A CRITICAL STUDY OF STREE VANDHYATVA (FEMALE INFERTILITY) MENTIONED IN AYURVEDA WITH ITS CORRELATION TO CONTEMPORARY BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Background: Female infertility is a significant public health concern, globally affecting approximately 48.5 million couples. In Ayurveda, the condition is comprehensively described under the nosological category of Stree Vandhyatva, with its etiopathogenesis rooted in Dosha-Dhatu-Mala imbalance, Artava Kshaya, Yoni Vyapat, and Garbhashaya Dosha. A critical comparative analysis of these classical frameworks against contemporary biomedical paradigms is essential for advancing integrative reproductive medicine.

Objective: To systematically analyze the Ayurvedic concept of Stree Vandhyatva as described in classical texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and Ashtanga Hridayam), establish biomedical correlations, and synthesize an integrative diagnostic and therapeutic framework for female infertility.

Methods: A systematic narrative review was conducted using Ayurvedic classical texts as primary sources and electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, AYUSH Research Portal) for secondary sources. Articles published between 2014 and 2024 in indexed peer-reviewed journals were included. Inclusion was restricted to studies on female infertility, Ayurvedic reproductive medicine, and integrative gynaecology.

Results: The classical Ayurvedic literature delineates ten primary etiological factors of Stree Vandhyatva including Yoni Pradoshat, Asruk Doshat, Aahar Doshat, Vihar Doshat, Akal Yogat, Bala Sankshayat, and Manso Abhitapat, which demonstrate remarkable concordance with modern categories of ovulatory dysfunction, tubal pathology, uterine anomalies, endocrinal disorders, nutritional deficiencies, and psychogenic infertility. The Ritu-Kshetra-Ambu-Bija framework of Sushruta Samhita parallels the contemporary understanding of the four prerequisites of conception: ovulation, uterine receptivity, nutritional milieu, and gamete integrity. Ayurvedic Yoni Vyapat subtypes such as Putraghni (habitual abortion), Shandhi (Turner syndrome), and Artava Dosha (ovum disorders) align precisely with modern clinical entities.

Conclusion: Stree Vandhyatva as described in Ayurvedic classics constitutes a comprehensive, holistic, and clinically relevant nosological framework for female infertility. Integration of classical Ayurvedic etiological insights with modern molecular diagnostics and evidence-based therapeutics offers a promising pathway for developing culturally contextual, patient-centred reproductive healthcare. Rigorous randomized controlled trials validating Ayurvedic formulations are urgently needed.