Are you experiencing infertility? If yes, then you have come to the right place.
Here is everything you need to know about infertility and its treatment in Ayurveda. By learning about your condition and following Ayurvedic guidelines, you can easily overcome this condition and start your journey towards parenthood.
What Is Infertility? (1)
Infertility is a prevalent reproductive system disorder that affects many individuals worldwide. It is a condition in which you can’t get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive.
Symptoms of Infertility (1)
The most common sign of infertility is the inability to get pregnant. However, some individuals may also experience physical symptoms like pelvic or abdominal pain and irregular periods.
Causes of Infertility (2)
Female infertility can be caused by a variety of factors that affect the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Disruption of ovarian function: Irregular or absent ovulation can make it difficult to get pregnant. Common causes include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diminished ovarian reserve (DOR), functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA), and improper function of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is another condition that can cause irregular ovulation.
- Fallopian tube obstruction: When the fallopian tubes are blocked or swollen, the egg cannot travel from the ovary to the uterus, preventing fertilisation. This can be caused by infections, endometriosis, or previous surgeries.
- Uterine factors: Abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids, polyps, or adhesions, can prevent the implantation of a fertilised egg.
Types of Infertility (1)
Infertility can be classified into different types based on the circumstances of the person trying to conceive. These types include:
- Primary infertility: The patient has never been pregnant and is unable to conceive after one year (or six months if they are 35 or older)
- Secondary infertility: The patient can’t get pregnant again after having at least one successful pregnancy
- Unexplained infertility: No reason has been found through fertility testing as to why the patient or couple is unable to get pregnant.
Infertility in Ayurveda (3)
According to Ayurveda, healthy sperm, a healthy ovum, and a healthy uterus are essential for conception, all of which depend on the health of the Shukra Dhatu or reproductive tissue.
Ayurveda says Doshas can significantly affect your Shukra Dhatu and consequently fertility. An imbalanced Vata can cause functional defects in the egg, and Pitta can lead to scarred fallopian tubes. Kapha may naturally support Shukra Dhatu, but it can get affected by a sedentary lifestyle and a heavy and oily diet.
To treat infertility, Ayurveda aims at improving overall health by boosting digestion and eliminating Ama or toxins. Ayurvedic doctors evaluate your Doshas and prescribe a treatment plan, including diet, herbs, therapies, lifestyle, and yoga, according to your needs.
By maintaining balance in Doshas and overall health, Ayurveda provides fertile ground for the embryo to implant and grow and promotes natural conception.
Ayurvedic Diet for Infertility (3)
Ayurveda emphasises the importance of dietary management to treat infertility. This involves eating whole foods such as organic fruits, vegetables, plant-based protein, and sweet whole grains.
Specific foods like milk, ghee, nuts, sesame seeds, dates, pumpkin seeds, honey, saffron, asparagus, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and ajwain powder are also recommended to improve fertility rates. In contrast, processed carbohydrates, excess starch, antibiotic-laden meat and milk, canned produce, and trans-fats can reduce fertility and therefore are recommended to be avoided.
Incorporating foods like spinach, beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, and beets that boost iron levels can also promote fertility.
Ayurveda also recommends drinking warm water and digestive teas to keep the body hydrated while avoiding artificial sweeteners, MSG, high-fat diets, excess alcohol, and caffeine.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Infertility (3)
Ayurvedic herbs play a significant role in treating infertility. Ayurveda recommends using a combination of herbs to enhance overall health and wellness, regulate menstrual cycles, and promote fertility. Some of the best Ayurvedic herbs include Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Amalaki, Ashoka, and Guggulu.
However, you must always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to determine the appropriate dosage and combination of herbs based on your body constitution and medical needs.
Ayurvedic Therapies for Infertility (3)
Ayurvedic therapies have been used for centuries to release tension, impurities, and trapped energy within the body. Some popular Ayurvedic therapies for infertility include:
- Shirodhara, Abhyanga, marma therapy, Nasya and Basti to release tension and impurities from the body, rejuvenate the mind, strengthen the immune system, and pacify the Doshas
- Panchakarma for removing toxins from the body and balancing the Doshas
- Basti, or Ayurvedic enema, to remove Vata disorders
- Ayurvedic massage to reduce stress, rejuvenate the entire body, and pacify the Doshas
- Deep tissue work to decrease mechanical blockages, reduce pelvic pain, and improve sexual arousal and orgasm for women
Yoga for Infertility (4)
- Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath): It helps stress and anxiety, which can contribute to infertility.
- Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold): It helps stimulate the ovaries and uterus responsible for the conception and relieve stress in the lower back and hips.
- Supta Baddha Konasana (Reclining Bound Angle): It aids in relieving discomfort associated with IVF, menstrual cramps, and fertility treatments.
- Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand): It helps stimulate the thyroid gland, regulate hormones, and reduce stress.
The Final Takeaway
Infertility is a common problem which affects both men and women. However, you can easily treat infertility with the help of Ayurveda. Ayurvedic recommends diet, herbs, yoga and therapies such as Shirodhara and Basti to boost fertility and treat the underlying causes of infertility.
Disclaimer: This article is written from a health & lifestyle perspective. Please consult a trained medical practitioner at all times. These are general information only and are not intended to replace professional advice or treatment.
References
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16083-infertility
- https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335337032_Ayurvedic_concepts_of_female_fertility-A_Review
- http://www.iamj.in/posts/images/upload/897_902.pdf
