Why is Shou Tai Wan the only herbal formula used after ovulation in TCM treatment for infertility?

In the treatment of infertility with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), after ovulation, the primary goal is to strengthen kidney essence, secure conception, and support pregnancy. During this phase, it is not advisable to continue using blood-invigorating or ovulation-stimulating herbs. Instead, Shou Tai Wan (寿胎丸) is commonly recommended because of its stabilizing and pregnancy-supporting effects.

1. The Functions and Suitable Stage for Shou Tai Wan

Shou Tai Wan consists of four key herbs: Cuscuta Seed (Tu Si Zi), Mulberry Mistletoe (Sang Ji Sheng), Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), and Teasel Root (Xu Duan). Its main functions include:

  • Tonifying the kidneys and stabilizing the Chong and Ren meridians (Cuscuta Seed, Mulberry Mistletoe)

  • Nourishing the blood and securing pregnancy (Donkey-Hide Gelatin)

  • Strengthening tendons and bones (Teasel Root)

This formula is particularly suitable for women experiencing kidney deficiency-related infertility or recurrent miscarriage, especially in the post-ovulation phase when embryo implantation needs to be stabilized.

2. Why Shouldn’t Blood-Invigorating Herbs Be Used After Ovulation?

After ovulation, the uterine environment needs to focus on nourishment and stability. If blood-invigorating and circulation-promoting herbs such as:

Salvia (Dan Shen), Safflower (Hong Hua) (invigorate blood)

Angelica (Dang Gui), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong) (regulate blood circulation)

Peach Kernel (Tao Ren), Sparganium (San Leng), Curcuma (E Zhu) (break up blood stasis)

are used, they might interfere with embryo implantation or even lead to miscarriage. Therefore, herbs that promote ovulation and blood circulation are typically used before ovulation, whereas post-ovulation treatment focuses on kidney reinforcement and pregnancy support.

3. Other TCM Options Besides Shou Tai Wan After Ovulation

While Shou Tai Wan is a classic formula, adjustments can be made based on individual conditions, such as:

  • Kidney Yang Deficiency: Add Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao), Morinda (Ba Ji Tian)

  • Kidney Yin Deficiency: Add Ligustrum (Nu Zhen Zi), Eclipta (Han Lian Cao)

  • Qi and Blood Deficiency: Combine with Astragalus (Huang Qi), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)

  • Spleen Deficiency with Dampness: Add Poria (Fu Ling), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Amomum (Sha Ren)

4. Exceptions in Some Cases

Not every woman should only use Shou Tai Wan after ovulation. If a woman suffers from severe blood stasis-related infertility, some mild blood-invigorating herbs might still be necessary, but they should be prescribed carefully by an experienced TCM practitioner.

Conclusion

After ovulation, the focus of treatment shifts to stabilizing pregnancy and supporting implantation. Shou Tai Wan is widely used because of its gentle and safe effects in reinforcing the kidneys and preventing miscarriage. However, treatment should always be personalized based on an individual's constitution and specific diagnosis.

小朋友 张Comment