Treating Infertility with Ayurveda

Posted by Dr.DM Roopa

Female infertility is defined as the inability of a woman to conceive or carry a pregnancy to its full term. Several factors can contribute to infertility in women. These include hormonal imbalance, ovulation disorders, blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, uterine abnormalities, endometriosis, and age-related factors. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and stress can also contribute to infertility in women.

Having said that, female Infertility does not always mean that you’re unable to have a child ever.

Modern medicine today has made rapid advances to be able to find out the causes of infertility through various diagnostic tests and examinations. Based on these tests results, a host of fertility treatment options are available that can be used to focus on correcting and treating the dysfunction, to help increase your chances of conceiving.

While the management of infertility in modern medicine involves the use of fertility drugs, hormones, surgery, or assisted reproductive technologies, ayurveda offers safe and effective holistic solutions for managing infertility issues effectively.

Ayurveda does not rely on interventions that replace or correct specific hormones in the body. Instead, Ayurvedic treatment for infertility involves identifying and addressing the root cause of the problem by uprooting the underlying issues and supporting the overall health and balance of the body, along with boosting fertility.

Ayurveda Perspective & Management of Infertility in women

According to Ayurveda, the menstrual cycle is an important indicator of the overall health and well-being of a woman. Many factors, both internal and external, can affect the menstrual cycle, including genetics, diet, lifestyle, stress, and emotional factors. Any of these factors can create an imbalance of the Dhatus, Doshas and Ojas (vigor), which in turn can affect reproductive health.

According to Ayurveda, the reproductive health of both men and women depends on the health of the Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue). In women, the ovum is produced by Shukra tissue as a part of the monthly cycle. In Ayurveda, it is believed that the Shukra dhatu is created as a result of a series of metabolic transformations that begin with the digestion of food, including the transformation of food to nutrient fluid, blood, muscle, fat, bone, bone marrow and finally, to Shukra tissue. The quality and quantity of Shukra Dhatu are believed to be influenced by various factors, such as diet, lifestyle, emotions, and genetics.

Ayurveda also places great emphasis on the balance of the three doshas or energies (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in the body for optimal reproductive health. A system of well-balanced doshas helps balance the dhatus. Hence, the Ayurvedic management for infertility in women aims at balancing these doshas and healing the body from within.

The Ayurvedic approach to Infertility

The Ayurvedic approach to infertility is based on supporting the body’s own self-healing and balancing mechanisms and does not rely on interventions that replace or correct specific hormones in the body. It involves a holistic assessment of an individual’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. This assessment helps to identify any imbalances or factors that may be contributing to infertility. The treatment plan is then customized to suit the specific needs of the individual, and may involve a combination of dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and other natural therapies to address infertility issues as per dosha with emphasis on building healthy Shukra dhatu.

Treating infertility, the Ayurvedic way

Here are some of the ways Ayurveda treats infertility:

Herbal remedies: Several Ayurvedic herbs and spices are used by doctors, to restore balance to the body and promote fertility.
Diet and lifestyle changes: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle for promoting fertility. This includes eating a balanced diet, practicing stress-reducing techniques like yoga and meditation, and avoiding smoking, alcohol, and other unhealthy habits.
Panchakarma therapy: Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification treatment that involves various therapies like massage, steam, and herbal remedies. It helps to remove toxins from the body and restore balance to the doshas, which can improve fertility.
Yoga and pranayama: Ayurveda recommends the importance of yoga and pranayama (breathing exercises) to promote overall health and well-being, including fertility. These practices can help to reduce stress and improve the function of the reproductive system.
Ayurvedic massage: Ayurvedic massage, also known as Abhyanga, is a traditional massage therapy that uses warm herbal oils to improve circulation and promote relaxation. This too can help to improve the overall health of the reproductive system and boost fertility.

Here is how Ayurveda helps in infertility treatment:

Balancing hormones: Hormonal imbalances can be a major cause of infertility. Ayurvedic infertility treatment may involve herbal remedies, diet changes, and other treatments that can help balance hormones and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Improving digestion: Poor digestion can negatively impact fertility. Ayurveda infertility treatment may involve dietary changes and herbal remedies that can improve digestion and promote overall reproductive health.
Reducing stress: Stress can interfere with the hormonal balance and negatively impact fertility. Ayurveda infertility treatment may involve yoga, meditation, and other stress-reducing techniques to promote relaxation and improve reproductive health.
Promoting detoxification: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of removing toxins from the body to promote overall health. Ayurvedic infertility treatment may involve Panchakarma therapy or other detoxification treatments to remove toxins and promote reproductive health.
Strengthening reproductive organs: Ayurveda infertility treatment may involve herbal remedies and other treatments that can improve circulation to the reproductive organs, to strengthen the uterus, and improve overall reproductive health.

What are the causes of infertility in women?

