Infertility primarily refers to the biological inability of a person to contribute to conception. In women, it may also refer to the state when she is not able to carry a pregnancy to its full term. Female infertility is caused due to structural problems like blocked Fallopian tubes, defect in cervical canal, uterine fibroid or polyps. Hormonal imbalance leading .ovulation problems too can cause infertility. From Ayurvedic perspectives, Shukra Dhatu can get affected by various physical, mental causes and even by serious diseases. Poor quality Shukra Dhatu can cause infertility in males and females

Dr. Sonalika Hiremath

Santhosh Kumar S.

Sridevi Swamy

English

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences (JAIMS)

    ISSN: 2456-3110                                                       REVIEW ARTICLE July-Aug 2017  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | July - Aug 2017 | Vol. 2 | Issue 4 220  Women’s Infertility - A Ayurvedic thought Sonalika Hiremath,1 Santhosh Kumar S.,2  Sridevi Swamy3 1Post Graduate Scholar, 3Professor & HOD, Dept. of  Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga, 2Post Graduate Scholar, Dept. of Panchakarma, N. K.  Jabshetty Ayurvedic Medical College & PG Center, Bidar, Karnataka, India.                INTRODUCTION According to Ayurveda, infertility exists when a healthy couple is unable to achieve pregnancy after two or more years or fail to conceive for several years after the first delivery.[1] Ayurveda gives infertile women or couples the ability through treatment to become fertile and conceive naturally without the use of Western modalities. Ayurvedic interpretation of the female reproductive system ‘Shroni’ means the pelvis. Female pelvis is 24 Angulas and is heavier than the pelvis of the male. ‘Ashaya’ means any recipient viscus. ‘Garbhasaya’ means uterine cavity and is situated behind the ‘Bhagasthi’ (symphysis pubis) and a little above the bladder. It is surrounded by coils of intestines and is placed between small intestine (Pittashaya) and large intestine (Pittashaya).[2] Yoni includes all the female genital organs.  Embryology is  Address for correspondence:  Dr. Sonalika Hiremath Post Graduate Scholar, Dept. of  Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga,  N. K.  Jabshetty Ayurvedic Medical College & PG Center, Bidar, Karnataka, India. E-mail: mailtodrsanthosh@gmail.com  Submission Date : 25/07/2017 Accepted Date: 15/08/2017 Access this article online Quick Response Code Website: www.jaims.in  DOI: 10.21760/jaims.v2i4.9356 known as Atulyagotriya.[3] Ayurvedic medicine that deals with issues of infertility is called Vajikarana. The word “Vaji” means horse, so Vajikarana means “to make one potent like a horse”.[4]  The Ayurvedic term for the diseases of the female reproductive system is Guhyaroga.[5]  Garbharoga is the term for the diseases of the Vagina.[6]  Diseases of the vagina (Yoni in Sanskrit) are called Yoni Vyapat. According to Ayurveda, conception takes place due to healthy sperm, healthy ovum, and a healthy uterus. For both men and women, reproductive health depends on the health of the Shukra Dhatu, or reproductive tissue. In women the Shukra tissue produces the ovum as part of the monthly cycle and in men the semen is formed due to sexual stimulation.[3] Charaka Samhita summarized the description of conception as follows: “When normal semen is introduced into the healthy vagina during a well-developed proliferative phase which is accompanied with ovulation, then the coitus becomes a fruitful one and conception results.”  In Harita’s opinion, when sperm is encircled by ovum in a proper type of intercourse, conception takes place. Kasyapa also expressed the same opinion - “As soon as the Beeja (ovum and sperm) enters, it is surrounded by Rakta.” This Sutra explains that the fertilized ovum gets encircled by blood as soon as it enters uterus.[7] A B S T R A C T  Infertility primarily refers to the biological inability of a person to contribute to conception. In women, it may also refer to the state when she is not able to carry a pregnancy to its full term. Female infertility is caused due to structural problems like blocked Fallopian tubes, defect in cervical canal, uterine fibroid or polyps. Hormonal imbalance leading .ovulation problems too can cause infertility. From Ayurvedic perspectives, Shukra Dhatu can get affected by various physical, mental causes and even by serious diseases. Poor quality Shukra Dhatu can cause infertility in males and females. Key words: Female Infertility, Shukra Dhatu, Hormonal Imbalance. Sonalika Hiremath et.al. Women’s Infertility - A Ayurvedic thought ISSN: 2456-3110                                                       REVIEW ARTICLE July-Aug 2017  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | July - Aug 2017 | Vol. 2 | Issue 4 221  Sushruta Samhita described the physiological changes occurring during intercourse, “Teja is produced during contact and this stimulates Vatodeerana. Teja along with Vata causes secretion of Shukra. Shukra travels to Yoni and unites with Artava. The resulting product of union of Agni and Soma then travels to Garbhashaya.”