Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
The present review gives an overview of the potential use of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of infertility, including an evidence-based evaluation of its efficacy and tolerance.

RECENT FINDINGS:
Recent studies demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine could regulate the gonadotropin-releasing hormone to induce ovulation and improve the uterus blood flow and menstrual changes of endometrium. In addition, it also has impacts on patients with infertility resulting from polycystic ovarian syndrome, anxiety, stress and immunological disorders. Although study design with adequate sample size and appropriate control for the use of traditional Chinese medicine is not sufficient, the effective studies have already indicated the necessity to explore the possible mechanisms, that is, effective dose, side effect and toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine, in the treatment of infertility by means of prospective randomized control trial.

SUMMARY:
The growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine used alone or in combination with Western medicine highlights the need to examine the pros and cons of both Western and traditional Chinese medicine approaches. Integrating the principle and knowledge from well characterized approaches and quality control of both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medical approaches should become a trend in existing clinical practice and serve as a better methodology for treating infertility.

Abstract
The aim of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) in treatment of anovulation and infertility in women. Eight (8) databases were extensively retrieved. The Chinese electronic databases included VIP Information, CMCC, and CNKI. The English electronic databases included AMED, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase, and MEDLINE(®). Randomized controlled trials using CHM as intervention were included in the study selection. The quality of studies was assessed by the Jadad scale and the criteria referred to Cochrane reviewers’ handbook. The efficacy of CHM treatment for infertility with anovulation was evaluated by meta-analysis. There were 692 articles retrieved according to the search strategy, and 1659 participants were involved in the 15 studies that satisfied the selection criteria. All the included trials were done in China. Meta-analysis indicated that CHM significantly increased the pregnancy rate (odds ratio [OR] 3.12, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.50-3.88) and reduced the miscarriage rate (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.10-0.41) compared to clomiphene. In addition, CHM also increased the ovulation rate (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.06-2.25) and improved the cervical mucus score (OR 3.82, 95% CI 1.78-8.21) compared to clomiphene, while there were no significant difference between CHM and clomiphene combined with other medicine. CHM is effective in treating infertility with anovulation. Also, no significant adverse effects were identified for the use of CHM from the studies included in this review. However, owing to the low quality of the studies investigated, more randomized controlled trials are needed before evidence-based recommendation regarding the effectiveness and safety of CHM in the management of infertility with anovulation can be provided.

'I could only erect for 1 minute and could not ejaculate inside. After treatment, I can now maintain erection for more than 10 minutes and ejaculate inside.' - Gary suffers from premature ejaculation for a number years. This is what he told us on the third consultation TESTIMONIAL

'My FSH result was 25 before. It is now 13.9! (Two failed cycles of IVF and further treatment for a few months later in 2017), I am 6 weeks pregnant!' - Susan from London 2015 and 2017 TESTIMONIAL

'I could not believe my AMH test result, It has gone up more than 3 times. I am very pleased with the treatment.' - Pauline from London 2015 TESTIMONIAL

'I had a scan last week and my ovaries are no longer polycystic!' - Lori from London 2016 TESTIMONIAL

'My IVF consultant said my eggs are no good. I should use donor eggs. I am now pregnant. I am in shock.' - Rochelle from London 2017 TESTIMONIAL

'My sperm test results revealed a virtually non existent count. It had improved to 70 Million. Thanks to all those at TCM Healthcare.' - James from London 2016 TESTIMONIAL