Male Infertility and Subfertility

The verdict is in. Fertility rates are declining and it's not just the women who are at risk. A multitude of studies are looking at the reasons for the sharp decline in male and female fertility factors. The drastic reduction in sperm count and progressive motility, and increase in abnormal forms - have been attributed primarily to an increase in stress and exposure to environmental pollutants that disrupt normal hormone production. Diet and lifestyle can also play a big role in helping to address male fertility issues. Chinese Medicine treatment - acupuncture and herbal medicine can play a big part of helping to regain AAA+ quality sperm.

Male Subfertility: A Big Factor in "Unexplained Infertility"

It is not uncommon for us to see clients in clinic who have been having trouble falling pregnant. The woman is fine, the partner has been given the "all clear". On closer inspection, his "normal sperm" results are often showing a picture that isn't so bright and sunny as you would think. The baseline definitions these days for "normal sperm" are 20 million sperm/mL or more, 50% or more progressive motility, less than 85% abnormal forms, volume between 2mL and 6mL. When looking at their "normal" semen analysis the results are less than amazing and many are borderline (within a few percent) with two or more factors. It is important to get a copy of your results to show them to your alternative medicine practitioner. You may also wish to ask for a referral to a urologist or a male fertility specialist who would have more knowledge of male infertility than regular fertility specialists.

Environmental Pollution, Stress and Impaired Hormone Function

Every day we are exposed to environmental pollutants that have been shown to interrupt normal endocrine processes. Our endocrine system is primarily responsible for production and regulation of hormone levels.

• phthalates and parabens found in shampoos and skin care products
• PBDEs found in TVs, stereos, computers, mobile phones and pre-2005 foam furniture: mattresses, couches, carpets.
• other anti-androgen chemicals from pesticides and pharmaceuticals. An anti-androgenic substance is one that stops or interferes with the production of testosterone. Little is known about how these compounds interact with each other, particularly in the quantities that most of us are exposed to in the air and in our water. On their own these substances are not enough to cause any serious diseases, but with long-term low level exposure and in conjunction with other compounds it is believed to be a major factor in male infertility and subfertility.

The best was to combat environmental pollutants is to reduce your exposure to the various compounds:

• trade your shampoos and skin products for those that don't contain parabens or phthalates. More popular brands such as Alchemy shampoo and conditioners, weleda don't contain parabens and phthalates. Our skin care products go one step further and contain the fewest ingredients possible, and organic ingredients where possible.
• reduce your exposure to PBDE compounds, used as flame retardents in electrical equipment such as laptops, mobile phones and televisions, and in furniture made prior to 2007. Read this article for more information.
• reduce stress as much as you can. Start meditation, gentle exercise if not already, take time out each day to do something you enjoy
• keep groin area free from heat and low-level trauma. this means reducing or giving up bike-riding, not using laptops on the lap, and wearing looser fitting briefs and pants

Supplements That Can Help Improve Male Fertility Factors

To improve motility: CoQ10, selenium, zinc, green tea. Carnitine can help.

To increase sperm count: CoQ10. Reduce stress and stop overworking.

To reduce abnormal forms: CoQ10, pH adjusted Vitamin C complex with Hesperidin.

To reduce "clumping" of sperm: pH adjusted Vitamin C complex with Hesperidin.

Chinese Medicine Treatment

Studies have shown that acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine can be useful in treatment of male infertility and subfertility factors.

• improving sperm count
• reducing abnormal forms
• increasing motility

Chinese Medicine looks for the following main patterns with male subfertility:

Excess heat

Symptoms include low sperm count, high abnormal forms, red/flushed complexion, high blood pressure, irritability, insomnia. This pattern is caused by excessive alcohol intake, prolonged irritability or emotional frustration, too much spicy foods, excessive coffee or smoking.

Yin or Essence deficiency

Symptoms include low sperm count, low sperm volume, sweating at night, premature greying, lower back pain, dry eyes. This pattern is caused by living the fast life, inadequate rest, late nights, inadequate nutrition, severe or prolonged illness, long term emotional upset, stress. Excess heat if left unchecked can cause the yin and essence to "dry up" and become deficient.

Stagnant qi

Symptoms include high abnormal forms, headaches, tight/stiff muscles, prone to anger/irritability, feels better for exercise. This pattern is caused by stress, overwork, improper regulation of anger and frustration, lack of exercise, tendency to depression or low mood.

Yang deficiency

Symptoms include reduced motility, low sperm count, lower back pain, fatigue, feels cold, pale complexion. This pattern is caused by overwork, chronic illness, prolonged exposure to cold, inadequate nutrition, tendency to depression.

Response to Treatment

It only takes a couple of months for sperm to complete their growth cycle and reach maturity. Improvements with semen analysis factors can be seen in as little as 4 weeks, more dramatic improvements are seen within an 8-12 week timeframe. Men who are able to adopt dietary changes in addition to their acupuncture/herbal medicine treatment will increase their improvement. Improvements in sleep quality, energy levels and mood are typically the first things noticed - these are all signs that your health is improving and that your pattern of disharmony is starting to resolve.