[8] Bhava Mishra explained that the physical contact of penis and vagina gives rise to increase in the bodily heat which along with Vata causes secretion of semen. The semen is dropped in vagina from penis. From vagina, it is taken to the uterus and meets the ovum.[9] Ayurvedic etiology of infertility Women’s fertility depends on nature’s Rasa and when these Rasas are depleted, sterility, dryness, loneliness, and isolation are bound to set in. In order to conceive a healthy child, one should be Swastha or fully healthy oneself. This optimum state of health provides the fertile ground for the embryo to implant and grow.[10] Types of infertility as written in classical texts Following are the details about infertility as per classical texts, Mainly Infertility is classified based on the following criteria  Primary  and Secondary,  Curable and Incurable,  Chance of getting Fertile  Causes for Sterility Disorder of Artava, abnormality and injuries of female genital tract, disease of female genital tract, Improper Intercourse.  Menstrual cycle is a state of health in female and can be affected by many factors, Such as excessive stress and strain, imbalance life style, diet and emotional instability. Imbalance in any of these factors lead to vitiation of Ojas, Dhatu and Doshas. Vitiation of Doshas leads to following symptoms. Vitiation Of Vata Dosha produced dryness in cervix, fallopian tubes, vitiation of  Pitta causes bleeding, inflammation and pain, dryness in uterus, small blister and fibroid and vitiation of Kapha causes stickiness, thickening of uterus, white discharge, irregular bleeding and irregular cycle.  Factors of Conception   Rutu - Fertile period governed by Kapha, developed proliferate phase accompanied with ovulation.  Kshetra - Healthy uterus and female genital tract.  Ambu - Ambu means metabolic as well as hormones supplied for the growth of fetus.  Beeja - Ovum and Sperm Factors affecting fertility in woman Rutukala is a period of Kapha-Pitta predominance and when affected by Vata or Pitta causes infertility. Disorders of Ambu can cause issues in amniotic fluid and nutritional insufficiency after conception. Disorders of Beeja can also cause subfertility. Disorders in Kshetra can cause Margavarodha (obstruction in fallopian tubes), Vyapanna Yoni or Garbhasaya (uterine, cervical or vaginal pathology causing hostility to spermatozoa).  According to Charaka, abnormalities of Yoni, psychology, Shukra, Artava, diet and mode of life, coitus at improper time and loss of Bala (strength) cause delay in achieving conception in an otherwise fertile woman. According to the Charaka Samhita, Abnormalities of Atman and Sattwa or influence of misdeeds done by the couple in their previous life can cause infertility. The Ayurvedic approach  According to the Charaka Samhita, “All disease occurs due to imbalance in Agni (the power of digestion) and Agni is the single most important factor in the build up of Ama. Healthy Agni will also contribute to healthy Ojas. The most refined and subtle essence of the physical body. When fully activated, Ojas is the “bliss factor” that goes beyond good health to keep you fully immune against all disease.” Optimum Ojas is the key to perfect health, as well as to balanced emotions and to spiritual development. Sonalika Hiremath et.al. Women’s Infertility - A Ayurvedic thought ISSN: 2456-3110                                                       REVIEW ARTICLE July-Aug 2017  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | July - Aug 2017 | Vol. 2 | Issue 4 222  Dietary management[11,12] Diet plays a vital role in the maintenance of good health and in the prevention and cure of diseases. As per Ayurveda, food affects the mind also by causing either an increase or decrease in the three qualities of mind, i.e., Satva Guna, Rajo Guna and Tamo Guna. Dietary management involves strict compliance and adherence to Ojas building foods and to avoid the substances which diminish the Ojas. This is critical as it regulates ovulation and enhances fertilization. Moist and warm food pacify Vata, cool and nourishing food pacify Kapha and where as warm and light food pacify Pitta. Ayurvedic herbs[13,14] As infertility is not a disease but a manifestation of some disease, the herbs used in the treatment is directed to eradicate the underlying cause. Herbs as per Dosha  Vata - Shilajit purifies the reproductive System. Ex: Shatavari, Vidari Kanda prepared in warm milk with ghee acts as reproductive tonic.  