Traditional Chinese medicine

The rising use of complementary medicines and therapies (CM) by patients in infertility care and treatment is controversial. Evidence is emerging that between 30-60% of infertility patients use CM whilst also engaged with assisted reproductive technology (ART) for treatment of infertility [1]. Women in particular, are reported to be turning to CM because of dissatisfaction with the approach of mainstream medicine, coupled with a desire for a more personalized approach in treatment. Others prefer the holistic philosophy of CM and/or a wish to take control of their healthcare decisions [2]. Increasingly, CM is being used in conjunction with mainstream medical treatment in a wide variety of health care settings. This combination may provide choice and complementary effects but may also potentially confound outcome measures for both therapies. Across the world there is widespread use of CMs in consultation with naturopaths, acupuncturists, and other CM practitioners. But in many other cases, the use of CMs is self prescribed, and products are obtained from a variety of sources such as pharmacies, supermarkets, or health food shops. Complementary medicines and therapies include a range of modalities, one of which is known as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This consists of several different modalities including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, moxibustion, massage, dietary therapy, and exercise such as tai chi and qi gong for instance [3]. In this chapter we will leave aside the use and application of acupuncture since it is the focus of Chapter 43. Rather, we will focus in this chapter on the use and effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in particular.