Factors that Significantly Affect Male Fertility
Male Fertility
A quarter of all infertility cases are estimated to be attributed to the male partner and another 15% – 25% may also have a male contribution.
Worth mentioning is that while a lab test may determine the normal rate of motility as lower, a population study focusing on male fertility showed that men who’ve succeeded in bearing a child had more than 63% rate of motility.
Sperm is sorted into the following categories:
– antisperm antibodies
– teratospermia (sperms that are immature and/or bizarre)
– olioligospermia (lessened sperm density)
– azoospermia (semen without any sperm)
– asthenospermia (poor sperm forward movement and motility)
– aspermia (no ejaculate)
Acupuncture treatment in Austin for Fertility
In an acupuncture study published in Fertility and Sterility (2005), 28 men out of a total of 40 who had sperm conditions of unknown origin (teratozoospermia, asthenospermia, or oligospermia) received acupuncture two times a week for five weeks. Their results were compared to the men who received no acupuncture treatment.
To evaluate the samples, TEM (transmission electron microscopy) quantitative analysis was used.
A statistically substantial gain in the number and percentage of sperm in the total ejaculate was seen following acupuncture, as compared to the control group, with improvements in the nucleus’s and acrosome’s shape.
Also, following acupuncture treatment, the median percentage of progressive motility in ejaculate rose from 44.4% to 55%. However, there was no apparent effect in specific pathologies, like cell death (apoptosis), dead or motionless spermatozoa (necrosis) or sperm immaturity.
It was the conclusion of the study’s authors that “in combination with ART or even for attaining natural fertility potential, acupuncture treatment is a non-invasive and simple procedure that can lead to the improvement of sperm quality.”
A January 2000 Andrologia publication featured a pilot study that used acupuncture on men who were producing no sperm. An acupuncture plan of treatment led to the ability to produce sperm in 7 out of the 15 men who participated in the study. These men produced enough sperm to receive IVF therapy without the need for testicular biopsy. The group that did not receive acupuncture treatment (the control group) did not manifest an increase in sperm production.
Lifestyle Modifications
Diet – Some diets are believed to help promote the production of healthy sperm. One such diet is the adequate consumption of certain vegetables and fruits (an average of 6 servings a day). Also highly recommended is the reduction in alcohol consumption. Others such as herbal remedies or nutritional supplements will need a diagnosis from a qualified practitioner; however, we may need to mention the following study involving organic foods.
A Danish study published in the Lancet in 1994 found that greenhouse workers had a substantially high sperm count among organic farmers. Their sperm count was two times plus as high compared to the control group (blue-collar workers) indicating foods organically grown can boost enhance fertility.
Exposure to the Environment
Exposure to adverse toxins may cause abnormal sperm morphology (shape) or reduce sperm count. This can occur through the use of recreational drugs (such as cocaine and marijuana), poor precautions being taken when using industrial-grade sprays/chemicals, and smoking,
Optimal Sperm Temperature Maintenance
A slightly lower body temperature is the ideal temperature of the testes in order to produce sperm. This is the reason why the testes are in the scrotum as they hang away from the body. Men suffering from low sperm counts are usually advised to keep their lifestyle factors to a minimum because they might overheat the testes. This can include setting their powered-on lap top computer directly on their knees, using spas and hot baths on a frequent basis, and donning tight underwear (such as bikini-style briefs).