As of 2024, male fertility continues to decline worldwide, with sperm count and quality issues increasingly contributing to infertility. Recent studies estimate that male factors account for approximately 40-50% of infertility cases.
The World Health Organization reports that infertility affects one in six couples globally, with men being responsible for about half of these cases. Key factors influencing male fertility include lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. (1)
Research highlights that sperm counts have dropped by over 50% in the last 40 years. Declines in sperm concentration and motility, as well as morphological abnormalities, are major concerns. Environmental toxins, poor diets, and rising stress levels further exacerbate the problem. There is also evidence that genetic factors, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances contribute significantly to male infertility. (1, 4)
To address the decline in male fertility, experts recommend improving awareness through public health campaigns and educating men on protective behaviors early in life. Interventions such as healthier diets, exercise, and the reduction of environmental exposure to harmful chemicals may help mitigate this decline. (1,2, 3,4)
Research highlights that sperm counts have dropped by over 50% in the last 40 years. Declines in sperm concentration and motility, as well as morphological abnormalities, are major concerns. Environmental toxins, poor diets, and rising stress levels further exacerbate the problem. (1,2, 3)
There is also evidence that genetic factors, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances contribute significantly to male infertility. (4).
Men’s fertility acupuncture works in much the same way as it does for women. Research has shown that 40% of fertility cases are female factor, 40% male factor and 20% unknown. Chinese medicine has a long history of supporting male fertility, virility and longevity. Common issues such as low motility, morphology, and count, erectile dysfunction and low libido are direct markers of men’s future cardiovascular and overall health. By treating the root cause of the dysfunction the fertility issues may resolve and overall health is restored. We use an integrative approach in treating male reproductive and sexual health. We recommend that all male partners be investigated – using Western medicine investigations – such as a sperm test, a male hormone panel, a full men’s health check up – we recommend visiting Mens Health Melbourne – https://www.menshealthmelbourne.com.au/
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that may be used alongside conventional treatments for male infertility. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may improve sperm health. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings. (2,3)
References:
1. Perry, M.J., 2019. Environmental impacts on sperm motility. Biology of Reproduction, 101(5), pp.872-880. Available at: https://academic.oup.com/biolreprod/article/101/5/872/5551192?login=false
2. Pang, R.T.K., 2023. The role of microRNAs in reproductive health and disease. Fertility and Sterility, 120(1), pp.15-23. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39115794/
3. Zhu, Y., Xie, W., Yang, P., Wu, S., and Zhang, F., 2022. A systematic review on the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of labor pain. Frontiers in Medicine, 9, p.1249814 Aviable at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9624472/
4. Bulayeva & Watson (2004), Datta et al. (2016), and Dutta, Majzoub, & Agarwal (2019) have investigated the impacts of genetic and environmental factors on male fertilit
Acupuncture Recommendations
Men in general respond quickly to treatments with acupuncture. The quality of sperm can be impacted more easily then the quality of eggs in women. This is because sperm are produced and mature much quicker than an egg matures in women. We suggest:
A WEEKLY ACUPUNCTURE SESSION
For 3 months for most conditions.
MINIMUM OF 1 TREATMENT
around women’s ovulation for natural conception.
ONE TREATMENT WITHIN 24 HOURS
Of a sperm sample that will be given for IUI or IVF.
Diet and Lifestyle to Improve fertility
As male fertility and sexual health is a marker of overall health our approach is holistic. We will provide you with advice on herbs and supplements in most cases.
We will also assit with lifestyle changes – such as exercise, sleep hygiene, diet changes.
We will address common practices that reduce fertility such as:
- Poor diet
- Cycling and over exercise
- Poor sleep and sleep hygiene
- Stress
- Overwork
- Hormonal imbalances
- Lower back injuries
- Having had mumps, an undescended testis, torsion of the testes or any injuries to your testes.
- We will also refer on to an Andrologist if you need further assistance.
Disclaimer: Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary from patient to patient based on the circumstances of the patient’s specific situation. A result is not promised and/or guaranteed from the act of receiving treatment.
