Management of oligoasthenozoospermia through Ayurveda approaches - An experience

Infertility is a disease of the male or female reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility is estimated to affect 8%–12% of reproductive-age group couples (60–80 million couples) worldwide, with around 15–20 million (25%) in India alone. A significant contributor to male infertility is oligoasthenozoospermia, a term that encompasses both oligospermia and asthenozoospermia. Clinically, it is distinguished by reduced sperm concentration and motility. The prevalence of oligoasthenozoospermia among men has increased worldwide annually to 10%–15% under the influence of numerous harmful factors, such as environmental pollution, psychological stress, and unhealthy lifestyles, placing a significant burden on people and the social healthcare system. The drawbacks of the currently available treatments include their side effects, unclear clinical effectiveness, and increased cost. In Ayurveda, there is no direct correlation of oligoasthenozoospermia but it can be correlated with Ksheena shukra (~oligospermia) or Shukra kshaya (~reduced semen). It is a Vatapaittika-pradhana shukra dosha (~pathology due to the predominance of Vata-pitta dosha). This is a case report of a 36-year-old male complaining of infertility due to oligoasthenozoospermia. After 98 days of treatment, there is an increase in sperm count from 4 million/mL to 54 million/mL, rapid progressive motility from 7% to 35%, a decrease in nonprogressive motility from 22% to 5%, immotile sperm percentage from 71% to 55%. After one month of follow-up, the values were maintained and his partner achieved pregnancy. The observation of this case highlights the role of Vajeekarana aushadha (~aphrodisiac medicines) in the management of Oligoasthenozoospermia.