Male fertility, sperm problems and male infertility (sperm weakness)
40% of all fertility problems in the general population are due to male fertility problems that follow a low sperm count, which can be diagnosed with a simple sperm test. It is known that in the past 40 years sperm count has decreased by hundreds of percent per cubic centimeter, from an average count of 80 million sperm cells in the 1960s, to an average count of sperm of 20 million today. Incorrect lifestyle choices that includes poor nutrition, lack of sleep and constant pressure, are some of the main reasons for this decrease in sperm count. Sperm quality is determined by parameters like sperm cell count, motility and morphology (normal forms).
Chinese Approach and Western Approach:
Chinese medicine also recognizes the importance of sperm volume and color in addition to other parameters, as opposed to conventional medicine, which does not attach much importance to it. In most cases there is no medical explanation for sperm problems, and the solution in conventional medicine is focused especially in the treatment of women (insemination or fertilization).
In cases where medical cause was found to the problem, it can be related to hormonal problems, childhood diseases such as secret testicle, chronic diseases, surgeries, Varicocele (blockage of the veins in the testicle) while in most cases the demanding and tense lifestyle, long hours of work, prolonged sitting on a chair and a decline in food quality are a significant part of the factors that adversely affect sperm quality.
Male Infertility in Chinese Medicine:
Treatment of infertility in women and men has been recognized in Chinese medicine for many years. One of the main reasons for sperm problems in terms of Chinese philosophy is heat in the testicles (not necessarily due to inflammation), another and no less important reason is a condition of blockage of blood flow to the testes, such as an extreme state of obstruction called “Varicocele” – which indirectly causes overstimulation of the testicles, and damage sperm quality.
The main causes of sperm problems:
- The number one cause by the Chinese philosophy is heat in the testicles (not necessarily due to inflammation). As you know, the testes are positioned outside the body to maintain a temperature lower than the temperature of the body (about 2 degrees less).
- Another reason is the obstruction of blood flow to the testicles, such as an extreme condition of a blockage called “Varicocele“. This obstruction indirectly causes the testicles to overheat and damage sperm quality. In Chinese medicine there are several degrees of obstruction that will not be expressed in a way that is apparent even in laboratory tests. However, based on Chinese diagnosis the therapist will choose to “move” the blood in the genital area to improve blood circulation at the same time will release the heat and improve sperm quality.
Causes of increased testicular temperature:
- Tight underwear.
- Sitting with crossed legs.
- Prolonged cycling.
- Prolonged driving.
- Prolonged work near ovens (eg cook), saunas and hot showers.
- Spicy foods, fried, coffee, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs.
All of these damage sperm quality and may lead to infertility and difficulty in getting pregnant.
At the clinic we treat sperm problems such as:
- Low sperm in the flow.
- Low motility of sperm.
- Decreased sperm concentration, reduced motility, and abnormal shapes.
- Morphology – abnormal shapes.
- Inflammatory conditions in the genital area that impair semen quality.
- Varicocele – which affects the quality, motility and sperm count and low sperm motility.
Course of treatment:
The patient should arrive with the latest sperm tests results, it is important not to rely on a single test because the changes in sperm quality can be extreme from one test to another.
The treatment lasts about 12 weekly sessions, including acupuncture, herbal formulas and dietary changes. At the end, the patient takes another sperm test (the sperm production time take approximately two and a half months).
Important: to bring the latest sperm tests and blood tests.
The patient should arrive with the last sperm tests carried out, it is important not to rely on a single test because changes in sperm quality can be extreme from one test to another. The sperm production time takes between two and three months, so if during this period the patient had a fever – the quality of sperm has been significantly reduced and therefore one should not rely on one test.
In Chinese medicine, sperm quality is very important, such as color, volume, liquefaction, smell and whether the semen is hot or cold. These symptoms in Western medicine remain only as a test without being able to respond to that index. However, Chinese medicine give a profound diagnosis on the condition to the patient.
The effect of acupuncture and plants on infertility in men:
Studies of male fertility and acupuncture have shown that acupuncture improves sperm quality in men with unknown reason of low sperm quality.
Acupuncture greatly improves:
- Concentration of sperm cells.
- Motility of sperm cells.
- Increased levels of testosterone.
- Improvement and increase in healthy morphology and reduction of abnormal shapes.
Acupuncture and herbs are known for their direct strength in fertility treatments for thousands of years. It is important to understand that the combination of herbs and acupuncture increases the effectiveness of the treatment.
At Maoz Marpe Clinic:
The treatment at Maoz Marpe Clinic, which includes acupuncture combined with Chinese herbs along with nutritional recommendations for the patient, significantly improves all aspects of the sperm, such as motility, quality and percentage of healthy forms, and greatly increases the chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy.
The clinic specializes in the most fundamental and professional manner of infertility, both male and female, and is unique in the development of a unique and comprehensive program in Chinese healing method that addresses fertility problems of woman and man and assists in conception of normal and healthy pregnancy.
