Male Factor Infertility
Male factor infertility issues are on the rise with estimates that sperm quality has reduced by 50% over the past 50 years. For couples trying to conceive unsuccessfully, 20% of these cases will be related to sperm quality alone, although poor sperm quality is a contributing factor for as many as 30-40% of couples trying to conceive. Sperm quality issues are diagnosed through a semen analysis at a reproductive endocrinology or urology clinic. The criteria for assessing sperm quality is called the Strict Kreuger criteria. This criteria states the following are normal:
- Count or concentration of sperm greater than 20 million
- Sperm motility greater than 50% normal
- Shape or morphology of sperm greater than 15% normal
Medical causes of poor sperm quality:
- Varicose vein in the testes, called a varicocele
- History of infection
- Retrograde ejaculation causing semen to enter the bladder rather than exiting the tip of the penis
- Anti-sperm antibodies
- Blockage of the tubules that transport sperm
- Genetic causes
- Hormonal imbalance
- Celiac disease
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
Environmental causes of poor sperm quality:
- Chemical exposure
- Air pollution
- Heavy metal exposure
- Overheating the testes
- Radiation through X-rays and CT scans
Lifestyle causes of poor sperm quality:
- Recreational drug and alcohol use
- Western medications
- Smoking cigarettes
- High stress
- Obesity
Western fertility treatment for sperm quality issues, includes intra-uterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF), with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). IUI is recommended for milder cases of sperm abnormalities, whereas IVF with ICSI is recommended for significant sperm quality issues.
Chinese medicine diagnoses male factor infertility with the following patterns:
- Stagnation of energy and blood in the body
- Damp heat in the genitals
- Moisture deficiency
- Heat deficiency
Acupuncture and Chinese herbs target these patterns directly to bring them into balance. Additionally, acupuncture balances male hormones and dilates blood flow to the testes to ensure normal sperm production. Research studies show acupuncture increases fertilization rates in IVF cycles, as well as improves sperm count and motility.
Supplement therapy including antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, Western herbs, and essential fatty acids are shown through research to improve all aspects of sperm quality. Following an anti-inflammatory diet, practicing stress reducing techniques, and lifestyle changes, are also critically important for improving sperm production. Revive Acupuncture prescribes these holistic therapies for each patient individually targeting specific lab abnormalities present.
At Revive Acupuncture, we recommend patients under our care retest their sperm quality every 2-3 months if they have not yet conceived. This regular testing confirms if patients are responding to our treatment, and if they should continue with holistic care. If you are concerned about your sperm quality, please contact us and we can order a semen analysis for you.
