Male Infertility - and A Few Ways Acupuncture and TCM Can Help

According to research published by the National Institute of Health, Male Infertility occurs in 35% of couples struggling to conceive. This percentage is equal to women, yet fewer men actively initiate treatment support. When a woman in a heterosexual relationship comes in for fertility support, it is often advised that her husband get his sperm tested to check for motility  and morphology (speed, shape and overall quality).  

Stress and lifestyle factors (diet, recreational substance use) can easily be addressed through patient education and lifestyle coaching. Acupuncture can also help facilitate relaxation and reduce stress sensations. Herbal formulas can also be used to help with symptoms related to sperm quality. Many couples struggling with fertility benefit from coming for acupuncture together, and it can help both partners relax and be actively involved in the process. 

Infertility is typically diagnosed after a male and female have been unable to naturally conceive after one year of unprotected sex. (Six months for women over 35 or older). Full exams to look for physical causes are recommended in addition  to assisted options like IUI and IVF, and it is also a common time patients  look into acupuncture.  Once any physical conditions are treated, many couples are able to conceive naturally.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are also able to support the body while preparing for most procedures and help to support and enhance sperm quality (as well as egg quality). 

For more information and facts about male infertility, please visit the summary provided by the NIH here: 
www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/menshealth/conditioninfo/infertility