UNDERSTANDING UDAVARTANI YONIVYAPAD WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA: A REVIEW ARTICLE

Abstract

Background: Udavartani Yonivyapad is one of the important Vata Pradhana Yonivyapad described in classical Ayurveda. It is mainly caused by vitiation of Apana Vata, leading to painful and difficult menstrual flow. Classical features such as Rajah Krichrata, Artava Vimokshat Sukham, Phenila Artava, Baddha Artava and pain in lower abdomen, back and thighs closely resemble primary dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea is defined as spasmodic menstrual pain without any identifiable pelvic pathology and is commonly seen in adolescent and reproductive age women. Uploaded literature also explains that primary dysmenorrhea commonly begins after ovulatory cycles are established and is mainly related to prostaglandin-mediated uterine contraction and ischemia Aim: To review the concept of Udavartani Yonivyapad and establish its clinical correlation with primary dysmenorrhea. Objectives: To review the classical concept of Udavartani Yonivyapad. To study the Nidana, Samprapti, Samprapti Ghataka and Lakshana of Udavartani Yonivyapad. To review the modern concept, etiology and pathogenesis of primary dysmenorrhea. To establish the probable relationship between Apana Vata Dushti and prostaglandin-mediated uterine pain. To summarize the preventive and therapeutic approach described in Ayurveda and modern science. Materials and Methods: Classical Ayurvedic texts, available review articles and modern gynecological literature were reviewed. The review focused on Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Madhava Nidana and recent published articles. Result: Udavartani Yonivyapad is mainly linked with Apana Vata Dushti and Viloma Gati of Vata. The main symptoms are painful menstruation, difficult menstrual flow, frothy or clotted blood and relief after menstrual discharge. Modern findings suggest increased prostaglandins, uterine hypercontractility, vasoconstriction and ischemia as the major causes of pain. Discussion: Both systems explain the disease as a disturbance in normal uterine function and menstrual flow. Ayurveda emphasizes correction of Apana Vata, while modern medicine focuses on reducing prostaglandin-mediated pain. Conclusion: Udavartani Yonivyapad can be clinically correlated with primary dysmenorrhea. A combined understanding of Vata Anulomana, lifestyle correction, diet regulation, yoga and modern pain mechanisms can help in better management.