Recurrent Miscarriage

Chronic inflammation is also linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. Based on research conducted by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, women with elevated inflammatory markers have a higher risk of miscarriage. This is true even with a healthy embryo. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this is often explained through the concepts of Excessive Heat or Damp-Heat, in other words inflammatory processes. This inflammation has the ability to disturb the uterine environment. Additionally, Excessive Heat dries up the fluids that are essential for a healthy uterine environment, while Damp-Heat creates a thick, sticky environment, complicating implantation and development.

Related: Recurrent Miscarriage Treatment

Hormonal imbalance & Ovulation

Ongoing chronic inflammation can also negatively impact the hormonal balance essential for conception. This imbalance can affect ovulation, which is essential for fertility and prevent a fertilised egg from properly implanting in the uterus. Increased risk of ovulation disorders were noted when inflammation and oxidative stress were present.

Inflammation can obstruct the normal flow of Qi and blood in the reproductive organs. This stagnation of Qi and blood can affect the maturation and release of the ovum during the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. Additionally, inflammation may deplete the kidney yin essence, which is believed to be crucial for nourishing and supporting the ovaries’ function.

A study published in Human Reproduction Update on Oxford Academic concluded that chronic inflammation affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, leading to hormonal imbalances that negatively affect ovulation and menstrual cycles.

Recommended Supplement: Ovulation Maintenance

Cold Uterus

In traditional Chinese medicine, inflammation can cause a condition known as “cold uterus” or “cold womb.” A Cold Uterus hinders the development of a healthy foetus, further complicating fertility efforts. Practitioners often use the term Cold Uterus to describe this condition, believing that the uterine environment is unsuitable for nurturing an embryo.

This condition is believed to occur when an excess dampness and cold accumulates in the uterus, causing poor blood circulation and stagnation of free flowing Qi. The root cause of this type of inflammation is often witnessed by irregular menstrual cycles, childbirth complications, excessive consumption of cold or raw foods, and emotional stress.

Related: How To Keep Uterus Warm For Implantation With Chinese Medicine

Recommended supplement: Nuan Gong Yun Zi Tang

Poor Egg and Sperm Quality

Studies have shown that inflammatory reactions can have a negative impact on sperm quality. Inflammatory conditions lead to oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in sperm, reducing their motility and viability. This poor sperm quality can impair fertilisation and overall reproductive outcomes, illustrating the significant link between inflammation and fertility. Similarly, more and more evidence is emerging that inflammation can negatively impact egg quality in women.

Inflammation can lead to an accumulation of heat, dampness, or stagnation in the reproductive organs. This imbalance can affect the nourishment and development of eggs and sperm, especially their quality and viability. Additionally, deficiencies in Kidney Yin and Yang are linked to poor egg and sperm quality. Factors like emotional stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins are thought to contribute to this inflammatory state.

Recommended supplement: Ferti Support His & Her 

Related : Low Ovarian Reserve? Improve AMH & FSH With Chinese Medicine

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress play a big part in the cause of PCOS according to a study. Other Studies have also shown that Women with PCOS have higher levels of inflammatory markers like CRP, which can contributes to ovarian cysts and imbalances in sex hormones affecting fertility.

In TCM, inflammation is considered a key contributing factor in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This inflammatory state causes hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and the formation of cysts in the ovaries, resulting in hormonal imbalances which can further affect ovulation, egg quality, and the overall fertility potential.

Endometriosis

Inflammation is an important cause of infertility in endometriosis. Studies have shown that it can reduces the progesterone level, and disrupts the function of the endometrium. The hormonal imbalance plays a role as inflammation increases causing excess estrogen and affecting fertility.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), endometriosis is linked to Qi stagnation and blood stasis, which are believed to block the flow of energy and blood, causing pain and reproductive issues.

In the end, all the above issues lead to the fact that inflammation plays a major role in infertility.