O-23: Comparison of Female Infertility Etiology in Traditional Iranian and Conventional Medicine

Background: According to human history, “infertility” has long been of interest to scientists, which has led to the discovery of its causes. Nevertheless 15-25% of infertility cases are still termed as idiopathic. In Iranian traditional medicine school, special attention has been paid to this issue, so part of the great written documents of this school is dedicated to the study of the causes and treatment of infertility. Materials and Methods: Within a library method,a search was performed on “Oqr “or infertility issues through the three main reference books of Iranian traditional medicine: the “Canon” of Ibn Sina, “ Zakhireh Kharazmshahy” by Hakim Jorjani and “Exire Aazam”by Hakim Mohammad Aazamkhan. The results were classified and arranged in tables which compare the findings in traditional and current medicine. Results: When the factors considered in modern medicine are compared to those mentioned by Jorjani, it becomes clear that almost all the causes which are cited in modern medicine have been previously discussed by Jorjani. Regarding Ibn Sina, his viewpoints show his great and correct knowledge of infertility and many of its causes. Interestingly, the comparison between the views of Ibn Sina (370- 429 AH) and Jorjani (435-531 AH) on infertility shows the extent of scientific advances in traditional medicine during this time. Jorjani further extended the knowledge and classified infertility causes into four groups. The scientific development of traditional medicine continued and in the thirteenth century AH, Hakim Aazam Khan found more factors and classified the infertility etiology in seven major categories. Conclusion: By comparing the causes of infertility in women in modern and Iranian traditional medicine and integrating them, a new window can be opened to diagnosis and holistic approach to reproductive issues.