating disorders
• Chemotherapy
• Immune infertility
• Adhesions secondary to surgery in the peritoneal cavity
• Diabetes mellitus.
• Coeliac disease
• Significant liver or kidney disease
• Thrombophilia
• Cannabis smoking, such as marijuana causes disturbances in the endocannabinoid system,
• Radiation, such as in radiation therapy.

Genetic factors like Turner syndrome etc.

Both men and women can contribute to infertility. 

Female infertility is caused due to structural problems like,

• Blocked Fallopian tubes
• defect in the cervical canal
• uterine fibroid or polyps
• Hormonal imbalance leading ovulation problems. 

From an Ayurvedic perspective, Shukra Dhatu can get affected by various physical, and mental causes and even by serious diseases. Poor quality Shukra Dhatu can cause infertility in males and females.

Male infertility can be caused by different factors and is typically evaluated by a semen analysis. When a semen analysis is performed, the number of sperm (concentration), motility (movement), and morphology (shape) are assessed by a specialist. Other causes like the disruption of testicular or ejaculatory function, hormonal disorders, and genetic disorders.

Ayurvedic Treatments:

The treatment pathway depends on the patient’s condition.

• Agni deepana and Ama pachana
• Vatanulomana
• Sodhana treatment etc. will help in releasing tension and removing impurities from the body. They nourish the body, revitalize the mind and strengthen the immune system. They are beneficial in reducing stress, nourishing all dhatus of the body and pacifying Vata.

Additional Treatments like: 

• Dietary management
• Pathya
• Regular exercise
• Maintain a normal weight
• Quit smoking
• Avoid alcohol
• Reduce stress
• Limit caffeine