Homoeopathy – An Alternative to Conventional Treatment for Infertility

Abstract

AbstractInfertility is a disease of reproductive system in males or females. It is defined as inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of unprotected sexual intercourse. As per the World Health Organisation, the availability, access and quality of infertility treatment are challenges in most countries especially the middle- and low-income countries. Infertility has a negative psychological and social impact for couples. The cost of conventional treatment which includes medicines and assisted reproductive techniques can be a deterrent for many. Published case reports have shown positive pregnancy outcome in infertility cases treated with homoeopathy due to both male and female causes. There is a need to make homoeopathic treatment for infertility accessible to general population through focused outpatient departments (OPDs) and also consolidate research-based evidence of efficacy of homoeopathy in infertility through well-designed comparative randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Towards this, Dr. D. P. Rastogi Central Research Institute of Homoeopathy has made effort to start weekly infertility OPD. The institute is also in process of initiating a RCT on female infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome cases with comparative arm of conventional treatment and homoeopathic treatment.