Male Fertility
Traditional Chinese Medicine for Male Subfertility:
a forgotten factor
About 30 to 50% of the causes of infertility in couples are due to male factor. Yet, the focus of treatment often remains on women, while couples can significantly increase their chances of a successful pregnancy by addressing male factors as well. By treating only the woman, we are missing a significant part of the potential to help couples successfully conceive. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can support male fertility by improving both sperm quality and quantity.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Sperm Improvement
Over the past 30 years, the average sperm quality has declined by about 50% worldwide. In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) adjusted the standard values for sperm, meaning that the current 'normal' values would previously have been considered worrisome. This means that a spermiogram with normal values nowadays says less about the actual health of the sperm.
An important aspect that is overlooked in standard semen testing in the Netherlands is DNA fragmentation . When DNA in sperm shows many fragmentation, this can lead to a number of problems, including miscarriages and recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Studies show that there is a strong correlation between DNA fragmentation and the number of early or recurrent miscarriages, even when semen tests show normal values.
DNA abnormalities in sperm have a major impact on several aspects of pregnancy and the health of a child:
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Poor embryo development
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Failed fertilizations, for example in IVF cycles (e.g. 9 eggs, but only 2 fertilized)
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Failed implantation in ICSI
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Increased risk of miscarriage
Treatment options with TCM
Successful fertilization requires not only high-quality sperm, but also good sperm quantity. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs together form a powerful combination that is aimed at improving both the quality and quantity of sperm. For example, it can be used for problems such as Teratozoospermia (abnormal shape of sperm cells), Asthenospermia (too slow sperm), Oligospermia (too low quantity), slow liquefaction, and reduced blood circulation due to varicoceles, for example. But of course you are also welcome for general support and stress reduction during your fertility treatment.
Acupuncture:
Regular acupuncture treatments improve blood flow to the reproductive organs which regulates oxygen supply and reduces free radical production, incrreases reproductive function, balances the hormonal system and reduces stress, which has a direct effect on sperm quality.
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It has also been shown that in an IVF/ICSI procedure, acupuncture treatment on the day of sperm collection has a positive effect on the quality and motility of the sperm, which increases the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Herbal medicine:
With the help of Chinese Phytotherapy we work on your specific energetic diagnosis. Just as there is no 'One Cure for All' for Female Infertility, this also applies to improving sperm. It is essential that you a prescribed a 'tailor-made formula' to improve sperm quality and quantity.
Nutritional and lifestyle advice:
Nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are of great importance for the health of sperm. TCM offers tools that contribute to improving fertility.
Preparing for a Fertility Treatment
For couples who are starting a fertility journey such as IVF or ICSI, it is strongly recommended that the man is also treated. This greatly increases the chances of success, as the improved sperm quality and quantity increases the chances of fertilization and embryo development.
Start 2.5 months in advance
The process of sperm production takes about 2.5 months. By starting acupuncture and herbal therapy in time, the quality of the sperm can be optimally supported in the run-up to the fertility treatment. In this way, we ensure that you start your fertility treatment with the best chances.
