Treatments for Male Infertility
Male infertility has risen over the last 50 years as researchers have found that sperm counts and sperm quality are on the decline. Sperm quality and DNA integrity has been correlated with more than simply fertilization rates, but with factors such as the development of the embryo, miscarriage prevention and the health of the child.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
- Low sperm count, morphology or motility
- Low testosterone, FSH or LH
- Pituitary disfunction
- Vasectomy reversal
- Varicocele
- Advanced paternal age
- Steroid, smoking and recreational drug use
- Exposure to environmental toxins
- Autoimmune conditions
- Chronic low-grade infections
- Unexplained Infertility
At Isthmus Wellness we have found significantly higher success rates when treating both partners when there is a unexplained infertility or a male infertility diagnosis. Treatment options for men are tailored to their individual needs and can include one or several of the following treatment options.
Acupuncture and Male Infertility
Men today are increasingly facing fertility problems, but help is just a needle away. Recent studies verify that sperm quality can be greatly improved with acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Acupuncture addresses both general health and fertility enhancement simultaneously so clients feel better and in addition to having healthier sperm.
Evaluation of sperm after acupuncture treatment male infertility
Summary of Additional Studies on Male Infertility
- Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality: Siterman et.al. Arch Androl, 39(2):155-61 1997 Sep-Oct This study demonstrated that acupuncture can increase both sperm quality and quantity
- Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities. Gurfinkel et.al. Asian J Androl. 2003 Dec;5(4):345-8 This study showed that men receiving acupuncture had significant increases in the percentage of normal-form sperm relative to controls.
- Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility. Pei J. et. al. Fertil Steril. 2005 Jul;84(1):141-7. Another study demonstrating improvements in sperm quality after the administration of acupuncture.
Chinese Herbal Medicine and Male Infertility
Chinese medicine has a long history of treating male sexual health, in part due to China’s long-standing male-centered society. Sexual virility was considered an expression of strength and power, so ancient emperors demanded their physicians provide effective remedies for impotence and infertility. Classic medical texts from 2,500 years ago recommend Chinese herbal formulas that are still used today to enhance s men’s virility and vitality.
Maya Abdominal Therapy and Male Infertility
Male infertility can benefit from Maya Abdominal Therapy by both increasing blood low and nerve conduction to the reproductive organs. Common conditions affecting male fertility that can benefit from this therapy include varicocele, erectile dysfunction and prostatitis.
IVF and Male Infertility
Couples are often rushed into IVF when there is a diagnosis of male infertility and told about a procedure (ICSI) where the laboratory will choose the best looking sperm and inject them into the egg for fertilization. Often Reproductive Endocrinologists will say there is nothing they need to do to improve their reproductive health. However, if the whole pool of sperm is poor quality, the chances of a healthy baby are reduced. In addition, miscarriage could have more to do with sperm quality than imagined, and treatments that focus solely on the woman may indeed miss the mark.
Nutritional Supplements for Male Infertility
There are nutritional providers and allopathic doctors recommending male fertility vitamin and herbal blends when they have little to no training in herbs or contact with the actual patient. Isthmus Acupuncturists have thousands of hours in Chinese herbal medicine training, nutrition and acupuncture. We better understand each man’s constitutional and reproductive issues and how potential supplements will affect both.
Information on our website is not intended to diagnose, treat, or be a substitute for regular medical care. We encourage you to discuss all therapies with your primary care doctor before making any changes in your health regimen.