Male Fertility Clinic
Optimising sperm health and fertility can directly increase a couples’ chance of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. Studies have shown that 25% of infertility is calculated to be directly due to the male partner, while another 15 to 25% probably also has a male contribution for couples who are experiencing difficulty conceiving.
It takes approx. 90 days for sperm to mature. Studies have shown that environmental, immune system and changes in stress levels can all affect sperm health and mobility. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can increase sperm motility and quality.
In a study involving 40 men with sperm problems of unknown origin (oligospermia, asthenospermia, or teratozoospermia) acupuncture was used on 28 men twice a week for 5 weeks and compared to the men who received no treatment. Not only was there a significant increase in the percentage and number of sperm in the total ejaculate was observed when compared with the control group, but the percentage of progressive motility in ejaculate had increased from 44.5% to 55%.
The authors concluded that “In conjunction with ART or even for reaching natural fertility potential, acupuncture treatment is a simple, noninvasive method that can improve sperm quality.” Fertility and Sterility. 2005;84:141-147-
A population study looking at men’s fertility found that those men that succeeded in fathering a child had a motility rate of more than 63%. (New England Journal of Medicine 345(19):1388-1393
Sperm is evaluated into the following categories:
- aspermia (absence of ejaculate)
- asthenospermia (poor motility and forward movement)
- azoospermia (absence of sperm in semen)
- oligospermia (lowered sperm density)
- teratospermia (containing bizarre and immature forms)
- antisperm antibodies
Lifestyle & Dietary changes that may be helpful
Ensuring an adequate daily intake of fruit and vegetables (5-7 helpings) is recommended. Organic food especially friuit and vegetables has been shown to affect sperm health . A Danish study of green house workers working for an organic farmer had sperm counts that were double a control group of blue-collar workers ( Lancet 1994;343:1498
Men with low sperm counts are advised to minimize lifestyle factors that may overheat the testes. Wearing tight underwear or jeans , avoid spas and hot baths , do not use a lap top computer directly on their knees.
Environmental exposure to harmful toxins may also reduce sperm count or cause abnormal sperm morphology (shape). Smoking and alcohol, inadaquate precautions when using work or domestic chemicals/sprays and use of recreational drugs (such as marijuana, cocaine).
Impotence
The inability to maintain an erection can be the result of many different factors in Chinese medicine.
Poor libido can be caused by stress, depression or simply fatigue. Physical factors can be the result poor circulation or the because of an inefficient digestive system resulting in not enough Qi and blood being made. Stress is frequently a factor in this condition as it can affect the efficient flow of blood and Qi around the body.
Prostatitis
With prostatitis frequency and urgency in urination is a common symptom. The pain is as a result of a spasm in the bladder and pelvis muscles, there may also be a burning sensation on urination.
It is caused by bacterial infection that spreads from the urinary tract to the prostate or from bacteria in the blood stream.
The associated pain may make obtaining and maintaining an erection difficult, chronic prostatitis can lead to fertility problems. The patient may need to urinate frequently and urgently and this may cause pain or a burning sensation. Pain in this area may make obtaining and maintaining an erection difficult and Chronic prostatitis can lead to issues with fertility. There are a number of different approaches taken by Western Medicine depending on the specifics of diagnosis.
In Chinese medicine it is known as Lyn Syndrome. Amanda uses both acupuncture and herbs to treat this condition by clearing heat, improving circulation of blood and treating both the Liver and the Kidney meridians.