ROLE OF UTTARA BASTI IN FEMALE INFERTILITY: EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW

Uttara Basti is a classical Ayurvedic local therapeutic procedure involving the intra-uterine or intra-vaginal in-stillation of medicated oils, ghee or decoctions. It is indicated in various Yonivyapada and Vandhyatwa condi-tions. Female infertility affects 10–15% of couples worldwide. Ayurveda describes Vandhyatwa as conception failure resulting from Artava Dushti, Srotorodha and Vata vitiation. Among classical therapeutic measures, Ut-tara Basti is considered the most effective for disorders of the Yoni and Garbhashaya. Modern clinical research also reports significant improvement in tubal block, anovulation, chronic cervicitis and thin endometrium after Uttara Basti. Panchakarma plays an essential role in treating female infertility, and Ut-tara Basti is highlighted for the treatment of infertility in our classics and is well practised with substantial re-sults. To meet the global demand for this burning issue, an evidence-based treatment protocol is needed. The present review is an effort to understand the efficacy of Uttara Basti in female infertility according to evidence-based clinical trials.