Infertility

What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women over the age of 35, infertility is diagnosed after six months of trying to conceive. Infertility affects both men and women and can stem from a variety of causes, including ovulatory disorders, uterine or fallopian tube issues, and low sperm count or quality in men.

The causes of infertility are wide-ranging, from hormonal imbalances (such as polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid dysfunction) to physical blockages, lifestyle factors (like smoking, stress, and poor diet), or advanced age.

Signs and Symptoms of Infertility

- In women, irregular or absent menstrual cycles

- In men, issues such as erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, or poor sperm motility

- Chronic pelvic pain or endometriosis symptoms

- Hormonal imbalances, such as excess facial hair in women (hirsutism), or hair thinning

- Recurrent miscarriages

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Infertility

TCM takes a holistic approach to treating infertility, addressing the body’s energy imbalances to restore reproductive health. In TCM, infertility is often related to issues with the kidney system, stagnation of liver Qi, blood stasis, or the accumulation of dampness and phlegm.

TCM Diagnosis and Approaches:

- Kidney Deficiency (Yin or Yang): The kidneys are viewed as the foundation of reproductive health. Kidney yang deficiency may result in a lack of warmth in the uterus, preventing conception. Kidney yin deficiency could lead to overheating or drying out the body’s fluids, hindering fertility.

- Herbs: For kidney yang deficiency, warming and tonifying herbs like Yin Yang Huo (Horny Goat Weed), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), and Fu Zi (Aconite) are often prescribed. For kidney yin deficiency, herbs like Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry), and Bai Shao (White Peony Root) nourish the body and support reproductive function.

- Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress can contribute to stagnation of the liver energy, causing irregular cycles, ovulation issues, and hormonal imbalances. This can be a common cause of infertility.

- Acupuncture: Points like Liver 3 (Tai Chong), Ren 4 (Guan Yuan), and Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao) can regulate Qi flow, promote blood circulation, and reduce stress.

- Blood Stasis and Phlegm-Dampness: In cases where blood stasis or phlegm-dampness obstructs the reproductive organs, fertility can be compromised. Blood stasis may cause conditions like endometriosis or uterine fibroids, while phlegm-dampness can contribute to conditions like PCOS.

- Dietary Therapy: Foods that warm and nourish the kidneys include black beans, walnuts, and sesame seeds. For women with excess dampness, it’s important to avoid dairy and sugar, while consuming foods like barley, millet, and mushrooms.

Lifestyle Recommendations

- Practices like qigong or tai chi can help reduce stress and improve liver Qi flow, which is crucial for fertility.

- Regular acupuncture sessions may regulate menstrual cycles and stimulate ovulation.