Ayurveda describes infertility as a condition in which an individual cannot contribute to conception due to a biological inability caused by several factors. In women, infertility can also be described as the inability to carry the pregnancy to a full term.

Considering the causative factors like high-stress levels, poor dietary choices, sedentary lifestyle, pollution, infertility in both men and women has become a common problem. Moreover, the number of couples looking forward to expensive fertility treatment methods has also been increasing. In this context, it makes sense to resort to the traditional wisdom that Ayurveda offers to holistically approach the infertility problem and facilitate the process of conception.

Male Infertility

Infertility in male is caused due to several factors which include abnormal production or function of sperm, health and lifestyle choices and exposure to certain environmental factors. Ayurveda realised the problem of infertility in men thousands of years ago and laid down the treatments and therapies to cure it. At Govardhan Ecovillage, we follow these ancient and traditional therapies along with a healthy diet and lifestyle remedies to help the couple conceive.

Causes of Infertility in Men

As explained by Ayurveda, the following are the causes of male infertility.

Congenital Abnormalities or Bijaupa Tapa: Certain abnormalities in the gametes can lead to structural and developmental disorders of the reproductive system.

Diseases of Sperm or Sukradosha: Sukradosha or seminal morbidity could result due to the following factors.

• Dietary factors – When foods with dry, bitter, salty, astringent, and acidic properties are consumed habitually and in excess quantity, it could lead to seminal morbidity.
• Behavioural factors – Certain behavioural factors that lead to Shukradosha are sexual abuse, untimely sexual union, excess bodily exertion, absolute abstinence from sex, suppression of natural urges and sexual union with an unresponsive partner.
• Sleeping late at night can lead to vitiation of Rakta and Pitta dosha in the body leading to Shukrakshaya, i.e. degradation or deficit of the quality and quantity of Shukra dhatu.
• Psychological factors – Some of the psychological factors that can contribute to infertility are anxiety, anger, grief, lack of mutual love, fear, etc.

Klaibya or Male Sexual Dysfunctions: Klaibya can be caused due to several factors like old age, exhaustion of Shukra, mental worries, debilitating diseases like diabetes mellitus, overstraining of the body, excessive indulgence in sex.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Male Infertility

Among the eight major specialities of the Ashtanga Ayurveda, Vajikarana deals with the sexual well-being of an individual. The Ayurvedic treatment for infertility in men includes –

Panchakarma Therapy: One of the most revered therapies in Ayurveda, the Panchakarma treatment for infertility aims at bringing back the balance in the doshas and promoting overall well-being. Some of the Panchakarma therapy recommended for the treatment for male infertility are Basti and Shodhana.

Yogasana: Incorporating the following yogasanas in daily life can help to maintain balance within the mind, body, and spirit and prevent infertility - Padmasana (lotus pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend), Parivrtta trikonasana (twisted triangle pose).

Ayurvedic Medicines: In Ayurveda, different dravyas or medicines are used for the treatment of male infertility, such as:

• Milk, ghee, Shatavari, Ashwagandha to enhance the semen
• Sugarcane and Kushtha to purify the semen
• Herbs like Brahmi, Shatavari and Guduchi to improve the fertilization capacity
• Kesar, garlic, long pepper, lavanga, etc. can be used to improve the libido
• Nutmeg, Ashwagandha and Chandana dravyas work quite well to prevent premature ejaculation

Recommended Diet: Ayurveda recommends including fresh fruits, vegetables and meat in a balanced quantity in your daily diet to maintain physical and sexual health. Dry fruits like almonds, figs, dates, walnuts may also be consumed daily.

Female Infertility

Female infertility is often caused due to hormonal imbalances, problems in the body, lifestyle and environmental factors. Certain structural issues can also contribute to female infertility, such as a defect in the cervical canal, blocked fallopian tube, or uterine fibroids.

As explained in Ayurveda, the reproductive health of both men and women depends on the condition of the Shukra dhatu or reproductive tissues. Shukra dhatu is responsible for the production of the ovum in women, and it can be affected by numerous reasons like lack of balanced diet, physical or mental disease, poor digestion, etc. which may obstruct the reproductive channels.

Ayurveda also states the importance of three doshas, i.e. Sadhaka Pitta, Prana Vata and Apana Vata that govern the female reproductive system. Hence, the Ayurvedic treatment for infertility in women aims at balancing these doshas and healing the body from within.

