Research – Chinese medicine better than drug therapy for infertility!

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is nearly twice as effective as Western medicine (WM) in the treatment of female infertility (60% successful pregnancy rates compared to 33%) according to a meta-analysis of 40 randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses. The trials included women with PCOS, endometriosis, anovulation, fallopian tube blockage, or unexplained infertility. Not only were pregnancy rates improved, but fertility indicators such as ovulation rates, cervical mucus score, biphasic basal body temperature, and appropriate thickness of the endometrial lining were positively influenced by CHM. Other findings included: 1. CHM was also significantly more effective in the successful treatment of threatened miscarriage (continuing pregnancy rates reaching 94% compared to 73% for WM). 2. CHM was 18% more effective than WM in improving ovulation in women with previously anovulatory cycles. 3. CHM can double the success of IVF. 4. The greatest difference (three-fold pregnancy rate, 2.5-fold successful tubal patency rate) between CHM and WM was found in the treatment of fallopian tube blockage using Jiu Teng Zhu Yu decoction.

Complement Ther Med. 2015 Feb;23(1):116-28. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.12.004. Epub 2015 Jan 3. Chinese herbal medicine for female infertility: An updated meta-analysis.