Men generally approach infertility very differently. They might be reluctant to go to a doctor to get bloodwork, a check up or even want to know if the fertility issues start with them.
On the flipside, those males that do go and get sperm analysis or bloodwork with "nothing abnormal" in their results, are very proud about it. Underlying this could be a fear about their sense of manhood if their sperm quality is lower than expected.
The truth is globally, sperm counts are lower than they've ever been before. With a worldwide lowering of what is considered normal. Ref: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32168194/
What are the main factors affecting Male Fertility?
- Stress
- Diet + water intake
- Exercise
- Lifestyle choices - smoking, recreational drugs and alcohol.
Here's some evidence about acupuncture supporting male fertility:
Improvement of Sperm Quality:
- 'Fertility and Sterility' (2005) investigated the effects of acupuncture on sperm quality in infertile men.
- The study found that acupuncture treatments improved sperm motility and morphology.
Reduction of Oxidative Stress:
- 'Complementary and Alternative Medicine' (2015) evaluated the effects of acupuncture on oxidative stress markers in infertile men.
- The study reported that acupuncture treatments reduced levels of oxidative stress markers in seminal plasma, which are associated with sperm damage.
Enhancement of Semen Parameters:
- 'Fertility and Sterility' (2009) examined the effects of acupuncture on semen parameters in men with infertility.
- The study found that acupuncture treatments resulted in significant improvements in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology compared to the control group.
Regulation of Reproductive Hormones:
- 'Fertility and Sterility' (2008) investigated the effects of acupuncture on reproductive hormone levels in men with infertility.
- The study reported that acupuncture treatments led to normalisation of reproductive hormone levels essential for sperm production and male fertility, including LH, FSH and testosterone.
Reduction of Stress and Anxiety:
- 'Journal of Endocrinological Investigation' (2017) examined the effects of acupuncture on stress and anxiety levels in men with infertility.
- The meta-analysis included several randomised controlled trials and reported that acupuncture treatments resulted in significant reductions in stress and anxiety levels.
These studies provide evidence suggesting that acupuncture may offer benefits for male fertility. By improving sperm quality, reducing oxidative stress, enhancing semen, regulating hormones, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
However, further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture on male fertility.
What other health advice have you tried?
What other health professionals have you sought help from?
If you or your partner is highly stressed, their lifestyle isn't great an Acupuncturist can work with making changes necessary.
Further reading on Male Fertility:
