INFERTILITY – YOGA ASANAS

INFERTILITY:

It is defined as a failure to conceive within one or more years of regular unprotected course .

TYPES OF INFERTILITY:

1. Primary infertility: It is defined as the couples who have never been able to conceive.
2. Secondary infertility: It is defined as difficulity in conceiving after already having conceived(either carried the pregnancy to term or had a miscarriage).

CAUSES OF INFERTILITY IN MEN: 

• Azoospermia .
• Sperm are immotile cannot swim.
• Testicular cancer, surgery , infection.
• Elevated temperatures may impair sperm production and function
• Ejaculation disorders.
• Oligospermia
• Varicocele in the scrotum.
• Medical condition such as diabetes , autoimmune disorder.

IN WOMEN

• Ovulation disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hyper-prolactinemia, poor egg quality.
• Problem in uterus and fallopian tubes such as Endometriosis .
• Medication such as NSAID,s , Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy,birth control pills .
• Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead and pesticides.
• Thyroid disease
• Sickle cell anaemia
• Hormonal imbalance.

DIAGNOSIS OF FEMALE INFERTILITY:

• Pelvic examination ( pap smear test)
• Blood test.
• Transvaginal ultrasound .
• Saline sonohysterogram.

DIAGNOSIS OF MALE INFERTILITY :

• Semen analysis
• Blood test
• Scrotal ultrasound .

RISK FACTORS FOR INFERTILITY:

• Age (more than 35 years in women and more than 40 years in
• More intake of alcohol.
• Exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides , lead etc.
• Radiation therapy.
• Sexually transmitted disease.
• Smoking
• Obesity or underweight .

PREVENTION:

IN MEN:

• Avoid high temperature found in hot tubs and hot baths.
• Avoid exposure to industrial and environmental toxins.
• Daily exercise .
• Limit medication that affects infertility.
• Stop drug or alcohol use .
• Avoid excessive amout of alcohol intake .

IN WOMEN:

• Quit smoking.
• Avoid alcohol and street drugs .
• Limit caffeine
• Regular exercise .

According to Ayurveda infertility is compared with vandhyatwa in which there is a sukradhatu and arthav dushti is occurred .

Factors  of fertility in ayurveda are:

1. Ritu : phase of ovulation.
2. Kshetra : healthy uterus which facilitate the entry of sperm.
3. Ambu: nutrional elements and hormones.
4. Bija : ovum and sperm.

TO IMPROVE  INFERTILITY  :

In Men :

1. General hygiene
2. Exercise
3. High protein and vitamin diet.
4. Limit the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
5. Take cold water bath instead of hot water bath.
6. Not wear tight underwear , electric blanket
7. Quit smoking and alcohol.
8. Do meditation.

In Women :

1. Take iron and folic acid if Hb is less than 11 gram.
2. Do meditation
3. Take nutritious diet .

GOOD HERBS FOR INFERTILITY

1. Ashoka
2. Ashwagandha
3. Amalaki
4. Punarnava

YOGA ASANAS FOR INFERTILITY:

1. BHRAMARI  PRANAYAM:

MethodS:

• Sit in a crossed legged position .
• Close eyes and ear with the help of fingers.
• Index finger is placed in between the eyebrow and ring or little finger is placed on nostrils.
• Focued in between  the
• Take deep breathe and hold the breathe for 2-3 seconds and slowly exhale through the nose while producing a huming sound.
• Mouth should be closed.
• Repeat 5 times.

Benefits:

• Helps in reducing blood pressure.
• Builds confidence.
• Instant relief from tension , anger, anxiety.
• Improves concentration and memory.

2. SARVANGASANA (SHOULDER STAND )

Methods:

• Firstly Lie in supine position.
• Than Raise the legs to 30 degree than 60 degree than 90 degree than 120 degree with the hands supporting the back .
• The elbow should rest on the ground and the toes joined and straight .
• Keep eyes closed .
• Starting this pose with 2 minutes.
• Bend the legs slightly backwards .
• Remove the hands from back and place them straight on ground.
• Regain the original position slowly while keeping hands on the floor.

Benefits:

• Stimulates thyroid and parathyroid glands.
• Nourishes the brain.
• Stretch the heart muscles .
• Relief from constipation, indigestion.

Contraindication:

• Diarrhea
• Headache
• High blood pressure.
• Neck injury.
• Mensturation

3. SETUBANDHASANA( BRIDGE POSE):

Methods:

• Lie on back and bend the knees .
• Bring your heels close to buttocks.
• Lift your hip upward toward the sky.
• Tuck your chin with sternum .
• Support of hand on the back.
• Relax Gluteus and Engange your inner thighs.
• Lift your hip higher.
• Slowly release.

Benefits:

• Strengthens the hamstring muscle.
• Helps in alleviate stress and mild depression.
• Improves digestion.
• Reduce stress promote calm and stimulates reproductive area.

4. BHUJANGASANA ( COBRA POSE):

          Methods:

• Firstly lie in prone position
• Than Palms on the  side of your chest, arms close to the  body, elbows pointing outward. Inhale and raise your forehead, neck and shoulders.
• Raise your trunk with the support of arms.
• Look into the sky (upward) while breathing .
• Navel touches on the floor.
• Hold this pose for 5 seconds.
• Slowly slowly comes into prone position
• Turn your head to one side and arms on the side of body.

Benefits:

• It help in to stretch muscles of  the chest, shoulders, and abdominal area.
• Help to enhance anxiety.
• Rejuvenate the heat and elevate the mood.
• It helps in decrease the stiffness of lower back .
• It helps in the production of cervical mucus that makes the journey of the sperm to egg easier.
• Bringing energy to the uterus , ovaries .

5. BADHA KONASANA: ( BUTTERFLY POSE)

Methods:

• Sit in dandasana.
• Bend your knees and join the soles of feet.
• Hold your feet and ankles.
• Move your heels to the groin.
• Breathe out and down your knees to the ground.
• Relaxed Arms and shoulder .
• Press the sitting bones within the floor and the ccrown of your head pointing towards the ceiling to elongate the spine.
• Knees moves like wings of butterfly.
• Hold this pose for upto 2 minutes.

Benefits:

• Stretches the groin and inner thighs.
• Increase the flexibility of knees, ankle, feet and hips.
• Beneficial in urinary disorders.
• Beneficial in infertility and asthma.