Male Fertility & The Fertile Life Method
THE MISSING LINK
We pride ourselves for having a strong focus on Male Fertility, at Fertile Life™ men have been part of our program since its inception 23 years ago. At our clinic, we believe in taking a holistic approach to fertility, which includes addressing male factor infertility. Ideally, a 3-month period of treatment prior to trying to conceive or starting an IVF cycle can significantly improve a full male semen production cycle (spermatogenesis). However, even just one acupuncture treatment can help reduce the internal oxidative environmental factors that are not conducive to healthy sperm quality and motility.
It takes two to make a baby and sadly this is often missed with fertility programs or western medicine fertility treatments.
Sperm is on the decline, sperm morphology in the past 10 years from 30% to sometimes under 4%, so it is extemely important to get a recent sperm test.In 40-45% of cases male infertility is found to be the involved in fertility issues, Women have become accustomed to seeking help for fertility, from western medicine, supplements and complementary medicine such as acupuncture, where as men aren’t catered for so well.
Regardless of the cause the developing embryo from day 3 relies on the health of the sperm, as well as the female egg to develop.
Many controlled and uncontrolled studies have reported acupuncture’s positive effects on sperm concentration, motility, and morphology as well as testosterone levels, and luteinising hormone (produced in males and females, in males stimulates cells in the testes to produce testosterone). According to recent studies, male partners experiencing recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) may have impaired reproductive endocrine function, increased levels of semen reactive oxygen species (ROS), and sperm DNA fragmentation. However, acupuncture has been shown to increase testicular blood flow, which can improve sperm quality. With sperm being regenerated every 120 days, male factor infertility can be easily improved with acupuncture, herbs, and supplementation.
The basic test accurately measures the number of sperm, their morphology (shape and size), their motility (ability to move forward), and the volume and consistency of the ejaculated sample. It is possible to have a more in-depth sperm test that will also include antibody testing and sperm DNA fragmentation. A great sperm analysis has good volume, concentration, morphology & motitily of sperm, yet fertility is also dependent on viscosity, the ability of the DNA to replicate without fragmenting, and energy production of the cell itself.
Semen analysis includes the following factors:
♦ Volume (total volume of ejaculate)
♦ Standard semen fluid test (e.g., thickness, colour, acidity)
♦ Concentration (sperm count; sperm/mL)
♦ Morphology (sperm shape and structure; associated with sperm health)
♦ Motility (% of sperm that show forward movement; mobility)
♦ Total motile count (total number of moving sperm)
The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the following values for normal semen analysis:
♦ Total volume—greater than 2 mL
♦ Concentration—at least 20 million sperm per mL
♦ Morphology—at least 15% normal sperm
♦ Motility—greater than 50% sperm with forward movement, or 25% with rapid movement within 1 hour of ejaculation
♦ White blood cells—fewer than 1 million per mL
♦ Further analysis (sperm mixed antiglobulin reaction [MAR] test) shows adherent particles in less than 10% of sperm
A population study* looking at men’s fertility found that those men that succeeded in fathering a child had
♦ greater than 48 million sperm per ml
♦ a motility of more than 63%
♦ a normal morphology of 12%
This study indicates the importance of men achieving the highest sperm count and motility possible.
For sperm to mature it takes a minimum of 100 days (it take approximately 116 days for sperm production to be completed) It takes time and patience. Did you know that what is in the ejaculate today was generated three months ago. Semen analysis should be done with at least 3 days abstention and not more than 5 days. Acupuncture can be worked to coincide with an IVF cycle, with 2 -3 months preparation time before the cycle being optimal.
We have may practitioners including a male practitioner who have a strong focus in Men’s Health & Fertility.
CAUSES OF MALE FACTOR INFERTILITY
Stress: Because stress affects hormone levels, this can in turn affect the hormones responsible for sperm production.
Nutrient Deficiencies: A lack of zinc, selenium, foliate, and Vitamin C have been linked to a low sperm count.
Infections: Certain infections and sexually transmitted diseases can inhibit sperm production. Furthermore, some of the antibiotics prescribed to treat various infections can also be hazardous to sperm production.
Smoking tobacco.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Illicit drug usage such as marijuana and cocaine.
Taking anabolic steroids.
Too much heat in and around the testicular region: Sperm needs to have a temperature that is four degrees below your normal body temperature in order to survive.
Obesity: Due to the excess fat that surrounds the groin area in obese men; the region can become overheated leading to a higher body temperature and lower sperm production.
Lack of Ejaculation: Contrary to popular belief, having too much sex will not affect your sperm count. In fact, the opposite is true. Not being able to ejaculate enough can lower your sperm count. It is recommended that a man ejaculate once every 24 to 48 hours.
Age: As man ages his sperm count decreases. This is typically seen in men over the age of 35.
Sexual Lubricants: A majority of over the counter lubricants can be detrimental to the production of sperm and should be avoided.
Varicocele: This is a swollen vein inside the scrotum that inhibits or completely eliminates sperm production.
Damaged Sperm Ducts: The duct system is responsible for carrying sperm from the testicles to the penis. If this is damaged as a result of injury, surgery, or genetic inheritance then sperm count will be almost non-existent.
Anti-Sperm Antibodies: Sometimes men will produce antibodies that will attack their own sperm causing sperm count to drop.
*(New England Journal of Medicine 345(19):1388-1393)
Reduced Testicular Steroidogenesis and Increased Semen Oxidative Stress in Male Partners as Novel Markers of Recurrent Miscarriage - Clinical Chemistry, Volume 65, Issue 1, 1 January 2019, Pages 161–169,
