Chinese Medicine And Sperm Health-How Acupuncture Can Help with Male Fertility.
You might be surprised to hear this, but sperm counts have been steadily declining over the last 50 years! Research has identified sperm counts have fallen by 52% between 1973 and 2018. Furthermore, recent studies show that in approximately 40% of infertile couples, the male partner is either the sole cause or a contributing factor to infertility.
This is a significant issue.
Several factors are thought to contribute to this decline: obesity, lifestyle, stress, age, and environmental toxins top the extensive list. Suffice it to say, the same factors that harm general health are usually also harmful to semen quality.
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive, chances are the female has had bloodwork done to evaluate any contributing factors. Men, you should do the same! Why waste time wondering where the hiccup is coming from? Understanding what might be interfering with conception is the first step to fixing it. A simple examination of a sperm sample can provide information on the count, motility, and morphology. If there are issues in any of these areas, there are plenty of things you can do to help.
For your reference, here are the values from the World Health Organisation, that indicate sperm health:
Just like an egg, sperm takes between 70-90 days to reach maturity. Taking care of your health preconception is just as vital for men as for women. Consider lifestyle factors such as sleep, stress, and diet. Adjusting these factors can optimise your chances of conception. Aim for 7-8 hours of good quality sleep per night. Managing stress, while difficult in the current climate, is critical. Nourish yourself with whole and healthy foods and ensure adequate vitamin and mineral supplementation to help you feel your best and optimise sperm health.
Exercise is important, but choose your activities thoughtfully. Avoid cycling due to the pressure placed on the perineum. Opt for cardiovascular workouts and tai chi for their ability to increase stamina, heart health and reduce stress.
Chinese Medicine for Sperm Health:
Research shows the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbs not only in increasing the concentration of sperm in a semen analysis but also in improving the motility and morphology of sperm. If sperm takes between 70-90 days to fully mature, ideally men would receive acupuncture treatment three months prior to starting to conceive. Ten weekly treatments are considered optimal due to sperm maturation, but not everyone has the luxury of time so take heart—several studies suggest benefits after only five weeks of bi-weekly treatments. Remember, the benefit of acupuncture is cumulative, so start as soon as you can.
In Chinese medicine, your overall well-being is crucial to the health of your sperm. We will adjust your treatments with this in mind to promote blood flow to the pelvis and testes, improve strength and vitality, enhance sleep quality, relieve stress, and address any other concerns you may have.
Charlie Foust is an Acupuncturist available at Beattie Street Health Clinic on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Click below to find out how Charlie can help you.
