Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for ovulation induction efficacy in PCOS patients after follicle aspiration

PCOS is a common cause of female infertility, often accompanied by ovulation disorders and thyroid dysfunction. Post-follicle aspiration ovulation induction directly affects pregnancy outcomes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shows advantages in improving endocrine function in PCOS patients, but evidence for its post-procedural application remains insufficient. Retrospective cohort analysis of 81 PCOS infertility patients who underwent follicle aspiration from January 2020 to December 2023. Patients were divided into TCM group (integrated TCM-Western medicine, n=39) and control group (Western medicine alone, n=42) based on patient and physician preference. Primary outcomes included ovulation success rate, pregnancy rate, thyroid function indicators, and adverse events. Propensity score matching controlled confounding factors. TCM group showed significantly higher ovulation success rate (78.9% vs 65.1%, P<0.01), fewer ovulation cycles (2.1±1.2 vs 2.8±1.5, P<0.05), and more dominant follicles (3.4±1.6 vs 2.7±1.3, P<0.01). Clinical pregnancy rate was 53.5% in TCM group versus 37.2% in controls (P<0.05). Live birth rate was significantly higher in TCM group (48.8% vs 30.2%, P=0.006). TSH levels significantly decreased and FT3, FT4 improved at 3 months post-procedure in TCM group. No difference in adverse events (P>0.05). TCM combined with Western medicine significantly improves ovulation success and pregnancy rates in PCOS patients after follicle aspiration, with improved thyroid function and good safety. TCM can serve as effective adjunctive treatment for PCOS reproductive therapy.