Acupuncture and Male Infertility

Male Infertility

Acupuncture and Male Infertility and how acupuncture might help in many cases.

Definition of Infertility

Infertility is defined as the inability to naturally conceive a child after 12 months of unprotected intercourse. According to statistics from the National Infertility Association, between 35 & 40% of infertility problems among couples are actually caused by male conditions.

Factors that may cause male infertility:

  • Low sperm count (less than 10 million per milliliter)
  • Low volume (1-5ml per ejaculate)
  • Abnormal sperm shape & size (50-60% should be normal shape)
  • Reduced motility (over 60% should be motile and show forward movement)
  • Lifestyle, genetics and physiological changes can also be affect the rising and lowering of male fertility levels

Why Choose Acupuncture for Infertility?

Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the body as a whole. By using this system of diagnosis acupuncture, Chinese herbs, nutrition and supplementation is a viable choice for treatment as well as a great complimentary modality to western medicine treatment for infertility. Acupuncture has been shown in controlled scientific studies to be effective in helping both male and female infertility problems. In China several interesting controlled scientific studies demonstrate the clinical value of acupuncture for infertility.

Nutrition, Supplementation & Detoxification

Nutrients are a wonderful way to build the body and can be very effective for infertility. Below is a list of some of the important nutrients needed for fertility.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol): Dietary sources: wheat germ, soybeans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, leafy greens, spinach, avocados, whole wheat, whole grains, eggs, oatmeal and peanuts. Supplementation range: 200-400 IU daily. Vit E may enhance fertility by decreasing free-radical damage to sperm cells.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin, Niacinamide): Vit B3 will dilate the capillaries, which helps to increase blood flow to the penis. Good quality protein will provide sufficient B’s in the diet. Dietary sources are: lean meat, whole wheat, brewer’s yeast, wheat germ, fish, eggs, roasted peanuts, chicken & turkey breast, avocados, dates, figs, prunes, seafood, rice & wheat brans, rhubarb, milk products. Supplementation range: 50 to 100 mg daily.

Zinc: Zinc is the main constituent of all male hormones. Seminal fluid contains the highest amount of concentrated zinc in the male body. Dietary sources: lean meats, garlic, wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, eggs, ground mustard, mushrooms, chicken, ginger, oysters, seafood, soybeans. Supplementation range: 15 to 75 mg daily.

Essential Fatty Acids (Omega 3,6,9): EFA’s are needed in the production of sperm. It appears that several months of supplementation can increase sperm count and quality. EFA’s act as a hormone regulator. Dietary sources: Omega 6 – vegetables, fruits, nuts, grains, seeds – oils made from: safflower, sunflower, corn, soya, evening primrose, pumpkin, wheatgerm. Omega 3 – flaxseeds, mustard seeds, pumpkin seeds, soya bean, walnut oil, green leafy vegetables, grains, spirulina – oils made from: linsesed (flaxseed), rapeseed (canola), soya beans, fish oils (salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines).

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