Struggling to conceive a second baby? Secondary Fertility Treatment with Chinese Medicine
Secondary infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after having been able to previously carry a pregnancy to full term, affects a greater number of couples than primary infertility, about 11% in the United States, and 5% in the UK. In the quest for a treatment for secondary infertility, a growing number of couples are turning to alternative and holistic approaches, and among them, Chinese Medicine stands out as a beacon of hope. Keep reading to find out more about the underlying causes and secondary fertility treatment options.
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers options for secondary fertility treatment to address a variety of underlying issues.
TCM Expert Lily Li Hua
What are signs of secondary infertility?
Recognising the signs of secondary infertility is crucial for couples navigating the challenging path of expanding their families. One of the primary indicators is:
- Inability to conceive – despite regular, unprotected intercourse typically one year or more
- Irregular menstrual cycles – irregularities in this hormonal balance can affect ovulation
- Age – fertility naturally declines with age
- Emotional and psychological factors – stress can also contribute to the complexity of secondary infertility
Understanding these signs are important and helps you explore potential fertility treatments, such as those offered by Chinese Medicine, to address the underlying causes of their fertility challenges.
Understanding these signs are important and helps you explore potential fertility treatments, such as those offered by Chinese Medicine, to address the underlying causes of their fertility challenges.
7 Secondary Infertility Causes in Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the treatment of secondary infertility by addressing the root cause of secondary infertility - this is why it Is important to understand the underlying cause of secondary infertility before looking into the treatment.
1. Qi and Blood Deficiency
TCM places a strong emphasis on the balance of Qi (vital energy) and Blood. When Qi and Blood are deficient, the reproductive organs may not receive sufficient nourishment, affecting fertility. Proper nutrition helps to build up the blood, which will contribute to healthier organs, including reproductive organs such as the uterus and ovaries.
2. Kidney Yin or Yang Deficiency
The Kidneys are considered vital for reproductive health in TCM. Kidney Yin deficiency (associated with cooling, nourishing qualities) or Kidney Yang deficiency (associated with warming, active qualities) can affect fertility. When a woman’s kidney yin is depleted, this can lead to secondary fertility challenges.
3. Liver Qi Stagnation
When the Liver Qi doesn't flow smoothly, it can create blockages in the body's energy, affecting the reproductive organs and disrupting the menstrual cycle and fertility.
What can cause Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional factors, especially stress and frustration, can lead to Liver Qi stagnation.
4. Phlegm-Damp Accumulation
A weak spleen can be one of the secondary infertility causes that leads to phlegm or damp accumulation. Phlegm and Dampness are considered pathogenic factors in TCM that can obstruct the flow of Qi and Blood. Dampness and accumulation of phlegm create an environment that is not favorable for a fetus to grow and obstruct the flow of Qi in the body.
5. Cold Uterus
This is one of the most common secondary infertility causes, as an egg and fetus require warmth to develop. Yang is warming energy. When not enough warmth is circulating to reach the uterus, one may experience secondary infertility.
What can cause Cold Uterus: Cold Uterus can be caused by exposure to cold environments, inadequate clothing, or an internal imbalance in the body.
6. Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis occurs when blood doesn't flow smoothly and becomes stagnant. In terms of secondary fertility, Blood Stasis may interfere with the proper nourishment of the reproductive organs and the uterus.
What can cause Blood stasis: This can be caused by factors such as trauma, surgery, or chronic illness.
7. PCOS and Endometriosis
Both PCOS and endometriosis can disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang, affecting fertility. Endometriosis, in TCM terms, involves Blood Stasis, Qi stagnation, and the presence of Heat in the pelvic area. Blood Stasis can obstruct the normal circulation of Qi and Blood, leading to the formation of endometrial lesions. (PCOS) is often associated with Qi and Blood stagnation, Kidney and Spleen deficiencies, and Phlegm-Damp accumulation. These imbalances disrupt the normal functioning of the ovaries, leading to the formation of cysts.
Treatment For Secondary Infertility in Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a variety of modalities to approach treatment for secondary infertility. Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Mindfulness, and balancing the Yin and Yang in the body are all components that may be combined to address the root causes contributing to infertility.
Acupuncture uses tiny needles, which are inserted into the skin around specific areas of the body, meant to improve blood flow. In addition to promoting the balance of the reproductive organs, Acupuncture can also reduce stress, which can contribute to better fertility outcomes.
A case study of acupuncture treatment for female infertility with some cases supplemented with Chinese medicines has shown to be a viable secondary fertility treatment. Acupuncture shows promising success, with 14 conceptions of 21, in which 14.3% of participants were categorized as having secondary infertility.
In treating female infertility as compared with IVF (in vitro fertilization) alone without acupuncture. A meta-analysis of Acupuncture studies showed that there is a benefit to Acupuncture when related to successful conceptions and live births. While more research is being conducted, it is important to note that Acupuncture has a low incidence of negative side effects or risks.
Recommended Supplement:
Women’s Life Power by GinSen
Woman’s Life Power by GinSen is a unique herbal blend supplement to support women trying to conceive. Expertly formulated by fertility experts to improve egg quality and balance hormones for the female body looking to conceive either naturally, through IVF or struggling with secondary fertility. Ideal to add to your daily life these natural fertility supplements can help with fertility issues related to FSH, AMH levels, PCOS, and irregular ovulation. It works to increase the body’s natural fertility as well as helping menstrual irregularities and discomforts.Â
Chinese Herbal Medicine Secondary Fertility Treatment
Revitalizing the blood and Qi are cornerstones of TCM, and common herbs used for fertility include Dong Quai, Ginseng, Astragalus, and Goji Berries. Herbs are viewed as supportive supplementation to help improve the balance and flow in the body.
Dong Quai helps to tone and strengthen the uterus, nourishes the blood, and helps to relax the body. This herb can help promote fertility in women who have absent periods. Buy Here.
Related: Dong Quai For Fertility
Ginseng is known for increasing the energy and vitality of body systems, including the reproductive organs. It also is related to stimulating the libido. Ginseng also has applications in treating infertility in males. Buy here.
Astragalus acts on the kidneys and heart, helping to enhance Qi circulation. It is known to also support the immune system and act as an anti-inflammatory. Bringing down inflammation in the body is important to fertility. Buy here.
Goji Berries provide hormonal balance and promote immune system function. By reducing oxidative stress and helping to eliminate free radicals, Goji Berries can be used as a part of the treatment plan for secondary infertility. Buy here.
Herbal formulas are customized based on individual needs and may be adjusted throughout the secondary fertility treatment process. Most herbal formulas are safe and free of unwanted side effects, unlike many pharmaceutical products.
Dietary Therapy & Lifestyle Recommendations
The products we consume have a significant impact on fertility as well. In addition to herbal formulas, quality foods like fruits and vegetables, beef liver, bone broth, and beetroot can nourish the blood and revitalize the Qi.
In addition, gentle exercise help to bring balance and vitality to the body. Allowing the muscles and mind to become stagnant has a direct effect on the body systems. Activities like yoga and Tai Chi are gentle, yet effective forms of physical activity that are useful during secondary fertility treatment. While feeling overwhelmed is sometimes unavoidable, try to find mindfulness strategies for times of anxiety or stress.
Treatment for secondary infertility using Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities including Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, and dietary and lifestyle changes will be tailored to each patient.
The specific secondary infertility causes will be addressed with a combination or selection of approaches and can be adjusted throughout the process. Speak to our Chinese Medicine fertility expert with a free consultation here.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you with secondary fertility, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
