MANAGEMENT OF MALE INFERTILITY: AYURVEDIC APPROACH

Abstract

An estimated 5-10 percent of couples are classified as infertile, which means that they have been trying to get pregnant with frequent, unprotected intercourse for at least a year with no success. In about half the cases, male infertility is a factor. Causes of male infertility include abnormal sperm production or function and/or impaired delivery of sperm. General health and lifestyle issues such like, excessive smoking, alcohol intake, degrading environment, high pollution levels, changes in food habits, and deskbound work, stress etc. and exposure to certain environmental factors like exposure to radiation are some key factors that affect male fertility negatively. Ayurveda realized the problem of male sexual dysfunction thousands of years ago and developed a separate specialty, namely, Vaajeekarana-chikitsa (Aphrodisiac therapy). It has also recommended an appropriate use of plant-based remedies, a proper lifestyle and nutritious diet for improving overall health and treating male infertility. Current paper aims at putting forward the causes and treatment of male infertility as described in Ayurveda.