ABSTRACT
IVF or In vitro fertilization is considered to be one of the greatest achievements of modern science where following a complex procedure a couple is helped for conceiving a child which normally they are not able to. But unfortunately there is limitation to everything and so is for IVF as there have been many failures in these procedures over the period of time. Many couples even after going for more than one time for it are not able to conceive. Here in this article we will be discussing how Ayurveda can help in increasing the success rate of IVF and why one should take it while going for an IVF procedure.
INTRODUCTION
Infertility has become a serious issue over the time and several people throughout the world are suffering from it. There are several factors which can be blamed for this increasing rate of infertility like unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress. All these factors decline the fertility in both males as well as females. Over the passing time several techniques are developed and methods are being adopted by the people to treat infertility, however not many of them have proved to be effective. IVF is also one of these modern techniques developed to help couples to conceive which are normally not able to do so.
IVF or In vitro fertilization procedure is a complex procedure where from ovaries the mature eggs are collected and fertilized with the sperm in a lab artificially. After this the fertilized eggs are transferred to the uterus and this whole procedure of IVF takes around three weeks to complete one cycle. However it is unfortunate to know that this procedure does not work every time or for every couple which can develop a feeling of grief, frustration and anger in them.
- The most common cause from all these is the bad quality or defect in the embryo. The embryo which otherwise looks healthy in the lab fails to implant in the uterus after transferring due to bad quality.
- Age of the eggs along with the age of the woman undergoing IVF also is vital. As the age of a woman grows her egg's quality and age decreases which results in failed procedure.
- If the response of the woman's ovaries undergoing IVF treatment is not good to the IVF medicines given. This will result in ovaries not producing a sufficient amount of eggs.
- Chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo can result in failure in the implantation or miscarriage.
- Due to a certain lifestyle you can face IVF failure like smoking, being underweight or overweight.
Yes these conditions can be present in any of your cases but don't worry as it is not a hopeless situation. Ayurveda can prove to be the ray of light in your dark life. Ayurvedic practitioners have been treating infertility cases since ancient times using various measures. Ayurveda is the science of Life which not only treats the underlying ailment but also helps in maintaining a healthy body so that the healthy environment for the growing baby is developed. While going for an IVF treatment you must also seek help from Ayurveda as it increases the chances of success of IVF. Ayurveda helps in treating the underlying causes as mentioned above and also makes a healthy hormonal balance and growing environment for the developing embryo inside the womb.
In Ayurveda several herbal medications are given to detoxify the internal body of a woman. This not only cleanse the body but also helps in maintaining a good hormonal balance, improves quality of the eggs, and maintains a healthy lining of endometrium in the uterus. Several Ayurvedic procedures like massages and internal medicines are given to help to relieve the stress which is the main contributing factor for infertility and improves immunity along with reducing the cortisol-a stress hormone. There are many herbs in Ayurveda which have been used since ages to improve fertility and they have proven effects to do so. Let's learn about some of these herbs which can help in improving fertility:
1. Shatavari
Shatavari ( Asparagus racemosus) is a very well known female health tonic which helps in increasing the fertility by maintaining a healthy hormonal balance, strengthening the uterus and providing nourishment to it. This herb also strengthens the immune system and relieves stress which helps in treating immune mediated and stress related infertility in the woman.
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera) is an amazing herb with multiple health benefits and enhancing fertility is one of them. It helps in promoting fertility and reproductive health in both men and women. Infertility is usually caused due to the imbalance of thyroid hormone in females and ashwagandha helps in maintaining a healthy balance of thyroid and treats infertility. It is also rich in iron.
3. Guduchi
Giloy or Guduchi ( Tinospora cordifolia) is a potent antibiotic herb that possesses the microbes' killing properties naturally. Various infections in the reproductive system of a woman can lead to infertility hence giloy helps in treating these infections and promotes fertility and healthy reproduction.
4. Amalaki
Amalaki ( Emblica officinalis) helps in maintaining the balance in the tridosha specially Vata dosha, an imbalance in which causes many health ailments like irregular menstrual cycle. This herb nourishes the ovaries and promotes healthy egg production. Amla increases the chances of conception and enhances fertility.
Along with these herbs there are also certain dietary recommendations in Ayurveda which helps in nourishing the reproductive system of a woman and enhances the chances of conception during IVF. As per Ayurveda diet is a very important part of treatment of any health ailment including infertility. Following the below given diet and lifestyle changes can help in resolving the issue of infertility.
- Avoid extra salty and spicy food
- Avoid taking incompatible foods like taking acidic food with starches
- Take almonds, fresh fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, milk and other dairy products and whole grains
- Quit smoking
- Eat at proper timings and do not overeat or undereat
- Take proper sleep
- Avoid taking unnecessary stress
- Avoid taking junk, processed or packaged food products as it can lead to various health ailments
CONCLUSION
Infertility can be a heart wrenching feeling for any couple and continuous failure at IVF can aggravate this feeling. There's nothing too much nature has not got an answer and Ayurveda is a natural science which deals with the ailments through these natural herbs and procedures following nature's law. IVF is a good technique but its certainty can be more promising if Ayurvedic treatment is taken before and while going for it. This write up makes it very clear that Ayurveda can not only help in increasing the chances of fertility but also nourishes the reproductive system so as the environment for the artificially fertilized embryo is much better and healthier. So along with the modern techniques also follow the natural methods as well which will not only enhance the chances of fertility but will also give you a healthy body.