TCM and female infertility
TCM recognises that many ovulatory problems can be resolved if the menstrual cycle is regulated. It therefore attempts to balance the body’s Yin and Yang while regulating Qi and Blood flows during the menstrual cycle.
By improving egg quality and strengthening the lining of the womb, so TCM increases the chances of successful implantation. This is particularly relevant in older patients.
TCM can also reduce levels of circulating FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). This is of particular relevance to women with high levels of FSH who are often turned away from fertility clinics because they generally respond poorly, if at all, to the drugs used to stimulate their ovaries for IVF treatment. Many fertility specialists regard this condition as untreatable and advise women to consider using donor eggs. Experience has shown that when these women follow a course of TCM, their FSH levels may fall, improving their chances of success in an assisted conception treatment cycle using their own eggs.
We took a study on 224 female patients aged between 29 and 48, who continued treatment for at least twelve months. 76% became pregnant – more than half of them naturally – and three quarters of those pregnancies resulted in a live birth.
Reasons for Female Infertility:
Anovulatory
Women diagnosed with polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary disease (PCO/PCOD) often don’t ovulate regularly and most of them may have prolonged menstrual cycles. Patients are often undoubtedly prescribed ovulation induction by their fertility doctors or attend for assisted fertility treatment. However, TCM has a role in correcting PCO/PCOD to redress the entire problem. TCM diagnoses the causes of PCO/PCOD as mostly associated with dampness downward to the abdominal system. The ovary stores too much fluid, which needs to be drained so that the healthy blood flow can circulate.
Endometriosis/Ectopic pregnancy/Blocked fallopian tubes
TCM regards endometriosis as blood stasis and abnormal deposits in the lower abdomen. This abnormal deposit can be as a result of digestion dysfunction, poor blood circulation or periods of infection. This problem may also result in ectopic pregnancy and damaged fallopian tubes. It is understood that due to the abdominal obstruction, the healthy blood flow is unable to circulate. Therefore, TCM’s role is to remove the blood stasis and clear the abdominal obstruction.
Peri-menopausal/Unexplained infertility/Recurrent miscarriages
Elevated FSH often appears in older women, but it is not unusual for younger women to have this problem too. A woman’s ovarian system is working hard and has to rely on more FSH than it should to support the follicles growth. TCM regards this condition as kidney deficiency Yin-Yang or Liver – Qi stagnation. Whether unexplained infertility or recurrent miscarriage the single issue is the egg quality, TCM can promote the reproductive system, which benefits the egg quality, encouraging fertilisation and a healthy pregnancy.
Identifying the cause of your fertility
Deficient kidney-Yin
Commonly seen in patients with anovulation and immunological infertility and elevated FSH. Symptoms often present with a feeling of heat, hot cheeks, night sweats, a dry throat, luteal phase defects and a weak lower back. A red peeled tongue and a rapid or fine pulse.
Deficient kidney-Yang
Commonly seen in patients with a history of repeat miscarriage and amenorrhoea. Patients often complain of feeling cold, chills in the four limbs, urgent stools, frequent or night urination and a low libido. A pale, wet tongue and a deep, slow pulse.
Deficiency of blood:
Commonly seen in patients with amenorrhoea and polycystic ovaries and polycystic ovary disease (PCO/PCOD). Patients often complain of insomnia, light periods, dizziness, palpitations, a lustreless complexion and dry skin. Pale lips and tongue and a thready or fine pulse.
Blood stasis/liver Qi stagnation
Commonly seen in patients with immunological infertility complain of severe premenstrual tension, mood swings, depression, elevated Prolactin or natural killer cells, headaches before periods and a bloated stomach. A purple tongue and a wiry or choppy pulse.
Dampness/deficient of spleen Qi
Commonly seen in patients who present with PCO/PCOD and ovarian cysts. The symptoms mainly consist of prolonged menstrual cycles, deep sleep/tiredness and a swollen tongue or with teeth marks. A pale, sticky tongue and a weak, slippery pulse.
Damp heat
Commonly seen in patients with endometriosis and a history of ectopic pregnancy. The symptoms are a painful abdomen, water retention, sticky or yellow vaginal discharge and blood clotting. A red tongue with a yellow coating and a rapid, wiry pulse.