Male Fertility

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About one in five couples (20%) have difficulties conceiving children. Male factor infertility is the cause in over 40% of those cases.  Female factor fertility is the cause of another 40% and the rest is unexplained.   These numbers do translate to many frustrated and distress people applying for some sort of medical intervention in treating their fertility problems. In the USA alone there are 3 Million men that are considered infertile!

Falling Sperm counts in the last few generations

Sperm counts have fallen by nearly half just in only one generation

In recent times there has been much publicity about the declining sperm counts in men. The average sperm count has dropped by over 40% from 113 million per ml in 1940 to 66 million per ml in 1990 and has continued to decline. Recent studies are suggesting that an average sperm count now can be as low as 35 million per ml.

These same studies have also shown declines in volume, and motility and increases in abnormal sperm production.  The number of men that have extremely low sperm counts (20 million per ml) has tripled from 6% to 18%, while the percentage of high sperm counts (over 100 million per ml) has decreased

Q: Why has this happened?

There are many reasons as to why this has happened but some of these are:

• Exposure to pollutants such as DDT, dioxins and other chemicals found in solvents, paints, inks, and adhesives.
• Exposure to heat – the ideal temperature for sperm production is 34 degrees (3 degrees lower than normal body temperature). Boxers are better than briefs in this situation
• Alcohol, smoking and drugs (not just recreational) – Need I tell you how bad these are on your general health and not just to you fertility?
• Xeno-estrogens – These chemicals are man made oestrogen like compounds that the body does not break down and accumulates in the body. These chemicals are found in many products but the highest concentration is in plastic when it is microwaved.

Other factors can include infection, radiation, and varicocele (swollen vain in the scrotum that will increase the temperature of the testes while making the sperm). Also age proved to be a factor in recent times and is just as important in male fertility as it is in female fertility. This has taken some time to show as there are numerous recordings of men in their seventies fathering children with younger women. Also the risk of genetic defects will increase with age

Q: How can acupuncture treat male factor infertility?

Male factor fertility is easier and less complex than treating female factor infertility. Using a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and supplements many patients have shown great improvements in their before and after semen analysis. The acupuncture was performed at least once a week for a period of 3 months. Remember that the sperm take about 2-3 months to fully mature. I also recommend that men come into the clinic at the time of their partners ovulation to help give the sperm a little extra boost when they need it the most.

Q: What male factor conditions can be treated?

At Positive Balance Natural Health we offer safe, natural and effective solutions to many fertility conditions such as:

• Low sperm counts
• Poor motility
• Low morphology (sperm shape)
• Poor liquefaction
• Low testosterone levels
• Improve success rates for pregnancy when used in conjunction with IVF/ART
  

As well as assessing many other factors such as diet, lifestyle and stress management that can contribute to male factor fertility problems. We will come up with a fertility treatment plan that suits you.  I have included a copy of an article published in Fertility and Sterility showing that acupuncture has dramatic effects on sperm quality and sperm integrity.  To view this article visit.  Acupuncture For Male Fertility

“In conjunction with ART or even for reaching natural fertility potential, acupuncture treatment is a simple, non-invasive method that can improve sperm quality.” ?(Dr. Jian Pei, Fertility and Sterility 2005: 84:141-147)

Click here to download your male health fertility consultation form