Types

Female infertility can be classified into the following categories.

• Vandhya or Complete Sterility: This condition is incurable. In Vandhya, the woman has completely lost her Artava or menstruation and can’t ovulate. Another reason that may be contributing to complete sterility is the underdevelopment of the female reproductive organs.
• Apraja or Primary Infertility: In this condition, the woman is unable to conceive a child. The inability to carry a child for the full duration or pregnancy leading to miscarriage is also termed as the condition of primary infertility. Primary infertility is treatable and is mostly the result of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. The imbalance of Vata leading to dryness in the cervix and the fallopian tube can also cause primary infertility.
• Secondary Infertility: The secondary infertility is a condition occurring in women who have conceived before. Due to some complications that may have developed during their earlier pregnancy, they are unable to conceive again. Depending on the complications, secondary infertility can be treated.

Treatment of Infertility in Women

Some of the natural remedies followed to improve ovulation and treat infertility in women are:

• Fertility Massage: This massage is performed to improve the flow of oxygenated blood to the eggs as well as replace the stagnant blood and tissues in the uterus. Besides, it also clears up any obstruction in the path of the fallopian tubes.
• Eating Healthy: It is recommended to go for organic foods free from pesticides as much as possible otherwise it could lead to hormonal imbalance. Consuming foods rich in folate is advised as it helps to build new cells in the body and prevent the occurrence of birth defects. Certain items that must be included in the diet are milk, nuts, ghee, dates, saffron, bean, peas, honey, and spices like turmeric and cumin.
• Exercise to Balance the Hormones: Taking time out for regular exercise keeps the body healthy and balances the hormones. It also increases the chances of conceiving.
• Yoga: Yoga reduces stress and helps with fertility issues as well. Some of the yoga postures for women’s reproductive health are Nadi Shodhan Pranayama or alternate nostril breathing, Bhramari Pranayam or bee breath, Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose) and Hastapadasana (standing forward bend).
  As infertility in women is majorly caused when the reproductive tissue or Shukra dhatu is deprived of nutrition, Ayurvedic treatments for ovulation focus on moving the nutrients from food to effectively nourish the Shukra dhatu.
• Swedanam: Swedanam is performed with the aim to induce sweat and flush out the toxins with it. This process involves heavy blankets and exercises to induce sweating.
• Vamanam: It is an uncomfortable exercise, but helps to get rid of undigested food through vomiting. Thus, Vamanam therapy is an essential detoxifying therapy.
• Phala Ghritam: This female infertility treatment involves the consumption of Ayurvedic medicines for conceiving in the form of liquefied butter combined with milk.
• Gokshura: The Gokshura herb is known to stimulate the ovary and benefit women dealing with infertility issues. It also works well for women who don’t ovulate because of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Other herbs that are used in Ayurvedic medicine for fertility and proper functioning of reproductive organs are Shatavari, Shatpushpa, Laxmana, Ashoka, Dashmool, Lashun, Lodhra.
• Shirodhara: Shirodhara therapy is performed using medicated oils that help to treat hormonal imbalances in women. The oil used in the therapy is poured at a specific point on the forehead through specific rhythmic movements to bring the mind into a balanced state. Another therapy that is done using medicated oils is Basti. It eliminates all doshas from the rectum and improves the ovum quality.
• Shodhana: It is one of the essential panchakarma therapies which helps to eliminate toxins from the body, open up the bodily channels, and thereby, maintain healthy circulation in the body. Moreover, it enhances ovarian, tubular and uterine functioning and corrects fertility disorders.

Why Choose Govardhan Ecovillage for the Ayurvedic treatment of Infertility?

Govardhan Ecovillage offers well-designed programs to treat infertility in women and help them conceive by improving the quality of ovum and environment of the reproductive system so that proper fertilisation and implantation can take place. Our programs also offer Ayurvedic treatment for male infertility to facilitate better quality sperm production and sperm mobility.

The Ayurveda therapies that we use at Govardhan Ecovillage are planned according to the body constitution of the individual and offer effective results in treating the causative factors of infertility. Whatever the problem may be, with our Ayurveda therapies, you can get on the way to a healthy pregnancy and improve your overall health.