Stories
Joint Effort to Successful Pregnancy
Dr. Pei Yu Yang
Share
Xiaowen’s Journey: Overcoming Failed IUI and IVF Attempts with Chinese Medicine and Lifestyle Changes
Xiaowen came to see me in April 2021 after her first IUI treatment had failed. Her AMH was 6.53, indicating a tendency toward polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and she did not respond well to Western medications. When she first came to me, she was overweight, so we began focusing on improving egg quality and weight loss while also continuing with her Western medical treatments.
Two Failed IUIs and an Unsuccessful IVF Cycle
After another unsuccessful IUI attempt in April, they decided to proceed with IVF in May. On the day of the egg retrieval, 14 eggs were retrieved. However, after fertilization and development to day five, only three embryos remained. Genetic testing revealed that two had genetic abnormalities and one was a high-mosaic embryo. The result of this cycle was disheartening: no embryos were recommended for transfer.
This was a huge blow to Xiaowen, shattering her confidence. However, she decided to take it slow and focus on nurturing her body, planning to start the next treatment after six months of serious preparation.
Couple’s Joint Effort: Weight Loss, Timely Herbal Medicine Intake, and Regulating Lifestyle
During this preparation period, basal body temperature tracking revealed that her luteal phase only lasted 11-12 days, indicating poor luteal function. Gradually, she started to lose weight. Though it seemed like only a little at each check-up, over six months she managed to go from 68 kg to 61 kg.
Her husband also took herbal medicine for fertility, and as a couple who had been together since university, they always appeared very supportive and in sync during their visits, which made me, as an observer, feel like they were "sprinkling sugar" (showing affection).
In September, their dog developed gastritis, which made Xiaowen very anxious and disrupted her sleep. They decided to postpone the treatment plan from the end of the year to after the Lunar New Year. However, after the New Year, Xiaowen’s father needed surgery, which meant she couldn’t "focus" on trying to conceive. But she still took her Chinese medicine diligently and had intercourse as scheduled, just without thinking much about getting pregnant.
At a follow-up appointment after the Lunar New Year, Xiaowen’s basal body temperature stayed high for over 14 days after ovulation. I suspected she had conceived naturally and encouraged her to take a pregnancy test. Xiaowen, however, was reluctant, fearing disappointment, so she delayed it. Even after confirming the pregnancy, she was hesitant to go for an ultrasound due to a lack of confidence, worrying something might be wrong. During early pregnancy, she did experience occasional dark brown spotting, so I continued to prescribe herbal medicine to support her pregnancy.
Ultrasound Reveals a 6-Week Embryo: Relaxing and Following the Treatment Led to Success
It wasn’t until May that she told me she had finally gone for an ultrasound, and the embryo was already six weeks old, with a heartbeat detected on the same day! Both she and her husband were overwhelmed with emotion, with her husband almost in tears. Xiaowen, still lacking confidence, was cautious about celebrating too early, aware that about 30% of natural pregnancies end in miscarriage during the early stages. By mid-June, at around 11 weeks, she started to feel a bit more secure.
Her pregnancy, though not without its challenges—including an infection and a Covid-19 diagnosis—went smoothly without other complications, much to her relief. Now 32 weeks along and with everything looking normal, Xiaowen came to see me specifically for a photo, saying she wanted to let me post a belated "graduation announcement." She also gave me a heartfelt card filled with words of gratitude, which moved me deeply.
She mentioned that, besides taking her medicine and adjusting her lifestyle diligently, she also made a habit of soaking her feet regularly. When I asked if she had any other tips to share, she said:
“Although it might not be helpful to say this, staying relaxed is important. Follow the treatment plan, let your body prepare silently, and when you’re too busy with life to worry about pregnancy, that’s when it happens! You need confidence, patience, and peace of mind.”
I’m so happy for them and believe they will be a wonderful family. Let’s all wish her a smooth delivery and a safe, healthy journey for both mother and baby!