Male Fertility Support with Ayurveda

Natural, holistic care to support male reproductive health, improve sperm quality, and enhance overall fertility with personalized Ayurvedic guidance.

Understanding Male Fertility

Male infertility is quite a common concern worldwide, and it affects about 7% to 10% males around the world. About 20%-30% couples who are not able to conceive are affected by male fertility. The primary causes of male fertility issues include sperm-related issues, hormonal imbalance, and blockages. Its treatment in Ayurveda includes the use of various Ayurveda therapies, herbal medicine, and diet and lifestyle changes.

Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after having unprotected sexual intercourse for a period of 12 months. Male fertility is a condition in which a male individual is unable to impregnate a woman.

In Ayurveda, it is classified as Shukrakshaya (low sperm quality/quantity) and Astavidha shukra dushti (eight types of sperm disorders). It is a dysfunction primarily related to the Shukra dhatu, caused by an imbalance in the Vata and Pitta doshas. Treatment focuses on balancing doshas and removing toxins from the body.

Symptoms of male infertility

The symptoms of male fertility are the inability to make a woman conceive and have a child. Male infertility can also cause symptoms related to psychological issues, like-

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Feeling of failure
• Feeling grief and loss

Infertility symptoms for low testosterone include-

• Tiredness
• Weight gain
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Low libido

These symptoms can be due to other causes as well; it is better if you get diagnosed before coming to a conclusion.

Causes of male infertility

There are many factors that cause infertility, including biological, natural, and genetic. The causes include-

• Sperm related disorders like low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, or no sperm in the semen.
• Health conditions like diabetes and autoimmune disorders.
• Fertility can also be affected by infections like sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea, HIV, epididymitis, and orchitis.
• Genetic disorders like Klinefelter’s syndrome and myotonic dystrophy, in which genetic mutations result in low sperm count or absence of sperm.
• Testicular trauma, which is injury to one or both testicles due to different factors, can cause infertility.
• Inflammation in the veins of the testis, which is known as varicoceles.
• Imbalanced hormones are caused by hormonal disorders that affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
• Surgical removal of the testis or cancer treatments like radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
• Exposure to environmental toxins and radiation.
• Obesity.
• Smoking tobacco and consuming alcohol can also cause infertility.
• If you use steroids to build muscle.
• Undescended testicles.
• If the age of the person is above 40 years.

In Ayurveda, the main cause of male infertility is the vitiation of the Shukra dhatu, which is reproductive tissue. The imbalance in different doshas causes 8 types of sperm disorders known as Ashtavidha shukradosha. Disorder due to-

• Vata imbalance- It includes phenila, tanu, and ruksha semen/shukra, meaning frothy, very thin, and dry semen.Pitta imbalance- Vivarna and puti semen/shukra., meaning abnormally discoloured and putrid looking semen.Kapha imbalance- Pichhila semen/shukra, meaning very sticky, thick, viscous semen.Mixing with other tissues like blood- Anyadhatusansrishta
• Clotting -Avamadi

Other causes-

• Ksheena shukra- It is a condition where the quantity and quality of sperm is reduced.
• Klaibya- It refers to erectile dysfunction.
• Beeja dushti- It is a defect in sperm due to a genetic disorder.

Diagnosis of male infertility

Diagnosis of male infertility is done by a urologist or endocrinologist. The first step in diagnosis includes asking questions about their medical history, family medical history, medication, past successful impregnation, and use of tobacco and alcohol. Other methods include-

• Semen analysis- It is the primary test that is recommended by a healthcare provider. This test determines sperm count and sperm quality.
• Imaging tests- This test includes ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and venography, in which high temperature is used to detect swollen veins, such as those found in a varicocele.
• Blood test- Blood is tested to check for hormone levels and DNA analysis to check for any abnormalities in chromosomes or genes.
• Urine test- A urine test helps to identify sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and diabetes.
• Biopsy- A testicular biopsy is performed in which a small piece of tissue is extracted from the testicles to check the production of sperm.

After diagnosis, you should consult with your health care provider for further assessment and treatment