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Male Fertility

How Can Acupuncture Help Male Fertility?

Sperm Health

There is a very recent trend in the human reproductive history: sperm count is decreasing quite consistently, with a man’s sperm today being likely to contains less sperm, and more abnormal sperm than his grandfather’s.

In 2010, the WHO set new reference levels for normal volume, count, motility and morphology- in response to the decline in normal sperm. These sperm reference levels allowed for much lower grade of sperm to be accepted as 'normal'; this has not improved fertility rates, and IVF clinics are becoming busier with Male Factor Infertility.

Fortunately, it is increasingly more accepted that the Male factor has a role in play in conception and embryo health as attitudes adjust to the reality that it takes two to make a healthy baby. Today, half of all cases presenting at fertility clinics being Male Factor alone, and 33% involving both partners.

Where Male Factor alone is the reason a couple cannot conceive, and if sperm improves, often the IVF clinic may be avoided altogether when Chinese Medicine treatment is successful.

Many couples who have been struggling to get pregnant have undergone semen analysis to establish if there is a problem with sperm count, motility or morphology. The rise of male infertility and decrease in sperm count, and % normal forms has prompted research to examine sperm development in some detail.

Lifestyle

It is now known that male fertility and sperm may be adversely affected by many factors including:

Environmental pollution/ Occupational exposure to chemicals
Cigarette/ drug use
Infections and STDs
Some prescribed medications
WiFi
Increased scrotal temperatures
Free radicals/ Oxidative stress
Poor diet lacking in sufficient antioxidants
Stress
Trauma and surgery- including previous vasectomy

As any and all of these factors may be indicated in playing a role in diminishing quantity and quality in sperm, it is essential that treatment to increase male fertility is seen as a whole body approach with participation, where possible, in making necessary improvements in dietary and lifestyle factors.

Research shows Acupuncture and/ or Chinese Herbal Medicine can:

Improve sperm count
Improve Sperm motility
Improve % normal forms (morphology)

Whether seeking to conceive naturally, or by using Assisted Conception Therapy such as IVF or ICSI, Traditional Chinese Medicine can play a crucial role in understanding and addressing the underlying issues which are affecting sperm production.

Acupuncture has proven results in improving semen analyses and its effectiveness at improving sperm quantity and quality is increasingly being evidenced, and has been reported in clinical trials carried out in many countries.

A careful consultation, which incorporates the results of any tests/ IVF/ICSI procedures already undertaken, forms the basis for a diagnosis of the reasons why conception or pregnancy has been unsuccessful.

Throughout a few months individualised treatment can work closely to improve sperm count, motility and morphology, and improve the semen which carries them.

As conception is the perfect example of the importance of balancing yin and yang energies, working closely with the female cycle is essential. Through monitoring and understanding the timing of ovulation and cervical secretions, is it possible to work with nature’s design which facilitates optimal transport of sperm to the ready ovum inside the woman’s body.

Acupuncture for Male Fertility Targets:

In men:

improve sperm count
improve sperm motility
improve sperm morphology
increasing blood flow to testicles treating varicocele
improve libido
help prevent premature ejaculation
working together to understand optimal times for sexual activity to increase chances of conception
understanding and correcting any dietary and lifestyle factors
treat the underlying factors affecting erectile dysfunction

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How long does it take to make new sperm?

As it takes weeks for the sperm to be matured, treatment must be taken over a period of few months to address the problem factors which affect sperm parameters.

Therefore, whether attempting to conceive naturally or via Assisted Conception, it is essential to undergo a 3 month course of treatment to allow time to improve sperm production- it simply takes this long for new sperm to be made and matured. In some cases, it may be advisable and quicker to take Chinese Herbal Medicine, depending on your particular circumstances.

Where will the needles go?

Acupuncture needles are placed on the arms, legs, the abdomen and the back, and are individually chosen for their ability to impact the body's ability to make the sperm. Chinese Herbal Medicine is a safe, effective and well researched for its impact on male fertility.

Sperm tests/ sperm analysis

Any subsequent semen analysis can check for any of the positive changes following your course of acupuncture treatment, which may assist you in choosing whether or not to undergo any further IVF/ICSI.