Pitta - Brahmi to cool the mind, Bala douche to normalize pH of the vaginal mucous.  Kapha - Guuggulu, Turmeric and Manjista aid supportive actions.  Tridoshaja - Phala Ghrita 2tsp TID, Vanga Bhasma 10 mg/day. Sexual Dharmas  For health, wealth, virility, and vitality, sexual cohabitation should occur during harmonically auspicious time. The opposite results hold true when sexual activities are performed during the poorly aspected times of year.[15] Auspicious time and conditions for cohabitation Early and Late Winters, Springs, Rainy, Autumn, Auspicious days; 8th, 14th, 15th days of both light and dark phase of the moon, After a purifactory bath in a cool, sheltered  place, After observation prayer and declaring honourable intentions, Early Evening, The best posture for women is to lie comfortably on her back and prone position for a man during sexual activity.[16] The key is to get the sperm as close as possible to the cervix and to remain there for as long as possible.[17] CONCULSION Female infertility is widely explained by Ayurveda Acharyas, but Charaka’s concept is appropriate for diagnosis, classification and treatment. Daignosis based according to curable, Incurable, primarily, secondary and based on Rutu, Kshetra, Ambu and Beeja is beneficial for treating Infertility. Different Acharya’s have explained that by following diet, sexual dharma (Gramya Dharma), herbs which cure and prevent infertility, it can prevent by getting further progress and getting uncured.  Acharya with ideology for a better progeny and life style have explained the above concept. REFERENCES 1. Sharma PV. Charaka Samhita. Agnivesha‟s Treatise, Refined and Annotated by Charaka and Redacted by Dridhabala, Vol II., Chapter XXX Verses 1-40, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 1994;p.502,  2. Dr.Nirmala Joshi, Ayurvedic Concept of Gynecology, Chaukhambha Sanskrita Pratisthana, Delhi, 2006;p.92-111. 3. Sharma PV. Charaka Samhita. Agnivesha‟s Treatise, Refined and Annotated by Charaka and Redacted by Dridhabala, Vol II, Chapter XXX, Verses 1-40, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 1994;p.502 4. Sharma PV. Charaka Samhita. Agnivesha‟s Treatise, Refined and Annotated by Charaka and Redacted by Dridhabala, Vol II, Chapter XXX, Verses 1-40, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 1994;p.502 5. Vagbhata, Ashtanga Sangraha, Shri Krishnadas Ayurveda series, english translation by Srikantha murthy, 2nd edition, Uttarasthana 39th chapter, Guhyaroga Pratisheda Adhyaya shloka no. 96-100, Chowkambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 2000;p.347,348. 6. Sharma PV. Charaka Samhita. Agnivesha‟s Treatise, Refined and Annotated by Charaka and Redacted by Dridhabala, Vol II, Chapter XXX, Verses 1-40, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 1994;p.502 Sonalika Hiremath et.al. Women’s Infertility - A Ayurvedic thought ISSN: 2456-3110                                                       REVIEW ARTICLE July-Aug 2017  Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | July - Aug 2017 | Vol. 2 | Issue 4 223  7. KL Bhishagraha, Sushruta Samhita, Chaukhambha Orientalia, Varanasi, 1991;p.3-23 8. David Frawley OMD, Ayurvedic Healing (English), Motilal Banarasi Dass Publisher, New Delhi, 2000;p.78-80. 9. Maya Tiwari, Women’s Power to Heal through Inner Medicine, Mother OM Media, 2007;p.1-5. 10. Maya Tiwari, Women’s Power to Heal through Inner Medicine, Mother OM Media, 2007;p.1-5. 11. Dr. Marc Halpern, Textbook of Clinical Ayurvedic Medicine, Sixth Edition, Second Volume, p.5-7. 12. C Augood, K Duckitt and AA Templeton, Smoking and female infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis Human Reproduction, Volume 13, p.1532-1539. 13. Sher KS, Mayberry JF. Female fertility, obstetric and gynecological history in coeliac disease. A case control study. Digestion. 1994;55(4): p.243-246. 14. David Frawley, Yoga and Ayurveda, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, 2000;p.112-115. 15. Maya Tiwari, Women’s Power to Heal through Inner Medicine, Mother OM Media, 2007;p.1-5. 16. Maya Tiwari, Women’s Power to Heal through Inner Medicine, Mother OM Media, 2007;p.1-5. 17. White, Sandra, Aromatherapy, Eagle Edition, A Quantum Book, London, 2001.       ******************************* How to cite this article: Sonalika Hiremath, Santhosh Kumar S., Sridevi Swamy. Women’s Infertility - A Ayurvedic thought. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci 2017;4:220-223. http://dx.doi.org/10.21760/jaims.v2i4.9356  Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None declared. 

Women’s Infertility - A Ayurvedic thought

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Women’s Infertility - A Ayurvedic thought

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