PCOS, IVF & Chronic Back Pain – A Fertility Support Case 🌿 

Age: 32

This patient came to me before preparing for her 3rd IVF cycle.

She had been diagnosed with PCOS for over 12 years, with elevated testosterone levels and weight fluctuations. Although her menstrual cycle had become regular after weight loss (around 28–30 days), her period blood was dark with small clots — a sign of underlying Blood stagnation from a TCM perspective.

Her scans showed normal tubes and womb structure.

However, she had already experienced a failed frozen embryo transfer in January 2025.

Alongside fertility concerns, she had a long history of left-sided lower back arthritis since childhood, with tingling radiating to the left leg. Pain worsened significantly in winter and with cold weather. Two days before seeing me, her pain had flared to 9–10/10.

She also had:

• occasional bloating and constipation

• partial gastrectomy (70–80% stomach removal 6 months ago)

• tendency to overthink and feel anxious

• morning fatigue

• weak Kidney pulse, deep red tongue

TCM Assessment 

Her presentation suggested:

• Blood stagnation affecting the uterus

• Spleen deficiency with dampness (post-surgery digestion weakness)

• Kidney weakness

• Wind-Cold invasion contributing to lower back pain

From a TCM perspective, even when reproductive organs appear structurally normal, subtle functional imbalances can affect egg quality, uterine receptivity, and implantation stability.

Treatment Strategy 

She attended 4 acupuncture sessions before egg collection and embryo transfer, focusing on:

• strengthening Spleen and digestion (critical after stomach surgery)

• promoting Blood circulation in uterus and ovaries

• regulating hormones

• strengthening Kidney energy

• relieving lower back pain and cold stagnation

• calming the nervous system

She described the treatments as deeply relaxing and grounding.

Her back pain improved significantly.

Her body felt more balanced and supported going into IVF.

Outcome 

Her embryo transfer was successful.

At the 8-week scan, the heartbeat was strong and stable.

She shared that she truly believed acupuncture made the difference in preparing her body for this cycle.

Why This Case Matters 

PCOS, previous IVF failure, chronic inflammation, digestive weakness, and stress can all interact in complex ways.

Fertility is not only about reproductive organs — it is about circulation, digestion, hormonal balance, nervous system regulation, and constitutional strength.

Supporting the whole body often creates better conditions for success.

Every case reminds me that even when scans are “normal,” the body may still need deeper support.

Grateful to be part of her journey. 🌿