Ayurvedic Management of Infertility Associated with Anovulatory Cycles: A Case Report Based on Vandhyatva and Artava Dushti
Author : Dr. Ravindra Udapure
Abstract :
Background: Infertility is a multifactorial reproductive health condition resulting from abnormalities involving ovulation, tubal patency, uterine factors, male factors or a combination of these conditions. Ovulatory dysfunction is one of the important causes of female infertility, with anovulation resulting in inadequate or absent ovulation and consequently impaired opportunities for conception.
Ayurveda approaches female infertility through the concept of Vandhyatva and considers the normal functioning of Artava, Beeja, Garbhashaya, Apana Vayu and reproductive tissue nourishment to be essential for conception. Disturbances in Artava may be understood under Artava Dushti, while impairment of ovulation may be interpreted through dysfunction of Artava and Apana Vayu, along with abnormalities of Dosha, Agni and Dhatu.
Case Presentation: A 30-year-old married woman presented with inability to conceive for 3 years despite regular unprotected intercourse. Her menstrual cycles were irregular, occurring every 40–60 days, with 3–4 days of moderate menstrual flow. She had progressive weight gain and clinical features suggestive of ovulatory dysfunction. Contemporary evaluation demonstrated irregular ovulation, elevated anti-Müllerian hormone and polycystic ovarian morphology, while thyroid and prolactin levels were within reference ranges. Tubal patency was confirmed and the husband's semen analysis was within the laboratory reference range. From an Ayurvedic perspective, the patient was assessed as having Vandhyatva associated with Artava Dushti, predominantly involving Kapha-Vata, Agnimandya, Medodushti and Apana Vayu Vaigunya.
Intervention: Management was individualized according to Ayurvedic principles of Agni Deepana, Kapha-Meda Shamana, Vata Anulomana, correction of Artava Dushti, optimization of reproductive health and conception planning. Dietary modification, exercise, yoga and stress management were incorporated. Ovulation was monitored using follicular ultrasonography. The illustrative follow-up demonstrated improved menstrual regularity and evidence of ovulation.
Outcome: Following treatment, the menstrual cycle became more regular and follicular monitoring demonstrated development and rupture of a dominant follicle. The patient was counselled regarding the fertile window and timed intercourse. The illustrative case subsequently demonstrated a positive urine pregnancy test, followed by biochemical confirmation of pregnancy.
Conclusion: Anovulatory infertility may be interpreted within Ayurveda through the clinical framework of Vandhyatva, Artava Dushti, Apana Vayu dysfunction and impairment of reproductive tissue function. An individualized Ayurvedic approach combined with contemporary evaluation and objective ovulation monitoring may provide a useful integrative model. However, a single case cannot establish therapeutic efficacy, and appropriately designed clinical trials are required to evaluate Ayurvedic interventions for anovulatory infertility.
Keywords :
Vandhyatva, Artava Dushti, infertility, anovulation, Ayurveda, ovulation, conception, Apana Vayu, Kapha, Vata, PCOS.
