Acupuncture and Male Infertility

Scientific Studies Clearly Show Stronger, Healthier Sperm

By Paul J.O'Brien
B.A., N.C.E.H.S., Dip. Acu., Cert Clin. Med. M.T.C.M.C.I., M.C.Th.A.

Acupuncture and Male Infertility is an important aspect of treating conception difficulties that is rarely publicized. In fact, according to statistics from the National Infertility Association (an organization also known as RESOLVE), between 35 percent and 40 percent of infertility problems among couples are actually caused by male conditions. As I mentioned in a previous article – Acupuncture for Infertility, I treat and look at both prospective parents to ensure the best possible health of the child.

Conception represents the fundamental philosophy behind Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a perfect example of the differences and the union of male and female, of Yang and Yin. The dynamics of conception are the perfect mirror for the interrelation of Yin and Yang. As explained in the other articles of this site – available here, Yin and Yang must be in balance for a harmony of health and no where is this more important than in regards to fertility.

So is Traditional Chinese Medicine effective in regards to Acupuncture and Male Infertility?

According to a number of studies and independent trials, yes, it is. For instance a 2005 study conducted by Shanghai University in China found that acupuncture significantly helped treat male infertility. Of the men who participated, those who had acupuncture had an increased percentage of sperm in their semen; their sperm structure and morphology was also healthier than their counterparts who did not undergo acupuncture infertility treatment.

Another trial published in Fertility and Sterility July 2005;84(1):141-7. had equally impressive results. The study involved 28 men who were diagnosed with idiopathic infertility and received acupuncture twice a week over a period of 5 weeks. A control group of 12 men were given no treatment.

Semen samples were collected twice in all groups, one prior to and one after the course of acupuncture and male infertility treatment. Compared to the control group, motility levels increased significantly in semen samples in the men receiving acupuncture and male infertility treatments. While median motility levels increased from 32% to 37% in the control group, they increased from 44.5% to 50% in the acupuncture group.

The number and percentage of healthy sperm also increased dramatically in the acupuncture patients. At baseline, only 0.06% the sperm among men in the acupuncture group was considered "healthy," while the median number of healthy sperm calculated in ejaculate was 0.04 x 10 6 (40,000).

After 10 sessions of treatments, the median percentage of healthy sperm had increased more than four-fold, to 0.26%, while the median number of healthy sperm per sample had reached 0.2 x 10 6 (200,000).

In addition, significant changes in sperm structure and quality were seen in the samples from the acupuncture group. Prior to treatment, only 22.5% of the sperm samples in the acupuncture patients contained normal-shaped acrosomes. After treatment, the median percentage of normal acrosome shapes showed a "statistically significant improvement" to 38.5%.

Finally, the percentage of sperm with a normal axoneme pattern increased significantly among men receiving acupuncture for male infertility. (The axoneme is a microscopic structure that contains a series of tubules arranged in a distinct pattern, this is believed to aid in sperm motility.) Before the start of the study, the correct axoneme pattern was present in 52% of sperm in the control group, but only 46.1% in the acupuncture group.

After 5 weeks of therapy, the median percentage increased to 52.2% in acupuncture patients, but actually decreased to 38.2% in the control group.

These studies made clear that Acupuncture for Male Infertility is a viable and effective means of increasing overall sperm health and thus increasing fertility levels and the chances of conception.

If you are trying to conceive, have a history of low or poor sperm health, or want to ensure the best possible health for both you and your child, then perhaps you should consider Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Acupuncture and Male Infertility or wish to start a course of treatment then please feel free to contact me or make an appointment where we can discus any specific concerns or questions you may have.

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