“Smell and Fertility” review a comparative of medicine traditional Iranian and medicine modern

Title: “Smell and Fertility: A Comparative Review of Traditional Iranian Medicine and Modern Medicine”

Introduction:

Although human olfaction is weaker compared to other mammals, it plays a significant role in the intricate network of connections within the body, including the reproductive system. By understanding these connections, it may be possible to observe the effects on the fertility system through interventions in olfaction, and vice versa. This study aims to identify the relationship between olfaction and the human reproductive system and fertility.

Methods:

This study is a descriptive and comparative review of sources in modern medicine and traditional Iranian medicine. The search terms used for traditional Iranian medicine include “rehm” (womb), “ouqur” (fallopian tube), “booye khosh” (pleasant smell), “booye bad” (unpleasant smell), “booyaii” (olfaction), and “haml” (pregnancy). For modern medicine, the search terms used include “booyaii” (olfaction), “baravari” (fertility), “nabavari” (infertility), “mil jenssi” (sexual desire), and “raayeh darmani” (aroma therapy).

Findings:

Both modern medicine and traditional Iranian medicine mention the influence of smell on sexual desire as well as the process of fertilization. They also suggest that the ability or inability to detect certain substances may be associated with fertility. The main difference between traditional Iranian medicine and modern medicine is the use of various smells and aromas for the treatment of fertility system disorders in traditional medicine, which is not as prominent in modern medicine.

Discussion and Conclusion:

The olfactory system affects the fertility system in two ways: by increasing sexual desire, it increases the likelihood of sexual behaviors and consequently enhances fertility. Additionally, the olfactory and fertility systems share some common receptors. The inability to detect certain substances could be indicative of fertility problems. The results of this study, together with similar research, are important because diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the olfactory system are often easier and cost-effective compared to interventions in the reproductive system. A better understanding of the connections between these two systems opens up new prospects for fertility treatments and reproductive medicine.

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Journal Title: “Tarikh-e Pezeshki” (Medical History), Summer 1394 (2015)