Understanding Female Infertility: A Unani Perspective

When we talk aout infertility, we see it as a problem in couple, not in male or female in isolation. But it is inevitable to investigate both partners individually. In this article we will focus on problems arising to females regarding infertility. Infertility is a growing concern in today’s world, affecting not just physical health but also emotional and social well-being. In India alone, nearly 10–15% of couples face difficulties in conceiving. While modern medicine offers advanced solutions, traditional systems like Unani medicine provide a holistic and natural approach to managing infertility.

What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive even after one to two years of regular, unprotected intercourse.

Among all infertility cases, following is the ratio of male and female factors. (according to global clinical data from WHO, NCBI, and ASRM)

Female factor → ~30–40%
Male factor → ~30–40%

Combined → ~10–20%
Unexplained → ~10–20%

Let’s explore female infertility through both modern understanding and the wisdom of Unani medicine.

Primary infertility in women

Infertility is said to be PRIMARY, if lady has never tested postivie for pregnancy. It means she never concieved in past. In around 70% of infertility cases, ladies had been waiting for their first pregnancy.

Secondary infertility in women

Refers to cases where lady have conceived earlier (either aborted or delivered a child) but is unable to conceive again. These cases are around 30% of all cases.

Common Causes of Female Infertility

Hormonal & Ovulation Disorders

Sperm of male meets female egg for conception. Release of egg is called ovulation. This process is very complicated biochemically. Biochemical actors viz. Hormones play crucial role in fertility. Hormonal imbalance and ovulation disorders are a major cause of infertility. This include:

Irregular ovulation (Anovulation)

When the ovaries do not release eggs regularly, reducing chances of fertilization.

PCOS

In polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), there is a long-term inability to release eggs to the uterus, where they can be fertilized

Thyroid imbalance

Both underactive and overactive thyroid can disturb menstrual cycles and ovulation

High prolactin levels

Excess prolactin hormone can suppress ovulation and affect fertility.

Premature menopause

Early decline of ovarian function leads to reduced egg reserve and fertility potential.

Structural & Reproductive Issues

Male sperm need to travel inside female Fallopian tube to reach female egg. Then the first cell of fetus (child) travel back to uterus and adhere (binds) to the uterus wall. All of these and other processes need normal tubes, uterus etc. Any deformity anywhere in the female reproductive organs cause infertility.

Blocked fallopian tubes

Blocked fallopian tube/s (like in abdominal TB), prevent sperm from reaching the egg or block the fertilized egg from reaching the uterus.

Uterine abnormalities (fibroids, polyps)

Growths in the uterus (solid – fibroid, watery – cyst) may affect implantation or pregnancy.

Endometriosis

A condition where uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation and infertility.

Cervical obstructions

Narrowing or blockage of the cervix (mouth of the uterus) that hinders sperm movement. Cervical cancer is a common cause of this.

Birth defects

Congenital abnormalities and deformities in reproductive organs affect fertility.

Lifestyle & Systemic Factors

Daily habits and overall health significantly influence reproductive function and fertility outcomes.

Obesity

Excess body weight can disrupt hormonal balance and ovulation.

Smoking and substance use

Toxins can damage eggs, reduce fertility, and affect reproductive health.

Stress and psychological factors

Chronic stress can interfere with hormonal signals required for ovulation.

Age-related decline

Fertility naturally decreases with age due to reduced egg quality and quantity

Immunological Factors

In some cases, the body’s immune system may interfere with the fertilization process.

Anti-sperm antibodies

The immune system mistakenly attacks sperm, preventing fertilization.

Causes of Female Infertility mentioned in Unani Literature

Note: many problems considered today as symptoms were taken as diseases itself in Unani

Varm (inflammation):

Warm in uterus, tubes or anywhere in gential tract

**Problem in Tamas (Menses):**

Absense of menstruation, irregularity or excess of it.

Aneamia:

Aneamia may also cause problem in conception.

Suzak (gonorrhoea) & Aatishk (Syphilis):

Infections like gonorhea and syphillis may cause impotency.

Balgam (phlem) imbalance:

Phlem is one of the 4 humors in the body according to Unani philosophy. This humor’s excess cause sliggishness in biochemical processes. Hence hinder the ability to concieve.

Su-e Mizaj Sard (Abnormally cold temperament):

In Unani philosophy, any abnormity does not come at severity. First it is functional only, means it is not seen as a physical pathology. This is called the imbaance in temperament (mizaj) of a person. For example, if we feel headach after travelling in a hot, shiny, sunny day, Unani physician will see it as mizaj imbalance. Hence he will correct it with putting us in a cold comfortable, peaceful and aromatic environment. He may give us light food of cold temperament and light cold medicine.

Silan-ur Reham (lucorrhea):

Constant discharge from uterus is a sign of diseases. It must be sought out

In case of infertility, Unani physician think that increased phlem (cold & moist in temprament), and increased coldness in body temperament decrease the ability of uterus to hold the fetus. Its power of retention goes down.

Symptoms / signs a Unani physician sees in a patient of infertility

Irregular or absent menstruation
Excessive white discharge (leucorrhoea)
Pale complexion (for cold temperament imbalance)
Cold body temperament (for same reason)
Restlessness or weakness (for Su-e Mizaj)

Unani Treatment Approach

Rule out disease in male partner:

First of all male partner is investigated for abnormality.

An interesting emperical method is written in Unani literature. Get the fresh semen of the person and put it into water. If it sinks down, semen quality is good. If it floats, the partner need treatment.

Now, there are modern methods of semen analysis available, which can be used.

Treat infectious diseases:

Treat infection if it is present

Following Unani medicines are useful in the managemen of Genital Infections

Majun Ushba
Syp Raktsafa
Majun Dabidul Ward
Sharbat Bazoori
Arq Gaozaban

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Raktsafa syrup

Majun Ushba

Majun Dabidul Ward

Sharbat Bazoori Motadil

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Raktsafa Sugar Free

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Treat Menstrual Irregularity:

If a physician finds menstrual disturbaces as a cause, he / she must try to correct this.

Following Unani medicines are useful in the managemen of menstrual irregularities

Anis Khawateen
dehlvi Flo9 Tablets
Ashokarisht

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Treat Inflammation (warm) around uterus and discharge conditions:

As discussed above, warm-e-reham (inflammation in uterus and vaginal tract) neds to be corrected. Any infectious condition or so which causes white discharge has to be treated.

Following Unani medicines are useful in the managemen of pelvic inflammation

Arq Makoh
Arq Kasni
Majun Dabidul Ward
Dabilward Tablets
Lukorite
Chahar Arq

Lukorite Pills

Majun Dabidul Ward

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Arq Kasni (Chicory Distillate) (500 ml)

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Treat Imbalanced Humour or Mizaj (temperament) deviation:

If all the above factors are excluded or treated, but the conception is still awaited, then we focus on correcting phlegm imbalanace and cold temperament rectification. In majority of cases following regimen works

Phase 1: Use Majun Supari Pak and Kushta Marwareed for 20 days. Consult a Unani physician to konw dosage and timings. Start medicine just after menstural bleeding stops.
Phase 2: In the next cycle, after completion of menstrual days, start the following medicines:

Morning: Habbe Hamal one pill, Majun Mochras 10 gram

Evening: Habbe Marwareed 2 pills, Arq Ambar 20 ml, Arq Gaozaban 40 ml

If lady concieves, greet her congratulations, and start phase 3 to protect pregnancy