Ayurvedic Management of Anovulatory Infertility: Linking Artava Dushti, Agnimandya and Modern Ovarian Dysfunction
Author : Dr. Shyamal Udhav Kagne and Dr. Suraj Prakash Rathod
Abstract :
Infertility is an important reproductive health problem affecting individuals and couples worldwide. Female infertility may arise from ovarian, tubal, uterine, endocrine and other factors. Among these, ovulatory dysfunction is a major and potentially treatable cause of female infertility. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of anovulatory infertility and is characterized by menstrual irregularity, hyperandrogenism, disturbed follicular development and metabolic abnormalities. Contemporary management includes lifestyle modification, correction of metabolic abnormalities and pharmacological ovulation induction according to the underlying cause.
Ayurveda does not describe PCOS or anovulatory infertility as a single disease entity in the terminology of modern medicine. However, several classical concepts provide a framework for understanding disturbed reproductive function, including Vandhyatva, Artava Dushti, Artava Kshaya, Nashtartava, Yonivyapada, Artavavaha Srotas, Agni, Ama, Dhatu Agni, Apana Vayu and the physiological requirements for conception. The classical description of Artava emphasizes its importance in female reproductive physiology, while the concepts of impaired Agni, improper Dhatu nourishment and obstruction or dysfunction of Artavavaha Srotas provide a possible Ayurvedic model for menstrual and ovulatory disturbances.
The present review attempts to establish a conceptual bridge between Ayurvedic understanding of Artava Dushti and Agnimandya and contemporary concepts of ovarian dysfunction, particularly anovulation associated with PCOS and metabolic dysfunction. The proposed Ayurvedic approach emphasizes Nidana Parivarjana, Agni Deepana and Ama Pachana where indicated, correction of Dosha and Srotas Dushti, regulation of Apana Vayu, optimization of body weight and lifestyle, appropriate Shamana therapy, selected Shodhana procedures and Rasayana support. Modern diagnostic evaluation remains essential to exclude tubal, uterine, male-factor and endocrine causes of infertility and to identify patients requiring timely assisted reproductive or ovulation-induction treatment.
This review highlights the potential of an integrative Ayurvedic framework while emphasizing the need for high-quality clinical trials, standardized interventions and objective reproductive outcomes.
Keywords :
Anovulatory infertility, Artava Dushti, Artava Kshaya, Agnimandya, Vandhyatva, PCOS, ovarian dysfunction, Artavavaha Srotas, Apana Vayu, Ayurveda.
