Fertility Acupuncture for Men

Male Fertility Challenges

Male factor infertility can be attributed to a range of conditions – including low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology, hormonal imbalances, oxidative stress, and lifestyle factors such as stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins.

Unfortunately, concern for sperm health is an issue all around the world. It’s not just you (or your partner/donor). A recent systematic review (covering all continents) has shown a global decline in sperm count of 62% (from 1973 to 2018). (1). But the good news is sperm health can often be improved.

Whilst Western medicine typically focuses on diagnosing and managing these specific conditions, TCM takes a broader view, aiming to enhance the body’s ability to function optimally.

TCM Perspective on Male Fertility Acupuncture

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), male fertility is closely linked to the balance of the kidneys, liver, and spleen—concepts that differ from their Western anatomical functions. In TCM theory, these organs (or systems) play a key role in the production and circulation of Jing (essence), qi, and blood, all of which are essential for reproductive health. Common TCM patterns associated with male fertility include:

Kidney Jing Deficiency: Jing is the essence of life and is essential for reproduction. Weak or depleted Jing may manifest as low sperm count or poor motility. Acupuncture and herbal medicine focus on strengthening kidney Jing to enhance fertility.

Liver Qi Stagnation: Stress and emotional tension can lead to liver qi stagnation, interfering with hormonal balance and blood flow to the reproductive organs. Acupuncture helps smooth the flow of liver qi, alleviating stress and supporting reproductive health.

Spleen Qi Deficiency: The spleen transforms nutrients into energy and blood. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, poor digestion, and suboptimal sperm production. TCM treatments aim to strengthen spleen qi to nourish the body and support healthy sperm development.

Acupuncture Research for Male Fertility

While male fertility research is yet to match the depth of studies on female fertility, there is emerging evidence that acupuncture can play a valuable role. Even though more research is needed, existing studies suggest the following benefits:

1. Improving Sperm Health

Research has indicated that acupuncture may improve sperm parameters such as count, motility, and morphology (2,3). Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to reduce oxidative stress—a significant factor in sperm damage—by enhancing the body’s natural antioxidant defences (4). Even with limited specific research, reducing oxidative stress is an important benefit for sperm health.

2. Balancing Hormones

Hormonal imbalances can impact testosterone levels, sperm production, and libido. Acupuncture helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, the body’s hormonal control centre, to promote optimal hormone levels and improve reproductive health (5,6).

3. Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Stress is a well-known disruptor of hormonal balance and can negatively affect sperm production. Acupuncture is widely recognised for its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation by regulating the nervous system and lowering cortisol levels (7).

4. Supporting Overall Health

TCM views male fertility as an extension of overall health. By addressing lifestyle impacts on things like digestive health, sleep quality, energy levels and toxin exposure, acupuncture can create a foundation for better reproductive function and a healthy pregnancy (8,9).

Male Fertility and Sperm Health Treatments at Yin

At Yin, we tailor treatments to each individual’s unique needs, combining acupuncture with dietary and supplement advice, lifestyle recommendations, Chinese herbal medicine and a review of fertility investigations.

A typical treatment plan may involve:

1. Initial Assessment

A comprehensive consultation explores your overall health, lifestyle and any specific fertility concerns. This includes a detailed discussion of stress levels, diet, sleep, libido and other factors that may affect fertility.

We also encourage a range of tests and investigations with your GP and/or fertility specialist:

– A physical examination (including checking for varicoceles which can often be asymptomatic, however, have a significant impact on fertility).

– Recent semen analysis (no older than 6 months).

– Blood test including hormone, testosterone, zinc and insulin levels.

– DNA fragmentation test.

We will review these along with any relevant tests and other investigative results to gain a clearer understanding of your reproductive health and tailor our approach accordingly.

2. Personalised Treatment Plan

Based on the assessment, we design a treatment plan to address your specific needs. Acupuncture sessions may focus on points that regulate the kidneys, liver, and spleen while promoting relaxation and circulation. Treatment typically involves weekly treatments with points on the legs, abdomen, back, and arms. There are no acupuncture points on the genitals. You can be assured that all treatments are conducted in a professional manner, ensuring your privacy and wellbeing.

3. Lifestyle and Dietary Support

TCM emphasises the importance of nourishing the body through diet and lifestyle. We provide guidance on foods, supplements, herbs and lifestyle adjustments that support sperm health.

4. Consistency and Patience

As sperm production takes approximately three months, a series of regular (weekly) treatments over this period is recommended to optimise outcomes. We encourage this commitment to ongoing care for the best results.

References

1. Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, Mendiola J, Weksler-Derri D, Jolles M, Pinotti R, Swan SH. Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis of samples collected globally in the 20th and 21st centuries. Hum Reprod Update. 2023 Mar 1;29(2):157-176. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dmac035. PMID: 36377604.

2. Zhou, Wang, Zhao, Guo; “Acupuncture for the Treatment of Male Infertility- A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, Biomedical Research Network+, LLC, vol. 56(3), pages 48072-48087, May 2024. DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2024.56.008851 (2024)

3. Jerng UM, Jo JY, Lee S, Lee JM, Kwon O. The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for poor semen quality in infertile males: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Asian J Androl. 2014 Nov-Dec;16(6):884-91. doi: 10.4103/1008-682X.129130. PMID: 25038176; PMCID: PMC4236334.

4. Nowicka-Bauer, K., Lepczynski, A., Ożgo, M., Kamieniczna, M., Fraczek, M., Stanski, L., Olszewska, M., Malcher, A., Skrzypczak, W., & Kurpisz, M. (2018). Sperm mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as possible reasons for isolated asthenozoospermia. Journal of physiology and pharmacology : an official journal of the Polish Physiological Society, 69 3.

5. Zhou SH, Deng YF, Weng ZW, Weng HW, Liu ZD. Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Remedy for Male Infertility: A Review. World J Mens Health. 2019 May;37(2):175-185. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.180069. Epub 2019 Jan 10. PMID: 30644235; PMCID: PMC6479084.

6. Wang H, Lei X, Ma D, Zhao Z, Wang A, Du G, Zhang J, Wang F, Guo J. Efficacy of acupuncture for psychogenic erectile dysfunction: a randomized, sham-controlled trial. Basic Clin Androl. 2023 Dec 21;33(1):40. doi: 10.1186/s12610-023-00215-w. PMID: 38124064; PMCID: PMC10734192.

7. Yang XY, Yang NB, Huang FF, Ren S, Li ZJ. Effectiveness of acupuncture on anxiety disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Ann Gen Psychiatry. 2021 Jan 30;20(1):9. doi: 10.1186/s12991-021-00327-5. PMID: 33516258; PMCID: PMC7847562.

8. Szabó A, Váncsa S, Hegyi P, Váradi A, Forintos A, Filipov T, Ács J, Ács N, Szarvas T, Nyirády P, Kopa Z. Lifestyle-, environmental-, and additional health factors associated with an increased sperm DNA fragmentation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2023 Jan 18;21(1):5. doi: 10.1186/s12958-023-01054-0. PMID: 36653793; PMCID: PMC9847125.

9. Jayasena CN, Radia UK, Figueiredo M, Revill LF, Dimakopoulou A, Osagie M, Vessey W, Regan L, Rai R, Dhillo WS. Reduced Testicular Steroidogenesis and Increased Semen Oxidative Stress in Male Partners as Novel Markers of Recurrent Miscarriage. Clin Chem. 2019 Jan;65(1):161-169. doi: 10.1373/clinchem.2018.289348. PMID: 30602480.