Mustadi Yapana Basti (medicated enema) in the management of oligozoospermia: A case series

Abstract

Infertility is a global issue of concern in the modern era, affecting 8%–12% of couples globally. Although the etiology of infertility is varied and difficult to determine, a good proportion of cases can be attributed to male. The most common cause of male infertility is oligozoospermia. Oligozoospermia is a decrease in sperm concentration below 15 million sperm/ml in semen ejaculate. Shukra Kshaya is a similar clinical condition mentioned in Ayurveda in which the Shukra Dhatu is diminished both qualitatively and quantitatively. Ayurveda has specified many therapeutic interventions and practices, including the Panchakarma procedure, Basti Karma, for the strengthening of Shukra Dhatu as well as the management of Shukra-Dusht. Mustadi Yapana Basti (MYB) was chosen for this study because of its significant Vatahara, Rasayana, and Vajikarana characteristics. A total of 05 patients who were diagnosed with oligozoospermia were managed with MYB for 15 consecutive days without any internal medications. The Shukra Kshaya assessment questionnaire was used in conjunction with objective parameters to determine the improvement. Data were collected twice before and after therapy. After the treatment, all five participants exhibited significant improvement in sperm count from a mean of 10.4–55. In this case series, all the patients demonstrated clinical improvement in symptoms of Shukra kshaya as well as in associated laboratory parameters. Basti treatment significantly improved all symptoms of Shukra Kshaya, as well as semen parameters (sperm count, sperm active motility, and semen volume) and serum testosterone. The reported cases demonstrate that MYB is a therapeutic option for the comprehensive care of men with a diagnosis of oligozoospermia.