Effective TCM treatment of Fallopian Tube Obstruction and DOR

Infertility affects about 8% to 12% of reproductive-aged couples worldwide, with some estimates as high as 20%. Infertility may be only one symptom of a person’s wider disorder that may include menstrual irregularities, hormonal issues, and the often-impactful emotional weight of these disorders. 

Of all couples trying to conceive a pregnancy, female factors account for 40% of known cases. The etiological factors of female infertility include tubal problems (15–40%), ovulation (15–20%), endometriosis (5–10%), and unexplained factors (20–30%). 

Of all women experiencing infertility who have tubal damage, fallopian tube obstruction accounts for 10% to 25% of tubal disease. Ovulation factors are also underlying causes of female infertility. 

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) occurs in reproductive-age women with regular menses whose response to ovarian stimulation or fecundity is reduced compared with their peers. Meanwhile, DOR occurs in 10% of infertile women.

Fallopian tube obstruction is a significant factor underlying female infertility, and its common causes include pelvic, vaginal, and peripheral organ inflammation. The pathological process of tube obstruction involves inflammation, which results in fallopian tube wall stiffness, peripheral tissue adhesion, and lumen obstruction. These inflammatory pathologies increase the difficulty of sperm motility, thus inducing secondary infertility. Treatment remains a great challenge. 

Although the primary treatment includes the administration of sex hormones and is often provided to improve ovarian responses, it can have adverse effects. Given the complex etiologies and treatment risks, many patients stop trying to conceive naturally and turn to in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Acupuncture and medicinal herbs are frequently used by couples to treat female infertility because they are effective treatments with minimal side effects. These treatments should no longer be considered alternative but rather mainstream stand-alone or adjunctive treatments.

It is acknowledged in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that common causes of fallopian tube obstruction or DOR in infertility is caused by Qi-stagnation and blood stasis. Clinically, the methods of "soothing liver and regulating Qi-flowing for activating stagnancy" and "promoting blood circulation and clearing heat" are used to try to clear the fallopian tube obstructions. This is the case where the Gexia Zhuyu decoction (膈下逐瘀汤) is used. Three main aspects of the TCM treatment include dredging the fallopian tubes, regulating menstruation by cycle therapy and promoting gestation by emotional therapy.

These are some of the symptoms and explanations of fallopian tube obstruction from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective:

1. Qi stagnant and Blood Stasis

Primary symptoms are serious period cramping and pain in the pelvic region or pain and discomfort during ovulation. There is often a history of stress or injuries due to accident or surgery, which may have damaged Fallopian Tube.

2. Kidney Qi and Yang deficiency

Primary symptoms include pelvic area cramping and or pain, gas, and bloating, with the lower part of the body frequently experiencing water retention. Other symptoms may include coldness or cold air in the abdomen, unexplained infertility and fatigue.

3. Dampness-heat obstructs energy channel

Primary symptoms include a tendency to be overweight, anxiety, craving food, bloating and gas, period pain in the pelvic area, pain and discomfort in the pelvic area during ovulation, and infertility.

4. Fallopian Tube damaged by surgery

Primary symptoms include scarring or hard tissues on the fallopian tubes or in the area, chronic local pain and discomfort, history of surgery of pelvic organs, history of infection in the area, serious pain and discomfort, and infertility. 

TCM treatment of fallopian tube diseases includes acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion and herbs. They work together to increase blood flowing and rejuvenate the energy channel, helping improve fallopian tube obstruction by removing or increasing natural healing.

Acupuncture stimulates nerves, muscles, blood vessels and the lymphatic system. Acupuncture reduces nervous system stress, relaxes muscle cramps and tightness, aids blood vessel pressure and tension, and eliminates circulating lymphatic system toxins. 

 Cupping helps to remove accumulated toxins in the pelvic area by drawing them into other tissues including the skin, where it eases and is cleared. These toxins include accumulated excessive fluid, inflammation, gas, and wind for example (TCM terms used, not western medical terms). Cupping may also reduce swollen fallopian Tube tissues along with tension and pain. It helps to rejuvenate the energy channels of the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen, and unite those organs together to free vital Qi flow.

Moxibustion is herbal heat therapy. It is used to transform warmth Yang energy into the fallopian tubes and pelvic area, increasing Spleen and Kidney Yang energy levels. This ultra-Yang energy boosts vital Qi flow, and blood circulation, eliminating accumulated blood clotting and repairing the damage.

Chinese herbal formulas are prescribed case by case. The general treatment principle is to invigorate blood, promote Qi circulation and remove obstructions in the collaterals. Some main formulas may include ingredients such as Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Che Qian Zi, Yi Mu Cao, Zhe Qiao and many more.

Many cases in the literature (and by clinical observation) show that, after TCM treatment, serum human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) levels are reduced to normal levels and the patient will be more prepared to conceive a baby. Recent research shows that TCM has unique advantages in improving patients’ pregnancy rates. As a result, acupuncture combined with herbal medicine has been shown to effectively treat infertility due to fallopian tube obstruction.

We look forward to seeing you and providing the highest level of care we have always strived to achieve.  

Total Wellness Staff