Male infertility occurs when a male is unable to cause a pregnancy in a healthy fertile female. It is commonly the result of problems within the semen. These problems generally fall under three main categories:
- Low sperm count – the number of sperm.
- Poor motility of the sperm – the movement of the sperm;
- Poor morphology of the sperm – the shape / formation of the sperm.
Chinese Medicine theory has a clear causational understanding of each of these three areas of concern. Motility and morphology problems can be rectified with acupuncture and herbal medicine treatment. A course of treatment will on average take about three months. On the other hand, low sperm count is very difficult to treat. In my clinical experience, I think it is impossible if there is a severe deficiency.
Male infertility is often overlooked in clinical practice. At the Fertility & IVF Acupuncture Clinic, I always make inquires with respect to the male. This will often require an andrology test from a fertility specialist. Treatment will only need to be administered to the male if the test indicates a problem. Otherwise, the focus of the treatment will remain with the female. If treatment for the male is needed, subsequent andrology tests will be required to gauge the progress.
