Vita Health - Medical Spa & Acupuncture

Male Fertility

Besides getting the woman ready for pregnancy, there is also acupuncture treatment for the male to improve total sperm count, motility and morphology.It also benefit those with low morphology and doing ICSI (intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection) which surgically deliver the chromosomes directly into the eggs seemly independent of total sperm count, motility and morphology. But a successful pregnancy requires more than a successful fertilization. Survivability is highly depended on the quality of the sperm. A better sperm will generally have a better morphology (shape) which reflects how well the chromosomes are packed in the head of a sperm. In general, a better shaped sperm will have better physiological functions and expressions than a poorly formed or shaped sperm. It logical to assume that a good looking sperm will be have better DNAs and will result better embryos. Less miscarriages. The main contributing factor to infertility from male is the sperm quality and quantity. High quality of sperm is extremely important for those couples who are trying on their own or with artificial insemination (IUI). Even if one uses ICSI , having a large pool of high quality sperm implies that the environment in which the sperms were developed are more favorable, thus it can improve the chances of having the best sperm to be chosen for injection.

According to the National Institutes of Health, male infertility is involved in approximately 40% of the 2.6 million infertile couples in the United States. Research has shown that acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutritional supplements can significantly improve sperm quantity, motility and morphology.

There three major factors in analyzing the sperms quality are: Total count, Motility, and Morphology.

The total count should be greater than 40 to 60 million; Motility greater than 50%; Morphology greater than 30%. WHO. (>14% Strict).

Male infertility is implicated in one in five cases where a couple is having problems conceiving. In assisted reproductions the problem lies with the male 40% of the time. This data supports the need for a continued shift from the incorrect belief that infertility is solely a female problem. Male fertility depends upon healthy sperm. The quality, quantity and motility (swimming ability) of the sperm need to be within certain parameters for conception to take place. Chinese Medicine views male infertility as a weakness or blockage in the reproductive system coupled with lack of balance in other body systems.
The most common cause of male infertility is problems with sperm production, usually a low sperm count. One in 25 males suffers from a low sperm count, a number that could rise based on statistics that show a 45% drop in the average male sperm count over the last 50 years. Sometimes all three sperm factors are poor. Other causes of male infertility include hormonal imbalances, sperm antibodies, blockages that restrict transport of sperm and sexual/ejaculation problems. However, in 40% of cases the cause for male infertility is unknown.
Factors that are known to affect sperm production that should be addressed or avoided:
• Infection
• Heat
• Varicocele (swollen veins in scrotom)
• Drugs (recreational and prescribed) and chemicals
• Smoking
• Radiation
• Nutritional deficiencies
Until recently aging was considered a risk factor only for female fertility but research has now identified a relationship between aging and male infertility. Age reduces the sperm’s ability to swim as effectively to the female egg. There is also a greater chance of genetic defects with age.
Often there is no obvious indications that a male is sub-fertile, so it is essential that the male partner undergoes a complete fertility workup when a couple is planning to conceive.

Chinese herbal medicine and nutritional therapies to promote male fertility and healthy conceptions, as well as improving general male health and wellbeing. Dr. Pakula offers a safe, relaxing and effective treatment approach and works in a considerate manner to identify and address each male’s reproductive health needs as she understands that a diagnosis of infertility is a shock for many males.
We are treats a range of men’s health disorders that cause infertility such as:
• low testosterone levels
• low sperm count
• poor sperm motility
• poor volume
• poor liquefaction
• abnormal morphology (shape)

Sperm usually takes about 90 days to mature, so regular acupuncture treatment is recommended for at least three months to promote the production of healthy sperm.

The following have been implicated in male infertility:

• Obesity
• Infection
• Hormonal imbalances
• Inflammation from excessive oxidation Prostato-vesiculo-epididymitis (PVE)
• Excessive heat
• Smoking
• Pesticide exposure
• High intake of cotton seed oil
• Hepatic cirrhosis
• Xeno-estrogen exposure
• Radiation exposure
• Heavy metal toxicity
• Varicocele

Nutritional Supplements and Herbs for Enhanced Sperm Production and Motility

L-arginine
Studies have shown L-arginine improves sperm count and motility without side effects. It is also used for erectile dysfunction due to its positive effect on blood circulation.
Doseage: 4 grams/day

L-carnitine
An essential amino acid found in high concentrations in sperm and seminal fluid. Carnitine transports fatty acids into the mitochondria (the power house of the cell). L-carnitine is associated with significant increases in concentrations of sperm, increased motility and count and the percentage of motile sperm.
Dosage: 3 grams/day

Zinc and Folic Acid
Zinc is a trace mineral that is essential for sperm production. Folic acid is a B-vitamin also important as a co-factor in DNA synthesis. A study showed that these nutrients improved sperm counts by 74% for both fertile and subfertile men.
Dosage: 66mg zinc sulfate, 5mg folic acid

B Vitamins
The B-complex vitamins B6, B12 and B9-folic acid are critical nutrients in the male reproductive system for proper hormone metabolism, sperm formation and motility.

Antioxidants
High concentrations of free radicals can directly damage sperm cells and contribute to erectile dysfunction. It is recommended to take the following antioxidants:

Vitamin E – 600mg/day
Glutathione/selenium – 200mcg/day
Co-Q10 – 60mg/day
Pycnogenol – 40 mg.
(One study shows pycnogenol combined with L-arginine improved erectile dysfunction in 92.5% of the patients for 40 men age 40-45.)

Herbs
Certain herbs such as astragalus, epimidium, ginseng and pygeum have been favorably researched for their effect on sperm. However, a personally tailored herbal formula that includes Chinese Medicine pattern differentiation combined with nutritional supplements is the best way to approach the issue.

For references to all studies see the links below.

To have a customized program created for you please call

954 880 0090

Full text Review study of nutrients/herbs and acupuncture for use in male infertility Sinclair S.
Male infertility: nutritional and environmental considerations. Altern Med Rev. 2000 Feb;5(1):28-38. Review.

Acupuncture Study Abstracts

Gurfinkel E, Cedenho AP, Yamamura Y, Srougi M.
Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities. Asian J Androl. 2003 Dec;5(4):345-8.Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study. Andrologia. 2000 Jan;32(1):31-9.

Siterman S, Eltes F, Wolfson V, Lederman H, Bartoov B.
Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density inmales with very low sperm count? A pilot study. Andrologia. 2000 Jan;32(1):31-9.

Men’s Health Center in Broward County, Florida
Offering Services to following nearby cities:
Coconut Creek | Cooper City | Coral Springs | Dania Beach | Davie | Deerfield Beach | Fort Lauderdale | Hallandale Beach | Hillsboro Beach | Hollywood | Lazy Lake | Lauderdale By The Sea | Lauderhill | Lauderdale Lakes | Lighthouse Point | Margate | Miramar | North Lauderdale | Oakland Park | Parkland | Pembroke Park | Pembroke Pines | Plantation | Pompano Beach | Sea Ranch Lakes | Southwest Ranches | Sunrise | Tamarac | Weston | West Park | Wilton Manor.