The article in ‘VOGUE India’ shed light on Rising Infertility Rates which Drives the Increase in Assisted Reproductive Technologies. 1 in 6 couples face challenges conceiving. ART usage rises 5-10% yearly to meet demand, highlighting the growing need for reproductive assistance.
Isha Ambani Piramal:
“I’m very quick to say that my twins were conceived
via IVF because that’s how we’ll normalize it”
She and Her family needs little introduction.
VOGUE India (culture & Living)
BY SADAF SHAIKH
28 June 2024
Abstract
As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), 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.
Although the first in vitro fertilization (IVF) baby, Louise Brown, was born over 40 years ago, women continue to be the primary focus of infertility research and treatment. Surprisingly, despite half of infertility cases involving male factors, men have been largely overlooked in terms of research, diagnosis, and treatment.
This highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to infertility treatment that addresses both male and female factors.
Further study of articles–
- How IVF can help combat high male infertility in India
Male infertility rates are rising due to environmental and lifestyle factors.
IVF offers a solution, but accessibility and affordability remain challenges in India.
India Today
Published By: Daphne Clarance
Published On: Jun 24, 2024
Journal Article
- Recent decline in sperm motility among donor candidates
at a sperm bank in Denmark Emilie Lassen, Allan Pacey,
Anne-Bine Skytte, Robert Montgomerie
Human Reproduction, deae115, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deae115
Published: 04 June 2024
On the contrary……
A Research Study
- No evidence sperm counts are dropping, researchers find.
The widely held view that sperm counts in men are dropping around the world may be wrong, according to a new study by University of Manchester, Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada and Cryos International, Denmark.
“It is commonly believed that sperm counts in men are falling. This is to some degree the result of a meta-analysis published by Levine et al. (2023) which proposed that sperm concentrations worldwide had declined as much as 2.64% per year in unselected men since the year 2000. We did not see such a change and that suggests that in this population of sperm donor applicants, in these four Danish cities, sperm concentrations have not changed between 2017 and 2022”.
Professor Allan Pacey”.
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/discover/news/no-evidence-sperm-counts-are-dropping-researchers-find
5 June 2024
The global fertility crisis is a pressing issue that is affecting both men and women worldwide. Research studies have shown a significant decline in male fertility over the past few decades, with sperm counts and quality decreasing significantly. The factors such as environmental toxins, stress, poor diet, and sedentary and unhealthy lifestyle choices and genetic factors, playing a major role in this decline.
On the other hand, the female infertility crisis is also on the rise, with factors such as age, hormonal imbalances, and issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and age-related decline in egg quality and genetic factors playing a significant role. Research has shown that these factors, along with others such as obesity and smoking, can contribute to female infertility.
In light of these alarming trends, the role of homeopathy in addressing fertility issues has come to the forefront. Research has shown that homeopathic remedies can help improve both male and female fertility by addressing underlying health issues, balancing hormones, improve sperm quality and supporting overall reproductive health. Homeopathy has emerged as a potential alternative treatment option for both male and female infertility. Additionally, homeopathy can also help alleviate stress and improve mental well-being, which are crucial factors in fertility.
Homeopathy, a holistic form of medicine, has shown promising results in improving fertility by addressing underlying health issues and restoring balance to the body.
Case 1
By — Dr. Preetu Upadhyay
Ms. X, a 33-year-old married office worker, presents with a chief complaint of infertility. She has no significant past medical history related to infertility, major illnesses, or surgeries. Her menstrual cycles are regular, though slightly painful and heavier than normal. There is no significant family history of infertility or gynecological issues. Ms. X leads a sedentary lifestyle with limited physical activity and predominantly non-vegetarian diet with irregular eating habits. She reports disturbed sleep due to stress and anxiety over infertility.
