CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF CAUSATIVE FACTORS OF FEMALE INFERTILITY

Background: Stree Vandhyatva (female infertility) accounts for 50% of infertility cases seeking treatment across the globe. Ayurveda attributes various causative factors including dietary, behavioural and psychological which may cause the imbalance of the Garbhasambhavasamagri (Ritu, Kshetra, Ambu and Beeja).Rasa Dushti due to Agnimandya or any underlying cause can also lead to Artavadushti thereby affecting the fertility in females. Objectives: To analyse the causative factors of female infertility among 250 subjects who visited the Outpatient and Inpatient Department of Prasuthi Tantra & Streeroga of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan. Methodology: The study was designed as a retrospective study using data previously gathered from 250 females who visited the Outpatient and Inpatient Department of Prasuthi Tantra & Streeroga of Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan. Seeking infertility treatment. Results: Among 250 cases analysed, 18% of subjects had a history of repeated abortions and 30% of subjects had menstrual irregularities. 24% of female infertility cases were associated with Polycystic Ovaries, 12% had associated thyroid dysfunction and another 15% were associated with other abnormalities of reproductive tract like fibroid uterus, endometriosis, adenomyosis and uterine anomalies. Conclusion: From the data collected, the causative factors of female infertility were analysed and concluded that polycystic ovaries, a lifestyle disorder is the most common cause which can be prevented by following proper Pathyapatha as per Ayurveda. A close association was also noted between thyroid dysfunction and female infertility. Keywords: Ayurveda, Streeroga, Female infertility, Garbhasambhavasamagri, Polycystic ovaries.