Fertility

In Western medicine, infertility is defined as the failure to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse, with distinct etiologies for men and women. In men, low sperm or testosterone count is often cited, and these factors can decline with age (Agarwal, A. et al., Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 2015). Women's infertility is frequently attributed to conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and thyroid disease (Farquhar, C. et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2005). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however, identifies three patterns of disharmony linked to infertility: Yang Deficiency, characterized by an empty cold condition leading to underactive organ function and stagnant Qi and blood; Kidney Yang Deficiency, denoting an internal cold and weakness impacting the "fire of the gate of life" between the kidneys; and Kidney Essence Deficiency, mainly manifesting as a yin deficiency affecting vital aspects like growth, reproduction, and bone health (Zheng, Y.H. et al., Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2012). Both Western and TCM approaches offer nuanced perspectives for understanding and treating infertility.