In infertile couples, male factors account for about half of the infertility reasons. The occurrence rate of oligozoospermia in couples experiencing long-term infertility after marriage can reach 52.38%. Currently, there is no definitive and effective treatment for oligozoospermia, and only empirical therapy or assisted reproductive technology can be attempted. Studies have shown that Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) including Chinese herbs, acupuncture and moxibustion can improve sperm quality and help boost male fertility.
What are the causes of male infertility?
Male infertility reasons can be roughly divided into the following four categories:
– Hypothalamic-pituitary disease (1-2%);
– Testicular disease (30-40%);
– Post-testicular defects (10-20%);
– Idiopathic male infertility (40-50%).
Research has found that semen analysis in idiopathic male infertility often shows oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, and teratozoospermia, and these semen abnormalities often occur together, referred to as oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia syndrome. There is currently no definitive and effective treatment for such patients, and only empirical therapy or assisted reproductive technology (ART) can be attempted.
Oligozoospermia refers to a condition where the number of sperm in semen is lower than that of fertile men. According to the 5th edition of the World Health Organization standard, when the sperm count is below 15 million per milliliter, it is classified as oligozoospermia. Research on male infertility has shown that primary infertility dominated by oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia accounts for 30% to 40% of male infertility. The investigation of couples experiencing long-term infertility after marriage found that the occurrence rate of oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia can reach 52.38%.
Signs of low sperm count
Oligozoospermia usually presents symptoms such as fatigue, soreness in the waist and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, and decreased libido, but it can also be asymptomatic. Chromosomal abnormalities, immune factors, endocrine abnormalities, reproductive tract infections, varicocele, and other factors can lead to the onset of oligozoospermia.
Oligozoospermia is related to kidney deficiency in TCM
Oligozoospermia belongs to the categories of “deficiency of essence” and “kidney deficiency” in TCM. The production of sperm relies on the nourishment of kidney yin and the warmth of kidney yang. The kidney governs the fire of the gate of life, which is the driving force for reproduction and development. Its function in governing the anterior yin directly controls the function of the erection and ejaculation of external reproductive organs. The decline of kidney qi directly relates to a person’s growth, development, aging, and also determines the strength of reproductive capacity. Therefore, kidney essence deficiency is one of the main pathologies of male infertility.
TCM believes that the kidney stores essence and governs reproduction. The abundance or decline of kidney qi can reflect the status of the body’s main endocrine function and constitution. Kidney-tonifying herbs can promote the improvement and restoration of interstitial cells of the seminiferous tubules in the testes, enhance spermatogenesis, and hormone secretion.
Although reproductive essence is transformed from kidney essence, it is closely related to the essence of the five viscera (liver, heart, spleen, lungs, and kidneys). Therefore, the coordination of the five viscera, the abundance of essence, appropriate storage and excretion, and moderate gasification are important factors in maintaining sexual function and physiological functions. Any imbalance in the five viscera, deficiency of essence, inappropriate storage and excretion, and gasification disorders can lead to male infertility.
The treatment of oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia in TCM mainly focuses on tonifying the kidneys, emphasizing the combination of syndrome differentiation and disease differentiation. Common treatment methods include tonifying the kidney to nourish essence, warming the kidney yang, nourishing yin to tonify the kidney, invigorating the spleen to soothe the liver, and clearing heat and eliminating dampness.
Learn more: 5 Tips for Improving Male Fertility
How does TCM treat oligozoospermia?
Chinese Herb for male fertility
TCM medical literature contains many records and treatment experiences for male infertility. Some herbs or formulations have been studied and found to improve oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia. Research shows that kidney-tonifying herbs can help adjust the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and correct endocrine abnormalities, improve sperm quality, and regulate immune function.
The selection of herbs for treating oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia mainly focuses on tonifying the liver and kidney, invigorating the spleen, and replenishing qi. According to clinical trials, formulations that improve sperm quality include: Buzhong Yiqi Tang, Xuefu Zhuyu Tang, Chaihu Tang, Liuwei Dihuang Wan, Yikang Tang, Wuzi Yanzong Wan, and Shengjing Zhongzi Tang. In vitro experiments have shown that herbs such as astragalus, Acanthopanax, cornelian cherry, and magnolia bark can improve sperm motility.
The most frequently used Chinese herbs are, in order, wolfberry, dodder seed, Epimedium, cooked rehmannia, schisandra, as well as angelica, astragalus, polygonum multiflorum, raspberry, cornus, Chinese yam, plantain seed, Cistanche, salvia, and poria.
Moxibustion for male fertility
TCM believes that moxibustion can adjust the balance of yin and yang in the body by stimulating meridians, thereby regulating endocrine function. In addition, moxibustion can stimulate acupuncture points, promote blood circulation, accelerate the metabolism and excretion of nutrients, enhance the body’s immune function, improve resistance to disease, and better resist diseases.
Furthermore, moxibustion can help improve oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia by increasing testosterone levels. Testosterone is one of the main sex hormones in males, and its levels are usually related to sperm quality and quantity. It can promote testosterone secretion, thereby increasing sperm count and vitality, and improving semen quality.
Lastly, moxibustion can help patients with oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia by improving their psychological and emotional states. Many patients experience anxiety and tension after discovering their infertility, which can have negative effects on the reproductive system. It also can regulate emotions and psychological states, alleviate patients’ stress and anxiety, and thus improve oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia.
Acupuncture for male fertility
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical therapy that also shows good efficacy in the treatment of oligozoospermia. By stimulating acupuncture points, it can regulate the body’s circulation of qi and blood as well as the endocrine system, thereby improving the function of the male reproductive system. For example, acupuncture on points like “Shenshu” and “Qihai” can increase sperm count and improve quality.
(1) For those with kidney essence deficiency, acupuncture points such as bilateral Shenshu, Zhishi, Taixi, and Sanyinjiao are selected. Once a day, 10 times as one course of treatment.
(2) Moxibustion therapy focuses on the main acupuncture points such as Mingmen, Shenshu, Qihai, Guanyuan, and Zhongji. It has the function of warming the kidneys and invigorating yang, and is used for the syndrome of kidney fire decline and oligospermia.
(3) Acupuncture combined with Guanyuan, Zhongji, Qihai, Mingmen, and Shenshu. Once every other day, 20 times as one course of treatment.
Case:
Mr. Chen and his wife came for consultation, as they had been trying to conceive for a long time. His wife had polycystic ovary syndrome, so they initially focused on her. After a year, they discovered that Mr. Chen’s condition was also not good. Mr. Chen reported having undergone semen analysis, which showed poor sperm motility, especially a severe shortage of sperm. In the past, he had purchased health supplements and over-the-counter yang-enhancing medicines, but not only were they ineffective, they also caused palpitations and sleep disturbances. Hence, he hoped that traditional Chinese medicine could help regulate and improve his body. After a period of Chinese medicine treatment, the latest semen analysis report showed that the quantity and motility of sperm had both reached standard levels, with the quantity being more than double that of the previous examination.
Preparing for your appointment
If you want to have the chance of conceiving when struggling with a very low sperm count, you will probably need to consider TCM as an alternative treatment. Shanghai Medical Clinic, a TCM clinic in Dubai, offers fertility treatment options to help you find the way to be a parent. Schedule your appointment with us today.
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