In Taiwan, it is common for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) to also receive care through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as part of their fertility management. Over the past several decades, Taiwan has developed a clinical environment where both Western reproductive medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine are present in the treatment of infertility.

IVF procedures are performed by reproductive medicine specialists, while Traditional Chinese Medicine physicians assess patients based on their overall health status, reproductive history, menstrual health, and stage of fertility treatment. TCM places strong emphasis on individualized evaluation and treatment planning.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has historically been used in the management of women’s health, menstrual regulation, and infertility. In clinical practice, TCM is often used to help condition the body, support overall well-being, and maintain reproductive health during the fertility treatment process.

As fertility treatment often requires coordination between different healthcare providers, patients are encouraged to maintain open communication with their medical teams so that all aspects of care can be appropriately managed.

What is Low AMH?

Low AMH refers to a lower level of Anti-Müllerian Hormone, a hormone produced by small follicles in the ovaries. AMH is commonly used as a marker of ovarian reserve, which reflects the number of eggs remaining in the ovaries. When AMH levels are low, it may indicate a reduced ovarian reserve, meaning fewer eggs are available for potential ovulation.

Low AMH does not necessarily mean pregnancy is impossible, but it may suggest that fertility potential is declining, especially as age increases. Women with low AMH may experience fewer responding follicles during fertility treatments such as IVF, and it can sometimes be associated with irregular ovulation or earlier ovarian aging.

Doctors often evaluate AMH together with other tests such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), ultrasound assessment of antral follicles, and overall reproductive history to better understand fertility potential.

Early fertility assessment can help individuals explore available options and plan appropriate strategies for conception. Even with low AMH, many women are still able to conceive with the right medical guidance and supportive care.

What is Male Infertility?

Male infertility refers to a man’s reduced ability to cause pregnancy in a fertile female partner. It is a common factor in fertility challenges and contributes to about 40–50% of infertility cases among couples trying to conceive.

The most common cause of male infertility is problems with sperm production or sperm quality. This may include low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), or abnormal sperm shape. These issues can make it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.

Several medical and lifestyle factors may affect male fertility. Hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, infections, varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), and certain medications can impact sperm production. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, obesity, high stress levels, poor diet, and exposure to heat or environmental toxins may also affect sperm health.

A fertility evaluation for men usually includes a medical history review, physical examination, and a semen analysis to assess sperm count, movement, and structure. Additional hormone testing or imaging may sometimes be recommended.

With proper evaluation and supportive treatment, many men can improve their reproductive health. Addressing underlying medical conditions, improving lifestyle habits, and receiving appropriate care can help increase the chances of successful conception.

What is Recurrent Miscarriage?

Recurrent miscarriage, also known as recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), is typically defined as the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies before 20 weeks of gestation. It affects about 1–2% of couples who are trying to conceive and can be emotionally and physically challenging for those experiencing it.

There are many possible causes of recurrent miscarriage. Common factors include chromosomal abnormalities in the embryo, hormonal imbalances, uterine structural issues (such as fibroids or uterine septum), immune system disorders, blood clotting conditions, and certain lifestyle or metabolic factors. In some cases, however, no clear cause can be identified even after thorough medical evaluation.

A comprehensive assessment may include reviewing medical history, hormone testing, genetic screening, and imaging studies to evaluate the uterus. Identifying the underlying cause can help guide treatment strategies and improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Supportive care, lifestyle optimization, and individualized treatment plans are important for couples experiencing recurrent miscarriage. Some patients may also benefit from complementary approaches that focus on improving overall reproductive health, circulation, and hormonal balance.

If you have experienced multiple pregnancy losses, it is important to seek professional evaluation. Early assessment and personalized care can help identify potential factors and support a healthier path toward pregnancy.

What is Female Infertility?

Female infertility refers to the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular, unprotected intercourse. For women over the age of 35, infertility may be evaluated after 6 months of trying. It is a common condition and affects many couples worldwide.

There are several possible causes of female infertility. One of the most common is ovulation disorders, where the ovaries do not release eggs regularly. Hormonal imbalances, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or elevated prolactin levels can affect ovulation and reduce the chances of pregnancy.

Structural problems in the reproductive system can also contribute to infertility. These may include blocked fallopian tubes, uterine abnormalities, fibroids, or endometriosis, which can interfere with fertilization or embryo implantation.

Age is another important factor. As women get older, both the quantity and quality of eggs gradually decline, which can make conception more difficult.

A proper fertility evaluation may include reviewing medical history, hormone testing, ultrasound imaging, and other diagnostic tests to better understand the underlying causes.

With appropriate evaluation and personalized care, many women with infertility can improve their chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy. Early consultation and supportive treatment strategies may help optimize reproductive health and fertility outcomes.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is a common condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. These growths may appear on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or other pelvic structures. Because this tissue responds to hormonal changes each month, it can lead to inflammation, internal bleeding, and scar tissue formation.

Common symptoms include painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, heavy or irregular bleeding, bloating, and difficulty conceiving. Some women experience severe symptoms, while others may have minimal discomfort despite significant disease.

The exact cause of endometriosis is not fully understood, but hormonal factors, immune dysfunction, genetics, and retrograde menstruation may play a role. Diagnosis often involves a medical history, pelvic exam, and imaging such as ultrasound. In some cases, laparoscopy is needed to confirm the condition.

Although there is no definitive cure, treatment options are available to manage pain and support fertility. Early evaluation is important if symptoms persist or if you are trying to conceive without success.

What Is Low Ovarian Reserve?

Low ovarian reserve means the ovaries have fewer remaining eggs than expected for a woman’s age. It does not mean pregnancy is impossible, but it may reduce the chances of natural conception and shorten the reproductive window.

Women are born with a fixed number of eggs, and this number naturally declines over time. In some individuals, this decline occurs earlier or more rapidly than usual.

Ovarian reserve is commonly assessed using:

• Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) levels

• Antral Follicle Count (AFC) on ultrasound

• Day 2–3 Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels

Lower AMH or AFC values may suggest diminished ovarian reserve. These tests estimate egg quantity, not egg quality, which is mainly influenced by age.

Some women have no symptoms. Others may experience difficulty conceiving or a reduced response to fertility treatments.

Early evaluation can help guide informed reproductive planning and timely medical support when needed.

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal and metabolic condition that affects women of reproductive age. It can influence menstrual cycles, ovulation, fertility, skin health, and long-term metabolic function.

PCOS is diagnosed when at least two of the following are present (after excluding other possible causes):

• Irregular or absent ovulation

• Elevated androgen (male hormone) levels (clinical or laboratory evidence)

• Polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound

Despite the name, the “cysts” seen on ultrasound are not true cysts. They are multiple small follicles that have not completed normal development due to disrupted ovulation.

PCOS is not only an ovarian condition. Many individuals with PCOS have insulin resistance, meaning the body does not use insulin efficiently. This can contribute to weight gain, acne, and increased risks of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease over time.

Common symptoms may include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Difficulty conceiving

• Acne or oily skin

• Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)

• Thinning scalp hair

• Weight changes

Symptoms vary widely. Some individuals have mild signs, while others experience significant reproductive and metabolic challenges.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management — including lifestyle modification and medical care — can help reduce symptoms and improve long-term health outcomes.