Herbal Remedies for Infertility: Phase 3

Herbal remedies for infertility taken during the ovulation phase focus on bringing together the steps necessary for an efficient and well timed ovulation. Profuse EWCM is necessary to nourish and propel the sperm through the acidic vagina and through the cervix. A strong yin foundation laid out in Phase 2 will help with the production of EWCM.

Learning about your fertility from a Chinese medicine perspective can be confusing. If you don't understand a word or phrase, please visit my quick and easy TCM and Fertility Dictionary to look it up before reading on.

The follicle should be neither immature, nor too mature. Accordingly, this means that ovulation should generally occur between the 12th and 16th day of the cycle. If the egg isn't mature enough, ovulation will be weak and the sperm probably won't be able to penetrate through the egg. If the egg is too mature, it may not have the gusto (ATP from the mitochondria) to fuel cell division in the fallopian tubes.

The fallopian tubes must be relaxed and able to move freely, so that they can make the micro adjustments necessary to propel the egg though the various sections of the fallopian tube at the exact appropriate times. We also don't want excess secretions impairing the movement of the egg. Chinese herbs can be added to the base formula to discourage abdominal spasms or tightness.

It generally takes 6 days from the time of ovulation to the time of implantation in the uterus. These 6 days are the ovulation phase or Phase 3 in our herbal protocol. Often herbal remedies taken to jump start ovulation include fertility herbs that invigorate the blood during this phase.

While moving the blood is generally the primary focus of herbal remedies for infertility during Phase 3, we also want to make sure that the mind is calm and the abdomen is relaxed. Ideally, we'd see a 1°F or .4-.5°C temperature increase the morning following ovulation. This is the strong and efficient transition which is the goal of phase 3.

The ovulation phase is the most delicate phase of the menstrual cycle and it's the most common phase to pose challenges to fertility. The complexity of ovulation is possibly why many women don't have success with pregnancy by taking Clomid. I liken the process of ovulation to a choreographed dance. Each of the dancers has an important role in the performance and the timing of each performer is integral to a beautiful dance.

The dancers in the ovulation performance include EWCM, a strong LH surge, a well-timed ovulation, a significant temperature surge and continuing high temperatures. A solid foundation laid out in Phase 2 sets the stage for Phase 3. Herbally, we support the movement of the egg and then personalize the herbal remedies for infertility to the specific needs of the woman. These may include stress busting herbs, abdomen calming herbs or warming herbs.