Infertility in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different infertility patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. It affects both men and women, manifesting as either male or female infertility based on the source of the reproductive issue. This condition not only challenges couples' ability to grow their families but also often leads to significant emotional distress.
The causes of infertility are varied, including hormonal imbalances, physical obstructions, and issues with sperm or egg production, making it a complex health concern requiring comprehensive evaluation and treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches infertility as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's fundamental systems. Contrary to the specific causal focus of Western medicine, TCM examines infertility through the lens of disrupted Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, Yang, and Essence harmony.
This holistic perspective prioritizes identifying and treating the underlying patterns of disharmony, emphasizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems and the importance of restoring balance to enhance reproductive capacity.
TCM Patterns for Infertility
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Infertility, Infertility in women
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Infertility, Infertility in women
Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Infertility
Along with: Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Frequent urination, Polyuria, Nocturia, White vaginal discharge
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Infertility in women
Along with: Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Loss of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Infertility
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Infertility
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Melasma
Kidney Yin Deficiency
Infertility
Along with: Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety
Cold
Causes: Infertility
Cold in the Uterus
Infertility
Along with: Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels
Infertility
Along with: Menstrual cramps, Cold sensation in lower abdomen, Late menstruation, Dark menstrual clots, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Uterine hypoplasia, Endometrial hyperplasia, Endometriosis, Uterine fibroids
Phlegm
Causes: Infertility
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Infertility
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Essence Deficiency
Causes: Infertility, Sterility
Kidney Essence Deficiency
Infertility, Sterility
Along with: Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness
Blood Stasis
Causes: Infertility
Liver Blood Stagnation
Infertility
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Abdominal masses, Purple nails, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae
Dampness
Causes: Infertility
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Infertility
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Herbal Formulas for Infertility
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address infertility
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and Phlegm
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Huan Shao Dan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen, Heart and Kidneys
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
- Augments Qi
- Tonifies Yang
- Promotes Longevity
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Sterility
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face...
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Fills the Essence
- Augments the marrow
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Sterility
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Wei Ling Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes urination
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Strengthens the Essence
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Sterility
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Wan Dai Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Middle Burner
- Removes Dampness
- Stops vaginal discharge
- Strengthens the Spleen
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Tu Si Zi Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Prevents abnormal leakage such as urinary incontinence or seminal emissions
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Sterility
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Xiong Gui Er Chen Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Damp-Phlegm
- Nourishes Blood
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Beautifies hair
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Sterility
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Wen Jing Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Uterus and vessels
- Nourishes Blood
- Dispels Cold
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Full Cold in the Directing and Penetraing Vessels
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Menstrual cramps, Cold sensation in lower abdomen, Late menstruation, Dark menstrual clots, Postpartum abdominal pain, Abnormal uterine bleeding...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yang
- Warms the Kidneys and lower extremities
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth...
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood
- Stops pain
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood stagnation
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
You Gui Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Replenishes the Essence
- Tonifies the Blood
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth...
Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Supports Kidney Yang
- Supplies Spleen Qi
- Expels Cold and Dampness from the Uterus
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Cold in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Diarrhea, Loss of appetite, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Thin vaginal discharge
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Qing Gu San
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat from Deficiency
- Alleviates steaming bone disorder
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Er Xian Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys
- Clears Empty Heat
- Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Shi Xiao San
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Eases pain
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Liver Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the Yang
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Ji Chuan Jian
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Nourishes the Blood
- Strengthens the Essence
- Moistens the Intestines
- Unblocks bowels
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yin
- Drains Fire
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Yu Lin Zhu
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
- Facilitating pregnancy
- Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility, Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi
- Calms the Mind
- Nourishes and moistens the Heart Blood
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Ban Liu Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Fortifies the Fire at the Gate of Vitality
- Expels Cold
- Unblocks the Yang
- Drains Turbidity
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
How it manifests:
Infertility
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth...
Li Zhong Wan
Addresses these infertility patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Infertility Pattern Variations
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Infertility in women
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face...