Infertility is a term as common as a ‘hello’ in the present day. Women today are dealing with the increasing challenges in their careers and carrying significant physical, financial, and emotional responsibilities. Besides, all of these, the existing age-old battles with the opposite sex persist. To top it all the constantly changing fast-paced lifestyle and the unrealistic workplace demands have forced getting pregnant way down the order in the list of priorities.
A study states that today the percentage of couples facing fertility issues around the globe is 8-10% and in India, it is 10-15%. This is not all, rising amounts of stress, hormonal imbalance, the expenditure involved in bringing and raising a child, PCOS, and unhealthy diet also make their obedient contributions towards delayed pregnancy and causing infertility. According to studies by ASRM, the chances of conception for women in their 30s or 40’s can be bleak.
Infertility in Men
Infertility, however, is not restricted just to women. A study by NCBI states that today if 48.5 million couples face this issue, 20-30% of the contribution towards this number is made by men. It is usually caused due to two reasons, one being sperm production and the other being sperm transportation. Many reasons lead to these two major issues which in turn lead to infertility in men:
- Varicocele
- Infections
- Trouble having ejaculation
- Tumors
- Hormonal imbalances
- Obstruction or fault in the tubules that transport the sperm
- Lifestyle
- Excessive stress
- Diet
Infertility in Women
There are many reasons for infertility in females too. Some of them are commonly known and some of them are not. The reasons that lead to infertility in women can be either ovarian, tubal, or age-related factors related to the menstrual cycle such as:
- Uterine issues
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Diet
- Emotional instability
- Excessive physical exercise
- Lifestyle
- Excessive stress
Ayurveda's Integrated Approach to Treating Infertility
Ayurvedic medicine has a wholesome and integrated approach towards infertility. The 5000 years old Charaka Samhita with original texts, is an age-old answer to these modern-day problems. When talking or treating infertility, Ayurveda focuses on Ritu, Ambu, Beeja, and Kshetra as chief factors as explained below.
- Ritu: Ritu here stands for the period/time during which the fertilization can take place considering the ovulation period in a particular reproductive age.
- Kshetra: Kshetra here indicates the uterus. The uterus/ womb needs to be healthy and free from any infections for healthy and safe conception and fertilization.
- Ambu: Ambu stands for the support, nourishment, and blood circulation in the uterus. It also indicates hormonal balance, for the growth and development of the uterus.
- Beeja: Simply put, Beeja means a healthy ovum and sperm.
When all four of these factors along with the balanced doshas come together, they can bring about a healthy conception. Ayurveda works on overall health by building its self-healing and balancing mechanisms without using any outside intervention to balance the hormones. It keeps the individual’s overall well-being and these four factors as the focal point to tackle infertility. Ayurveda follows 3 major treatment principles to treat infertility. These treatments provide support to free up the tension and eliminate toxins from the body.
- Vatanulomana: Infertility is mainly a result of an imbalance of the Vata Dosha in the body. Vatanulomana treats infertility using Ayurvedic formulations, regular exercise, and a strict diet regime. Infertility cannot be treated without treating the Vata imbalance.
- Agni Deepana and Ama Pachana: The imbalance in the Agni or the power of digestion leads to the formation of Ama or toxins (undigested food). The accumulation of these toxins results in many diseases.
- Sodhana: Sodhana Chikitsa or purification therapy is performed to detoxify and clean the whole body using medicated oils and herbs for massage. This therapy is backed up with a thorough diet regime. Sodhana also means “to go away”. It is also called waste elimination therapy.
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Panchakarma treatment for Infertility
The above-mentioned therapies are a foundation for Panchkarma therapy, which is essential to completely and effectively flush out the toxins from the body. After this, the individual can undergo rejuvenation programs to bring a balance in life. The duration and intensity of the program depend upon the individual and their needs, their ailments, and their health conditions. Apart from the body massage, the Pachkarma therapy includes:
- Nasyam: The procedure aids the diseases in the neck and the head. Here the herbal preparations are administered through the nostrils.
- Vamana: It treats the diseases triggered due to excess Kapha in the body. This process is performed to flush out the toxins through the mouth by inducing vomiting.
- Virechana: This treatment releases the amplified Pitta in the body. It also helps to reform the Pitta that later helps with digestion and metabolism.
- Basti: Basti cures the diseases caused by the excess Vata in the body. Here a medicated oil, particularly prepared for individual needs, is induced through the rectal route.
- Raktamokshana: It flushes out the excess pitta from the blood through bloodletting therapy.
These 5 therapies together are called Panchkarma. They nurture the body, rejuvenate the mind, and build up the immune system. They curb stress, nurture all the Dhatus of the body, and calm the Vata down. For these treatments to work effectively, it is important to follow both the dietary recommendations and restrictions. Diet plays an important role to both prevent and cure diseases and maintain good health.
A body free from toxins also keeps the diseases at bay. Panchkarma is highly effective in helping the body to get rid of all the gathered Ama. It is essential to have a healthy body and mind for a successful and safe conception.
Diet to Boost Fertility
A strict diet demands obedience and consistency in consuming foods that improve the Ojas in the body and steer clear of items that reduce the Ojas. Ojas means body strength, vigor, energy, and power. It is necessary to maintain good levels of Ojas to administer ovulation and improve fertilization. Consumption of whole foods supplies nutrients and adds fibers to the body. These fibers balance the hormone levels in the body.
