Ayurveda and Ovulation Induction: Insights from Classical and Modern Literature

Abstract

The main factor responsible for female infertility is the inability to ovulate. The woman\'s chances of becoming pregnant are reduced even though ovulation does occur. The spectrum of ovarian dysfunction includes the inability to generate a corpus Luteum that functions normally after ovulation. Fertility problems have a plethora of causes. Anovulation is one of them. In contrast to seed germination, the creation of Garbha is attributed by Ayurveda to four crucial components: Rutu (fertile period), Kshetra (healthy reproductive organs), Ambu (appropriate nutrient fluid), and Bija (ovum / sperm).Any one of these flaws might lead to Vandhyatva, or infertility. Of these four, the ovulation is directly correlated with Bija (ovum/sperm). The vitiation of vata is a reflection of ovulatory failure, which is responsible for around 40% of female infertility in the modern era. In Ayurveda, aartavaha strotas is co-related with menstrual cycle and very important for female reproductive system. Dosh dushti mainly vata dushti causes vaginal discomfort (yonivedana), sparse menstrual blood, and delayed or absent menstruation, which is called kshina Artava. The use of hormonal treatment to induce ovulation is very expensive and carries a number of complications. Thus, it is necessary to include Ayurvedic medications for inducing ovulation. Ayurvedic practitioners recommend Nidana parivarjana as the primary therapy method. Artavajanaka Dravya (helps in ovulation induction by keeping all doshas in balance. When the Apana vayu is blocked, the Anulomana of Artava is eliminated, allowing for normal ovulation. Uttarbasti is also highly beneficial for the anovulatory cycles.

Introduction

Despite global population growth, infertility—especially among women—is rising due to modern lifestyle changes. Ayurveda, particularly the teachings of Sushruta, identifies four essential factors for conception:

1. Rutu (fertile period)

2. Kshetra (healthy reproductive organs)

3. Ambu (nutritional fluid)

4. Bija (ovum or sperm)

Female infertility is often due to anovulation, caused by vitiated Vata dosha, leading to menstrual disorders like Artava Kshaya (reduced menstrual flow) and Kshinaartava (diminished ovulation), which are symptoms of PCOS and other ovulatory dysfunctions. Ayurveda attributes this to dietary and lifestyle imbalances causing doshic blockages and tissue depletion.

Concept of Beeja (Ovum):

• Beeja in women refers to the Artava (ovum).

• The ovum exists from fetal life in an immature form and matures at puberty (~12 years).

• Ayurveda aligns with modern science in noting that oocytes are present since birth but mature after puberty.

• Beeja formation depends on Rasa dhatu (nutritive fluid) and its transformation via digestive fires (agnis).

Ovulation Process:

• Ovulation corresponds to Beejotsarga in Ritu Kala (fertile window).

• Typically occurs on day 14 of a 28-day cycle.

• Triggered by hormonal events, primarily LH surge, FSH rise, and estrogen feedback.

• Ovulation involves:

  • Follicle swelling and rupture

  • Release of the secondary oocyte

  • Formation of Corpus Luteum

Diagnosis of Ovulation:

1. Indirect methods:

   • Menstrual history

   • Basal body temperature (BBT) shifts

   • Cervical mucus tests (fern pattern, elasticity)

   • Vaginal cytology (cornification index)

2. Hormonal assessments:

   • Serum progesterone (day 21)

   • Serum LH and estrogen levels

   • Urine LH kits

   • Endometrial biopsy

3. Ultrasound (Sonography) and Laparoscopy for direct confirmation

Ayurvedic Management of Anovulation:

• Nidana Parivarjana (removal of causative factors) is the first step.

• Correction of digestion (Agni) using Deepana-Pachana herbs.

• Use of Shodhana (cleansing) therapies: Vamana, Virechana, Basti, Uttarbasti.

• Artavajanaka Dravyas (herbs that stimulate ovulation) are prescribed.

• Therapies focus on balancing Vata, enhancing Pitta, and nourishing Rasa and Artava.

• Basti therapy is emphasized for regulating Apana Vayu, essential for ovulation.

Conclusion

In Ayurveda, Ovulation process is explained very clearly. Concept of Beeja, Beejotsarga, and Menstrual process is explained in detail. Ayurvedic acharyas are well known of the physiological changes that occur in the female body during the ovulatory phase. The changes in hormones during ovulation and their doshas correlation explained in this article. Vata is for follicle rupture. Pitta is for conversion of androgens to oestrogen in graffian follicles. Kapha functions as a structural and nutritional element (follicle maturation). As a result, each of the three doshas is essential for ovulation process. For induction of ovulation, we should know about all the aspects which are explained by our Acharyas.

References

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Copyright © 2025 Dr. Geetika, Dr. Umang Varshney. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.