Female history reveals menarche at 13 years, regular menstrual cycles lasting 5-6 days with a 28-30 day interval, dysmenorrhea predominantly in the first two days, and scanty menstrual flow. There is no history of sexually transmitted diseases. Further evaluation and management are warranted to address the patient’s concerns and optimize fertility
Rubrics
1. MIND- CONSOLATION- agg
2. MIND – INDIFFERENCE -loved ones,to
3. MIND – IRRITABILITY
4.MIND-RESERVED
5. MIND- SADNESS
6. MIND -WEEPING
7. MOUTH-TASTE-salty
8.FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX-MENSES-late, too
9. FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX MENSES -PAINFUL
10.FEMALE GENITALIA /SEX-MENSES-scanty
11.FEMALE GENITALIA/SEX -MENSES- sterility.
Based on the comprehensive case analysis, the patient’s secondary infertility is likely multifactorial and attributed to a combination of bulky uterus, cervicitis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Psychological factors such as stress and anxiety related to infertility may also be exacerbating the condition. Further evaluation and treatment are recommended to address these issues effectively.
Prescription:
Patient: Female, 33 years old
Diagnosis: Cervicitis, bulky uterus, menstrual pain, anxiety
Treatment: Sepia 1M, single dose and placebo tds for month .
Advice
– Exercises and dietary regulation
– Sepia 1M after a month
Follow-Up and Progress:
– 2 weeks: Mild improvement in menstrual pain and anxiety
– 1 month: Significant reduction in menstrual flow and pain
– 6 weeks: Improvement in cervicitis symptoms, reduction in uterus size
– 2 months: Resolution of cervicitis, normal uterus size, regular menstrual cycle
Conclusion:
Sepia 1M has effectively treated cervicitis, bulky uterus, and menstrual issues with no adverse effects. Patient’s reproductive health was restored.
References
– For a deeper understanding of individualized homeopathic treatment, she referred to the books by Dr. James Tyler Kent and Dr. William Boericke.
Case 2
Both husband and wife were treated ,
Case by Dr Akansha Pagare
Date 05/03/2020
Name Mrs. Priyanka Meshram
Age 32
Sex Female
Address Sawariya Niwas, Rajgargh
Occupation Pharmacist (Distt. Hospital, Rajgarh)
Chief Complaints:
C/O
Infertility (Patient Reported)
Trying since 3 years
The female unable to conceive
History of Presenting Complaints:
No physical abnormalities detected
Cycle was proper (28-30 days cycle)
5 days Menstruation with slight dysmenorrhea (which was tolerable, she reported)
White Discharge was just prior to menstruation with no discomfort as per patient
Medical History:
Constipation (since 2-3 years)
Mental Complaints:
Irritable (as she said her husband doesn’t cooperate her)
She is Ambitious
Stress from Work
Analysis of case (Female pt):
MENTAL GENERALS: Irritablity
: Ambitious
: Stress from work
PHYSICAL GENERALS: Constipation
PARTICULARS: Dyspepsia
: Sensitivity to stimuli
: Tendency to over work
Rubrics (Dr. Kent):
MIND: Irritability
MIND: Ambitious
MIND: Stress; work from
STOMACH: Dyspepsia
RECTUM: Constipation
GENERALITIES: Stimuli; Sensitivity to (Noise, Light, Odors)
GENERALITIES: Overwork; Tendency to
SLEEP: Disturbed; Stress; Due to
List of Medicine (As Per Repertorization)
MEDICINE DEGREE
NUX VOMICA 8/5
IGNATIA AMARA 8/3
PULSATILLA 8/3
PRESCRIPTION:
℞
1. NUX VOMICA 200 ] ½ dram
4-4 pills x B.D. x 3 Days
( It’s effective in treating stress-induced complaints, digestive issues, & overall support in
improving general health)
2. NIHILINUM 30 ] 2 dram
4-4 pills x B.D. x 1 Month
Advice:
To track Ovulation Cycle. *
Do pelvic Floor Yogasanas.
Copulate during Ovulation period, at least 3 times a day, within 3 days around ovulation. *
Drink plenty of water
Avoid Stress
Meditation is Mandatory
Avoid Spicy food and take high fiber diet
Miasmatic Relation:
Nux Vomica has a dual miasm covering this case that is “Psora as well as Sycosis”
Psora is covering Hypersensitivity, irritability, often triggered by stress & overwork,
leading to diagnose disturbances & general health issues.