Food items that improve the levels of Ojas are milk, ghee, nuts, sesame seeds, dates, pumpkin seeds, honey, saffron and avocados, fresh organic fruits and vegetables, protein from plant sources like beans, and peas, sweet, whole grains, spices such as ajwain powder, turmeric, cumin, and black cumin boost fertility.
A Satvik diet that stimulates and maintains a good digestive fire is also essential to nurture the reproductive cells. ‘Sattva’ means pure, Satvik diet is full of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, lentils, and pulses that are locally grown. It also includes seasonal fruits and dishes prepared freshly for eating. Milk of the cattle that feed on grass that is available naturally instead of grains is also considered Satvik. Sprouted beans and activated nuts/seeds are great sources of nourishment.
Hence following and maintaining a balanced and clean diet is essential to boost the functioning of the reproductive system.
The most important ingredients to improve and treat infertility are herbs like Ashwagandha and Shatavari. They are tested along the lengths of time for their powerful adaptogenic herbal cures and recommended for reducing stress and treating infertility.
The factor important for the process of conception is not just a healthy sperm and ovum, equally important is the metabolic function, hormonal balance, and mental/emotional health. All these factors are interconnected with the sperm and ovum.
To explore the option of treating infertility with Ayurveda, follow the link mentioned below.
Remember,
“You were given this mountain, to show others that it can be moved.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility
Does Ayurveda help fertility?
Ayurveda is equipped with a sustainable and holistic approach to improve infertility in both men and women. A healthy mind and a clean body are a must for a successful conception. Ayurveda gets to the root of the problem and treats it from the very bottom. It has a wholesome approach to tackle infertility. It works on the four major aspects that are necessary to sustain the pregnancy which are Ritu (period of ovulation), Kshetra (womb/uterus), Beeja (ovum and sperm), and Ambu (nourishment of the uterus). Ayurveda is equipped with therapies to balance the Vata dosha and bring harmony to these 4 aspects. Therapies like Panchkarma, followed by a diet regime that is full of food that improves the Ojas in the body are some of the ways to improve infertility.
Does Panchakarma help in conceiving?
Panchkarma is a therapy that eliminates toxins from every cell and every part of the body. This process of purification frees the body from any unwanted and unhealthy situations developed within. It nurtures health and improves the chances of conception. In the due course of this process it cleans the reproductive system and provides mental and physical fitness to the woman who is about to conceive. It can also be labeled as a pre-conception treatment for the couple to have a healthy pregnancy.
How can I increase my fertility naturally?
Over the period of time, there are quite a lot of ways that are listed to boost fertility naturally. A few of them are:
- Consume food rich with anti-oxidants
- Have your breakfast like a king
- Steer clear of trans fats
- Curb carb intake if tackling PCOS
- Reduce refined carbs
- Focus more on fibre
- Replace some sources of protein
- Pick high-fat diary
- Include multivitamins
- Sweat it out
- Unwind and relax
- Reduce caffeine intake
Besides all of these watch your weight, keep a tab on the iron levels, and avoid excess alcohol to increase fertility naturally and in a healthy manner.
Does Ghee increase fertility?
Ghee is said to have natural properties that increase fertility and nourishes the womb and the seeds. Besides this it also makes way for a healthy pregnancy for the mother. Ghee increases the brain nourishment of the fetus and assures the safe delivery of the baby. It provides nourishment to the fetus and is an excellent source to improve post-pregnancy lactation in the nursing mother.
What causes poor egg quality?
The most commonly known reason for poor egg quality is aging. By the age of 40, poor quality eggs generally surmount the good quality eggs. Apart from this, reasons like genetic disorders, immunological problems, and cancer treatments can result in poor egg quality. Hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, smoking, Endometriosis, and obesity can also be held responsible.
What are the 4 causes of male infertility?
The reasons for male fertility include problems like sperm transportation, sperm production, tumors and infections, and ejaculation issues. Besides these smoking, illnesses, injuries, persistent or incurable ailments, and unhealthy lifestyle choices as well are causes for infertility in men.
Can coconut oil improve fertility?
Coconut oil can help to maintain the PH levels that promote vaginal health. Vaginal health is an important factor for fertility. It aids in maintaining good body fat. It is also an effective aid for hypothyroidism which is often associated with lack of ovulation and menstrual problems.
Which fruits are good for fertility?
Fruits like blueberries and raspberries are known to be loaded with natural antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients which improve fertility.
What vitamins help you get pregnant faster?
Vitamins and Micronutrients like
- Folic acid
- Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E
- Iron, Zinc, Calcium
- Acetyl L- Carnitine, Co-Q10
- Omega 3S
- Selenium
get pregnant faster. However, to provide the best possible nutrition to the body, it is essential to choose the right proportion of vitamins to heighten the chances of conception and healthy pregnancy.
What herbs increase fertility?
Ayurvedic herbs like
- Ashwagandha
- Shatavari
Kitchen Herbs like
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Cayenne
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Nettles
Besides these, there are also Chinese herbs like
- Vitex (Chaste Berry tree)
- Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
- Tribulus Terrestris
**The benefits of Ayurveda vary from person to person and the results may vary immensely based on the quality of the herbs, oil concoctions and medicines. BalanceBoat.com is not responsible or liable for the effectiveness and outcome of the Ayurvedic treatments. The information above is shareable purely for educational purpose it is not to be considered as a replacement for medical advice. Please always consult a certified specialist/Doctor before you embark upon a treatment.
