Male infertility affects 10-15% of couples of reproductive age worldwide. Still, this condition gets little attention in today's western biomedical care model. Without such medical guidance, men often become complacent with their participation in the path of pregnancy. Male infertility can be due to several factors. The most common factors are abnormal sperm formation, abnormalities or obstruction of reproductive pathways, inadequate sex and ejaculatory functions, and sperm motility. Illnesses, injuries, chronic conditions, stress, lifestyle and environmental factors can all play a part in male infertility. It is there that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can help with acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutrition and lifestyle support. When we address the root causes of infertility, we often correct the underlying imbalance, enhancing sperm production, morphology and motility. Male infertility is a man's inability to have a pregnancy with a fertile woman. It is generally due to impairments in sperm, and the quality of sperm is used as a surrogate measure of male fertility. In many cultures, women are unjustly responsible for a sexually active couple's inability to conceive. The reality is that men have infertility problems as often as women. Male fertility requires medium sperm production and sperm transport and proper sexual performance, which requires normal testosterone levels.
How can TCM be of assistance?
Clinical trials suggest that acupuncture and TCM herbs can improve sperm motility, increase sperm count and improve sperm quality. In conjunction with ART or even to achieve a natural fertility potential, acupuncture therapy is a simple, non-invasive method that may improve sperm quality.
TCM has the potential to help treat male infertility by:
Boost sperm production.
Raise the percentage of healthy sperm.
Improve semen movement (motility)
Improve sperm morphology and decrease sperm DNA fragmentation.
Relax your nervous system and help you relax.
Can TCM help to improve IVF success rates?
When there is a male infertility diagnosis and has talked about a procedure (ICSI), Couples are often precipitated into IVF, the laboratory will choose the most acceptable sperm and inject them into the egg for fertilisation. If the entire semen reservoir is of poor quality, the chances of a healthy baby are reduced. Moreover, a miscarriage might have more to do with the quality of the sperm than expected, and treatments that focus solely on the woman may miss the mark. TCM and acupuncture can help to improve sperm parameters, which can, in turn, boost IVF rates.
What will I expect during my first visit?
There is no silver bullet solution to male infertility. When you work with Rainbow Medicine and have clear health and wellness goals, it's essential to be realistic. Understanding what to expect is critical to nurturing appropriate engagement. The treatment approach we have set for you is based on clinical evidence and experience (what our peers and we have observed as being necessary to obtain the desired improvement) and currently available research. Please understand that every person is unique, so their treatment needs can be convenient. Understanding that our holistic therapy is not just focused on sperm is also critical. The whole health is vital for optimal health of reproduction and quality of sperm. We also implement strategies focusing on improving overall health, and the stress infertility inevitably brings to couples. Treatment options for men are adapted to their individual needs, including weekly acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and even special supplements for their needs. We welcome the questions or concerns that you may have, and we can even refer you for additional medical assessments.
Clinical Studies
Obesity is one of the critical causes of male infertility. It has been demonstrated to influence the endocrine regulation of male reproduction. Obesity correlates with a decrease in sperm concentration and motility and increases the damage to sperm DNA and changes reproductive hormones. A systemic review and meta-analysis showed that acupuncture significantly reduced average body weight for obesity relative to placebo or lifestyle control. The combined use of vitamins and TCM for treating male infertility is more advantageous regarding sperm parameters and pregnancy rate than vitamins alone.