Female infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, and it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose the specific cause. Some possible causes of female infertility include:

Ovulation disorders: Irregular or absent ovulation can make it difficult to conceive. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common cause of ovulation disorders. Besides this, thyroid problems, and high levels of prolactin (a hormone that stimulates milk production) can all cause ovulation disorders.
Fallopian tube blockage: Blocked or damaged fallopian tubes can prevent sperm from reaching the egg, or in certain cases, the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.
Endometriosis: This is a condition in which the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus grows outside of it, which can cause scarring and interfere with fertility.
Uterine abnormalities: Abnormalities in the shape or structure of the uterus can make it difficult to conceive or carry a pregnancy to its full term.
Age: As women age, the number and quality of their eggs decline, this can have an adverse impact and make it all the more difficult to conceive.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders, can adversely affect fertility.
Medical history of surgery: Any form of surgery in the pelvic region and reproductive organs too can impact the ability to conceive.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and being overweight or underweight can all affect fertility. Stress too can also play a role in infertility.

How is female infertility diagnosed?

Diagnosing the specific cause of female infertility involves a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. Here are the steps that the doctor usually would take to diagnose the cause of female infertility:

Medical history: Your doctor will begin by asking questions about your medical history, including menstrual cycle irregularities, previous pregnancies, and any surgeries related to reproductive organs. You may also be asked about any medical conditions or medications that could affect fertility.
Physical examination: A physical examination will be conducted to check for any signs of hormonal imbalances, abnormal growths, or physical abnormalities that may affect fertility.
Hormonal testing: Blood tests will be done to measure hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and prolactin.
Ovulation testing: Your doctor may order tests to check if regular ovulation is happening. This may include blood tests to measure progesterone levels or an ultrasound to visualize the ovaries.
Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as an ultrasound or hysterosalpingography (HSG) may be ordered to evaluate the uterus and fallopian tubes for any abnormalities or blockages.
Laparoscopy: In some cases, a laparoscopy may be performed to directly visualize the reproductive organs and check for any abnormalities or scar tissue.

It is important to note that infertility is a complex issue, and it is possible that a specific cause may not be identified despite extensive testing. Additionally, male factors can also contribute to infertility, so testing for male infertility may also be recommended.

Conclusion

Ayurvedic treatment for infertility aims to balance the body’s doshas (energies) and restore optimal reproductive function. According to ayurveda, when these doshas are out of balance, it can lead to various health issues including infertility. Ayurveda also recognizes that infertility can have many underlying causes, including hormonal imbalances, stress, poor nutrition, and toxins in the body.

Ayurveda does not rely on interventions that replace or correct specific hormones in the body. Instead, it takes a holistic approach to health that considers the whole person, including their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Ayurvedic treatments for female infertility are generally noninvasive, cost effective, and have few unwanted side effects if any, as compared to modern Western medicine.

Ayurveda guides us to connect to our inner wisdom and grace. By connecting with our inner wisdom and grace, we can gain a deeper insight and understanding of ourselves and our bodies, enabling us to work towards achieving optimal health and overall well-being.

It is important to note that Ayurvedic treatments should always be done under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Infertility can have many different causes, and it is essential to consult with a qualified ayurvedic doctor to determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment plan.

Does Panchakarma treatment help in conceiving?

Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification treatment, which is best known to help manage infertility. Panchakarma helps to remove accumulated toxins from the body and restore balance to the doshas, which in turn can improve the chances of conception. However, it is important to note that Panchakarma may not be effective for all causes of infertility. The effect of Panchakarma on conceiving may vary from person to person depending on the underlying cause of infertility. In most cases however, internal ayurvedic medications for infertility, alone can help you achieve optimum results.

2.Is female fertility hereditary?

Infertility can have a genetic component, but it’s not always the case. There are several genetic conditions that can affect female fertility, such as Turner syndrome and Fragile X syndrome.

Additionally, certain inherited conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can increase the risk of infertility in women. However, infertility can also be caused by a wide range of other factors, including hormonal imbalances, structural issues, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors. Therefore, while genetics can play a role in female infertility, it is not always the determining factor.

3.How effective is Ayurvedic treatment for infertility at UWAY?

The Uway treatment for infertility cases is extremely safe and effective. However, the final outcome would vary from person to person and would be determined by several factors like the patient’s age, underlying health condition etc.

4.Do the Ayurveda medicines used at UWAY for the treatment of infertility cause side-effects?

Ayurveda medications are usually a very safe and effective option for treating infertility. Ayurvedic medicines are made of time-tested natural herbs and substances that are the gift of nature to mankind.

At UWAY, our doctors prescribe only proven medicines from well-established and reputed ayurvedic medicine manufacturers. However, just like certain foods do not always agree with everyone always, few ayurvedic medicines may cause mild side effects in some patients. This is very rare though. In case you notice any such issue you can always talk to your consulting doctor or our medical team.

If you want to consult Dr. DM Roopa for Infertility, then fill the form below.

Posted by Dr. Ranjani Karthik