Stress and fertility-Past conviction, present cognizance and future orchestrations

Abstract

Different studies have been done to study the effect of stress on reproductive physiology and fertility. Pathogenesis of stress-induced infertility /decrease fecundity is explained by various neuro-hormonal axis and theory of oxidative stress, but proper management of stress and regulation of these neurohormonal axis along with oxidative stress is lacking in modern medical science. A better understanding of stress and its relation with body physiology, especially fertility, is attempted in light of Ayurveda to get knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of stress-induced infertility and its holistic management. In Ayurveda concept of stress is not only confined to psychological factors, but it is the state of disturb body homeostasis, i.e. the state where doshas, dhatus, malas &agni are not in their proper functioning. Diet and lifestyle have their role in maintaining body homeostasis. Along with diet and lifestyle various drugs, therapeutic procedure (panchakarma) & non-materialistic treatment (achar rasayan-rules and beliefs to be followed in life) have been described in Ayurveda to manage disturbed body homeostasis, and thus it helps in the management of stress in a holistic way. Concept of stress management by Ayurvedic concepts like diet, lifestyle, Agni, body purification methods along with rasayan and ojo-vardhak objects (diet, lifestyle, and drugs) will open a vast area of research about the applicability of these concepts in stress management by the holistic way. It will help to serve society by providing not only cure of stress-related infertility but also give a healthy reproductive life.