INFERTILITY THROUGH THE LENS OF ĀCĀRYA CHARAKA: CLASSICAL CONCEPTS AND MODERN CHALLENGES

Background: Infertility, classically discussed as vandhyatva, is a major public-health issue with substantial psychosocial and economic impact. Contemporary estimates suggest that ~1 in 6 people experience infertility during their lifetime, underscoring the need for accessible, evidence-based and culturally congruent care. Aim: To synthesize Acharya Charaka’s classical framework—especially Garbha-sambhava-samagri (Ritu, Kṣetra, Ambu, Bīja)—with current reproductive science, and to outline integrative evaluation and management pathways for modern clinical practice. Methods: Narrative review of primary Ayurvedic sources and recent international guidance on infertility definitions, prevalence and male–female factor contributions. Conclusions: Acharya Charaka’s four-pillar conception model maps coherently onto modern determinants of fertility (timing/ovulation, uterine–tubal milieu, metabolic–endocrine–nutritional status, and gamete quality). This alignment supports pragmatic, patient-centred pathways that combine lifestyle (dinacharya/ṛtucaryā), rasāyana/vājīkaraṇa, judicious pañcakarma, and evidence-based diagnostics/therapies, including referral for ART when indicated.