Stri Vandhyatva (Female Infertility Due to Anovulatory Cycle): Ayurvedic and Modern Review

Abstract

Infertility now a day’s is the most common social stigma and psychological burden amongst the couple. It is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse. Among the common causes of infertility like premature ovarian insufficiency, Poly-endocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), premature ovarian failure, hypothalamic dysfunction, ovarian resistance syndrome, ovulatory issues contribute the most. Anovulation is defined as the failure to produce a mature ovum by ovary, being an important cause of infertility among women accounting for about 40% of cases. In Ayurvedic literature infertility is described as Vandhyatva. Ayurvedic literature like Harit Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Charak Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita and Rasa Ratna Sammuchhay have given brief description of Stri vandhyatva. Sushruta Samhita has mentioned about Ritu, Kshetra, Ambu, and Beeja. Among them Beeja is considered as core and is mandatory for factor for conception. Contemporary science offers treatment like hormonal therapies as well as Assisted Reproductive Technology. In Ayurvedic text various Panchakarma therapies are mentioned in which Uttar basti is considered as one of the best treatments for infertility. The aim of this study is to review the Ayurvedic and modern science prospective of Stri Vandhyatva (female infertility due to anovulatory cycle).