Here’s the Ayurvedic way to combat male infertility by increasing sperm count and motility

by Ayurveda Admin

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility is estimated to affect 8%–12% of reproductive-age group couples (60–80 million couples) worldwide, with around 15–20 million (25%) in India alone. According to a report by the World Health Organization, one in every six couples in developing countries is affected by infertility.

A significant contributor to male infertility is oligoasthenozoospermia, or reduced sperm concentration and motility. The prevalence of oligoasthenozoospermia among men has increased worldwide annually to 10%–15% under the influence of numerous harmful factors, such as environmental pollution, psychological stress, and unhealthy lifestyles.

The drawbacks of the current treatments include their side effects, ambiguous clinical effectiveness, increased cost, fear of loss of hope during a lengthy medical procedure that takes time, and the necessity for additional therapy in case of failure. Therefore, the focus has been on preserving or improving human sperm count, motility, and morphology.

In Ayurveda, semen (shukra) is seen as having the unique function of forming the embryo. Other functions attributed to semen are courage, ejaculation, affection, body strength and sexual arousal. Ksheena shukra is the condition in which the quantity of semen is less, and correlates with the condition of oligoasthenozoospermia. It is a pathology due to the predominance of Vata-Pitta dosha.

Causative factors include exposure to excessive heat and prolonged journeys. Excessive physical stress is another factor. High intake of red and processed meat and carbonated soft drinks are to be avoided. Hot water baths, wearing tight undergarments, tight jeans, long bike rides, prolonged sitting, prolonged placing of laptops over the thighs, frequent placing of mobile phones in pant pockets, excessive stress, daytime sleep, heavy work, and holding natural urges are other identified causative factors.

Drugs having similar qualities of shukra, aphrodisiac measures and formulations predominant of sweet and bitter taste to normalize vitiated Vata and Pitta are beneficial in the management of such conditions. Among them, the role of aphrodisiac medicine is of vital importance. Before the administration of aphrodisiac measures, steps to enhance metabolism, digestion and evacuation of flatus, faeces, urine, etc. should be carried out.

For this purpose, Saptasaram Kashayam made from a blend of seven powerful herbs - Punarnava, Bilwa, Kulatha, Eranda, Sahachara, Shunthi, and Agnimantha - is recommended. This can be taken along with ghee which enhances shukra and pacifies Vata and Pitta dosha. This is to be followed with mild purgative which is a compound powder preparation containing Triphala, Yashti and Markandika.

As an aphrodisiac, the Vidaryadi Vajeekarana Lehya can be used. The Lehya has strengthening and nourishing properties that increase semen and vital energy. It significantly increases sperm count as well as fructose levels of seminal vesicles. It is to be taken along with milk which is a daily used substance and increases semen. Most of the drugs in Vidaryadi Vajeekarana Lehya have antioxidant properties, which counters oxidative stress, one of the main causes of decreased seminal parameters.

The effect of this treatment will be a gradual increase in the seminal count and the motility rate in the person. The time required for the changes to fully manifest may vary, depending on their body nature. However, on a normal, otherwise healthy person, the effects can be found within 100 days of the commencement of the treatment.

(Source - Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports)