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Infertility TCM Perspective and Treatment

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Abstract

In this modern age, people are facing increasing pressure from work and hectic life style, causing body functions to deteriorate. As a result, the infertility rate is accelerating every year at dramatic speed. According to WHO survey, approximately fifty to eighty million people have infertility problem, which is about 10-15% of the population.

Infertility is when male and female of child bearing age with a normal sexual life without using any contraception for one to two years without a pregnancy is called infertility. It affects about 10-15% of the population and the ratio of male and female infertility is about 4:6. Generally speaking, the possibilities of infertility can increase with age. The cause or causes of infertility can involve one or both partners. Common male infertility factors are the abnormal sperm production or function, the blockage of ejaculatory ducts, varicocele, endocrine imbalance, sexual dysfunction, for example, impotence, premature ejaculation, poor semen quality, anti-sperm antibodies, etc. The most common female infertility causes include ovulation disorder, blocked fallopian tubes, pelvic inflammatory, endometriosis, hormone imbalance, hyperthyroidism, obesity, congenital anomalies of the uterus, no menstrual period, etc. A number of other causes, such as, emotional stress, environment, malnutrition, or medical conditions can also lead to infertility. Common treatments for conventional Western medicine are medical therapy, reproductive surgery, intra-uterine insemination, and assisted reproductive technologies.

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* Articles Originally Published in SUN TEN Quarterly Newsletter Fall 2006