WHAT IS FEMALE INFERTILITY?

Infertility in women is defined as inability to conceive after a year of unprotected sexual intercourse. Inability of a woman to carry the pregnancy to a full term is also called infertility in women.

Ayurveda identifies female reproductive system in a different way. Female pelvis is called ‘shroni’ and blood and nutrition is supplied by 2 main ‘srotas’-

Rajovaha srota- supplies blood and nutrition to the uterus, cervix and vagina.
Artavaha srota- includes blood supply to the ovary and fallopian tube.

According to Ayurveda conception results from a healthy sperm, ovum and a healthy uterus. ‘Shukra dhatu’ is responsible for the healthy reproductive system in both male and female and the healthy shukra dhatu depends on the health of all the other tissues in the body. Any defect in the above leads to infertility.

FEMALE INFERTILITY SYMPTOMS

‘What is female infertility factor?’ is the question that arises in most of the women who are trying to conceive but unfortunately are not able to get pregnant.

There are many couples that are facing infertility issues. The number is increasing worldwide. Its not easy to detect infertility however some of the signs of infertility in women that needs your attention are-

Irregular menstrual cycle- the normal cycle is 28 days long. If the menstrual cycle lasts from 21 to 35 days but is consistent is also normal. Hormonal imbalance such as hyperprolactinemia or PCOS causes irregular periods and might be symptoms of infertility in women.

Heavy and painful menstruation may occur due to endometriosis and causes infertility issues in 20- 40% of the women.

Pain during sexual intercourse may occur due to endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.

Sudden weight gain, loss of hair, fatigue, facial hair, headache are signs of hormonal disorder. Hormonal imbalance is also the infertility signs in woman.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN CAUSES OF INFERTILITY IN FEMALES?

Menstrual cycle is the indication of the health of a female reproductive system. This may get affected from various factors such as diet, mental stress, life style, lot of physical work out etc. According to Ayurveda the main causes of infertility in females are as follows-

The ‘vata dosha’ is mainly responsible for causing defect in the eggs and hence many times responsible for infertility. The ‘vata’ may get imbalanced due to fear, stress, anxiety, trauma, fasting, eating cold-dry and light substances.

‘Pitta dosha’ results in scarring of the fallopian tube and inhibits descent of the ovum, thus causing infertility.

Blocked fallopian tubes or thickened fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids is caused due to aggravated ‘kapha doha’ causing infertility.

TYPES OF FEMALE INFERTILITY

According to the ancient ayurvedic texts female infertility is classified into 3 –
Vandhya- it is a term used for absolute sterility and is not curable.
Apraja- in this type of infertility there is the possibility of a woman to become pregnant and is curable.
Sapraja- this term is used for women who become infertile after having one or more child.

FEMALE INFERTILITY TESTS

If a woman is not able to conceive after more than a year she must undergo fertility tests to know the cause of infertility. Fertility test helps you to identify the cause and treat it properly on time so that you can make your dream come true. Other than the women who are not able to get pregnant after a year of unprotected sexual intercourse, recurrent miscarriage, irregular heavy menstruation with a cycle of more than 35 days, endometriosis, issues in the fallopian tubes must undergo fertility test.

The female infertility test includes–

1) A thorough medical assessment
2) Ultrasound- it is helpful in diagnosing problems such as shape of the uterus and ovarian cysts.
3) Hormone blood test- this is used to evaluate follicular stimulating hormone, anti-Mullerian hormone and estradiol.
4) Ovarian reserve test- it is used to assess the potential number of eggs in the ovaries.
5) Laparoscopy- it evaluates endometriosis
6) Sonohysterogram- diagnoses uterine lesions and irregular growths.
7) Hysterosalpingogram- it is an X-ray of a woman’s fallopian tubes and uterus. It is helpful in locating the obstruction in the fallopian tubes and also detects the abnormal shape of the uterus.
8) Hysteroscopy- It is used to view the polyps and fibroids in the uterus.

Female infertility test at home is not possible except realizing the fact that one is not able to conceive after unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or more. One must consult the infertility specialist for diagnosis and treatment. Female infertility test cost may vary from each diagnostic labs. However the infertility panel test varies from 4000 to 6000 INR.

FERTILITY TREATMENT FOR WOMEN.

Ayurvedic approach towards female infertility treatment lies on strengthening the body’s self healing and balancing mechanism. According to Ayurveda the poor digestive system results in accumulation of ama (toxins) which gives rise to all the diseases. Hence the treatment of agni is must, this includes use of digestive herbs and spices, following the proper meal time and avoiding cold food and aerated drinks.

PANCHAKARMA FOR INFERTILITY TREATMENT

Panchakarma in Ayurveda is the internal cleansing procedure and one of the natural treatment for infertility for female. Therapies such as shirodhara, abhyanga, nasya karma, basti karma, marma therapy helps in releasing the impurities from the body channels. It is the best natural way to increase fertility in women. This ayurvedic treatment for infertility in female works by nourishing the body tissues, revitalizes the mind and enhances the immune system. Panchakarma is prescribed by the ayurvedic doctors as a natural ways to increase infertility in women. Shodhan chikitsa helps in regulating the ovulatory cycle. Basti karma is recommended in blocked fallopian tubes, pelvic adhesions and other inflammation in the reproductive organs.

MASSAGE THERAPY

Sedentary life style results in stagnant lymph flow. Hence the massage works to stimulate the lymph flow. The chances of conception increases by clearing the blocked fallopian tubes. It is proved that massaging the different areas of the hands and feet that corresponds to internal organs causing infertility helps in treating infertility in female.

AYURVEDIC HERBS USED IN INFERTILITY

A combination of herbs is used for natural treatment of infertility in women. It helps in regulating the menstrual cycle and balances the hormones. Medicated ghee and oils such as satpushpa tail, narayana taila, kalyan ghrita, dadimadi ghrita are commonly used. Some of the ayurvedic medicines for infertility in women are- chandraprabha vati, yograj guggulu, ashokarishta, kanchnar guggulu, kaishor guggulu, triphala guggulu, shatavari, jeevanti, dashmoola, guduchi, punarnava, gokshura etc are used.

FAVORABLE AND UNFAVORABLE FOOD

Diet plays a crucial role in treating and preventing infertility. Urad dal is said to build ‘shukra dhatu’. Jaggery and black sesame seeds balances the hormones. Diet should not include trans fats as they block the channels and threatens fertility. Foods such as spinach, beans, beets, tomatoes increases fertility in women.

Foods containing preservatives and chemicals must be avoided. Excess alcohol and caffeine, tobacco, soda, smoking, red meat, refined carbohydrate affects fertility.

It is important to include wide range of food in your diet. One must eat small, regular and balanced meal. Ayurvedic doctors recommend consuming new fruits and vegetables everyday instead of sticking to the same.


Thus the treatment for female infertility includes counseling, detoxification therapy ‘panchakarma’, enhancing the function of the uterus and ovaries through panchakarma, following garbha sanskar and ante natal care through Ayurveda, therapy and herbal medicines that promotes fertilization and last but not the least lifestyle and diet management.

There are many treatment available for infertility but because of side effects and high cost, ayurvedic approach is more in demand for infertility treatment.