To be fertile, a man must be able to deliver an adequate quantity of normal sperm to a woman’s  reproductive system, and sperm must be able to fertilize the egg. Conditions that interfere with this process can make a man less fertile. The various causes of male infertility and their Ayurvedic herbal treatment are discussed here.

The most common male infertility factors include azoospermia (no sperm cells are produced) and oligospermia (few sperm cells are produced). Sometimes, the quality of sperm cells is very poor, resulting in poor fertility. Treatment depends upon the identifiable cause.

Conditions that increase the temperature of the testes greatly reduce sperm quantity and quality. Undescended testes should be treated medically or surgically before the age of two years, to avoid permanent damage. Varicose veins of the testes can be treated using traditional Ayurvedic formulations like Punarnava Guggulu, Kankayan Vati, Arshkuthar Ras, Suranadi Vati, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) and Kakmachi (Solanum nigrum). Working in an environment of high temperature, and exposure to chemicals and other industrial toxins should be best avoided. The damage done by these factors to sperm production, can be treated using medicines like Aswagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Kapikachhu (Mucuna pruriens), Vasa (Adhatoda vasika), Vidarikand (Ipomoea digitata), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Safed Musli (Asparagus adscendence), Samudrashok (Argyreia speciosa), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) and Pippali (Piper longum).

Hormonal disorders may also interfere with sperm production. Hyperprolactinemia and other pituitary gland disorders may be treated using Kanchnaar Guggulu, Panch Tikta Ghruta Guggulu, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Mogra (Jasminum sambac) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus). Hypothyriodism may be treated using Arogya Vardhini, Kanchnaar Guggulu and Punarnava Guggulu. Hypogonadism may be treated using Kapikacchu, Ashwagandha, Bala, Vidarikand, Safed Musli and Shatavari. Disorders of the adrenal glands may be treated using Gokshuradi Guggulu, Gomutra Haritaki, Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Saariva and Deodar (Cedrus deodara).

Mumps, tuberculosis and sexually transmitted diseases can affect sperm production by causing inflammation and obstruction in the male genital tract. This condition may be treated using Aswagandha , Shatavari, Yashtimadhuk ,Pippali , Guduchi, Kutki, Punarnava, Kaishor Guggulu and Triphala Guggulu. Medicated oils like Mahanarayan oil (containing mainly Shatavari), Mahamash oil (containing mainly black gram) and Saindhav oil are used for local application on the scrotal skin.

Genetic disorders, use of medications and recreational drugs, exposure to radiation, smoking, and the excessive use of steroids and alcohol can also affect male fertility.

Some men do have a sufficient quantity of sperms, but are infertile because of the inability to achieve or have sustained erection (called erectile dysfunction or impotence). This condition may be due to physical causes like inadequate blood flow to the penis, diabetes, neurological defects and hormonal problems. Erectile dysfunction may be treated using medicines like Agnitundi Vati, Vishtinduk Vati, Tapyadi Loha, Trayodashang Guggulu, Abhrak Bhasma, Kapikachhu, Bala, Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Triphala (Three fruits), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Musta and Kutaj (Holharrhina antidysentrica). These medicines may also be used to treat retrograde ejaculation, in which the sperm goes backwards into the bladder, instead of coming out of the penis. Psychological inhibition can be treated by using medicines like Jayphal (Myristica fragrans), Talimkhana (Asteracantha longifolia), Parsik Yavani (Hyoscyamus niger), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Vacha (Acorus calamus).

This is, thus, a short description of the various causes of male infertility and their Ayurvedic herbal treatment.

Author :Abdulmubeen Mundewadi