Infertility

Male Fertility

Erectile dysfunction and obstructions (varicocele and prostatitis) can affect male fertility. Male fertility can be compromised by various sperm defects (low volume, low motility, irregular shape), erectile dysfunction, and obstructions.

Tips to Boost Male Fertility

There are two basic strategies to optimize male fertility: clear any obstructions and nourish the reproductive tissue.

1. Clear Obstructions: If you suspect there is an obstruction (constipation, dribbling urine, poor erectile function), use herbs such as Gokshura (Tribulis terrestris), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), and Triphala to clear the blockage. Once the path is clear, use tonics.
2. Use Tonics: Ayurveda has a fantastic repertoire of tonic herbs for improving erectile function, boosting sperm count, strengthening motility, and enhancing form. Use Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens) to treat any weakness in sperm count, form, or function.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Other things men can do to enhance their fertility include avoiding alcohol and smoking, reducing poor-quality fats in the diet, and increasing exercise.

Yoga for Fertility

Padmasana, the classic Lotus Pose, increases blood flow to the perineum and directs prana, or the life force, to the lower two chakras that govern sexual functions. A very useful yogic exercise for both partners is to practice pelvic floor exercises. Just contracting and relaxing the pelvic floor greatly enhances circulation to the reproductive system. Practices such as moola bandha, ashwini mudra, and vajroli mudra are famed for enhancing sexual prowess and potency.

Maintaining Fertility

Optimizing fertility is one of the arts of Ayurveda. Certain foods and herbs that have an affinity for the reproductive system should be included in the diet of anyone wanting to enhance their fertility. These foods are usually sweet, nourishing, and building. Two kinds of foods and herbs help enhance shukra dhatu, and therefore help enhance fertility. One is called 'Bruhana', which enhances shukra by enhancing all seven dhatus. 'Vrishya' foods and herbs target shukra dhatu in particular.

Foods to Nourish All Seven Dhatus (Bruhana)

• Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables
• Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds
• Dairy proteins, including milk, cream, ghee, lassi, and paneer (a fresh cheese made from milk)
• Sweet, juicy fruits such as mangoes, peaches, plums, and pears
• Dried fruits such as dates, figs, and raisins
• Herbs like Ashoka (Saraca indica), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), etc., are age-old proven rejuvenators.
• Generic preparations like Chyavanprashavaleha, Brahmi Ghrita, and Agatsya Haritaki Avaleha are prescribed for the gain and maintenance of strength and vigor.

Foods to Enhance the Reproductive Tissue (Vrishya)

• Milk, milk-date shake, milk-mango shake
  
• Rice pudding
  
• Spices such as ajwain powder, cumin (which purifies the uterus in women and the genitourinary tract in men), turmeric (to improve the interaction between hormones and targeted tissues), black cumin, fenugreek, garlic, onion, and licorice, which are said to invigorate the reproductive organs.
  Caution: Do not take licorice or fenugreek if you suspect you may be pregnant or after becoming pregnant.

• Herbs:
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
  
• Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is considered the most important rejuvenative tonic for women. Use Shatavarikalpa.
  
• Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens) is a proven medicine for increasing the sperm count in patients with oligospermia and defective sperm formation.
  
• 'Vrishavati' is a safe, nonhormonal aphrodisiac formulation. It is useful in male infertility due to oligospermia and low sperm motility, impotency, loss of libido, and other reproductive disorders. Ingredients such as Ashwagandha and Kavachbeej help to improve sexual functions and the quality and quantity of semen.
  
• Gokshura (Tribulis terrestris)
  
• Bala (Sida cordifolia)