Sycosis covering the tendency towards excess, like overindulgence & habitual patterns,
which can disrupt bodily functions.
Husband’s case
Date 05/03/2020
Name Mr. Samuchit Meshram
Age 34
Sex Male
Address -Choks Colony, Nagpur
Occupation Private Job (Nagpur)
Chief Complaints:
C/O
Infertility (Patient Reported)
Trying since 3 years
The female unable to conceive
Semen analysis Report: Low Sperm Count, Motility & Poor Sperm Quality
Medical History:
Constipation (since 9 years)
Hard Stool, must put pressure
2 times a day (urge)
Mental Complaints: patient seemed to be introvert
Emotional Suppression may be (as he said, he wasn’t happy about his long distance job, but it bothers him he couldn’t say to his wife)
Analysis of case (male pt):
MENTAL GENERALS: Reserved
: Emotional Suppression
: Grief
PHYSICAL GENERALS: Low Sperm Count & Motility
: Poor quality sperm
: Constipation
PARTICULARS: Craving for salt
: Sensitivity to sun
RUBRICS (DR. KENT):
MIND: Reserved (Emotionally)
MIND: Emotional Suppression
MIND: Ailments; disappointment, from
RECTUM: Constipation
GENERALITIES: Sun; Sensitivity to
GENERALITIES: Salt; Craving for
MALE GENITALIA: Sperm count; Low
MALE GENITALIA: Sperm; Quality, poor
List of Medicine (as per repertorization):
MEDICINE DEGREE
NATRUM MURIATICUM 8/6
LYCOPODIUM 8/4
SEPIA. 8/3
It is chosen for the female due to its profound effect on REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM & its common indications in treating emotional suppression which might affect sperm quality.
PRESCRIPTION:
℞
1. NATRUM MURIATICUM 200 ] ½ dram
4-4 pills x B.D. x 7 Days
2. RUBRUM MET 30 ] 2 dram
4-4 pills x B.D. x 1 Month
Advice:
Jelqings is advised.
Copulate during Ovulation period, at least 3 times a day, within 3 days around ovulation. * Drink plenty of water
Meditation is Mandatory
Avoid excess salt and oily, spicy food. Asked to take fiber rich diet
Miasmatic Relation:
Nat Mur has predominantly Psoric Miasm.
Associated with conditions arising from suppressed emotions and a hypersensitivity to external influences.The constitutional weakness & chronic tendencies acquired or developed due to emotional repression.
Follow up (1 month):
Date: 10/04/2020
Both the patients reported improvement in constipation
Male reported feeling improvement in mood
Female reported slight reduced irritability & digestion is quiet better now
Advice:
Continue with a balanced diet
Stress management by Meditation
Regular Exercise
Prescription:
℞
Repeat the same for 5 days for both
Sac Lac x B.D. x 1 month
Give Follow Up After 1 Month & Advised Semen Analysis
2nd Month Follow up:
Date: 21/05/2020
Prescription: Sac Lac x B.D. x 1 month
3rd Follow Up:
Date: 18/06/2020
Female patient reported : Positive Pregnancy
In conclusion, the fertility crisis is a complex issue that requires a holistic approach. By addressing the underlying causes of male and female infertility and exploring alternative treatment options such as homeopathy, we can work towards improving fertility rates and helping individuals achieve their dream of starting a family. Homeopathy, a holistic approach to healing, aims to address the root cause of infertility by balancing the body’s natural processes. Research has shown promising results in using homeopathic remedies to improve fertility in both men and women, making it a viable option for those struggling to conceive.
The use of assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) has become increasingly common in addressing infertility issues, with mixed success rates, but accessibility and affordability remain challenges in India.
Overall, the fertility crisis is a complex issue that requires further research and understanding. By exploring different treatment options.
About the Authors
1.Dr. Babita Shrivastava, Prof. & H.O.D , Dept. Of Organon of Medicine, Govt. Homeopathic medical college & hospital. Bhopal
2. Dr Akanksha Pagare, PG scholar, Batch 2021-22
3. Dr Preetu Upadhyay , PG scholar, Batch 2022-23
