The journey to becoming parents is not always as simple and easy as it may appear on the surface. Although it is not often talked about, many couples have difficulty conceiving, for a variety of reasons.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 17.5% of the adult population experiences infertility. This is equivalent to 1 in 6 adults worldwide.
Infertility is rooted in many causes. At times, infertility can be unexplained (no known cause). Other contributing factors can include endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS, advanced maternal age (for the women) or sperm count, motility or morphology, varicocele or other structural issues (for the male). Oftentimes, it is due to a combination of a few factors.
Male factor infertility is very common. To determine the cause of male factor infertility – it is important to get a semen analysis. The analysis will evaluate the sperm count, motility and morphology. A meeting with a urologist will also determine if there are other contributing factors such as structural, varicocele or infection.
While there are several assisted technologies to treat male factor infertility, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine offers effective and impactful tools to help produce better quality sperm in a relatively short period of time.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture influences the natural healing life force of our body called Qi. Qi helps to influence, strengthen, build and move our body forward in healing and repair. Acupuncture increases blood flow, reduces inflammation and supports the body in regeneration and repair. Sperm regenerates approximately every 90 days.
Chinese Herbal Medicine. No two individuals are alike, and this understanding applies to Chinese Herbal Medicine. Chinese herbs are prescribed in a combination – a formula which can include 2 to 20 different herbs. Certain formulas are created for specific categories and conditions. These conditions can address issues of reproductive health while, at the same time, can address additional/underlying issues contributing to fertility such as stress/depression/anxiety, muscle tension and fatigue and digestion. One formula for the whole body
Chinese Medicine Diet/Nutrition It is well known that diet and nutrition can significantly influence the body’s ability to return to wellness. Toxins in our diet and in processed foods, alcohol, and marijuana all negatively influence sperm outcomes. This is a fact. Chinese Medicine dietary guidelines direct the patient on how to eat, what to eat and, more importantly what not to eat. Meeting with an acupuncturist can be very helpful in making these positive choices.
Supplements: There are several supplements that can have a very positive impact on sperm and reproductive health for men.
CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is an antioxidant. It is present in cell membrane and lipoproteins. CoQ10 can help with sperm motility and morphology.
L-Carnitine is a natural antioxidant that has been shown to have positive effects on improving sperm quality, motility, count, and morphology, It enhances the antioxidant defense system.
Vitamin D is important for many body functions including fertility. Studies link low levels of this vitamin with poor sperm quality, especially motility, and show that supplementation can improve the health of your sperm.
Lycopine is another antioxidant that has been shown to reduce oxidative damage in sperm. Lycopine rich foods include tomatoes, watermelon, and red/pink fruits and berries.
As I have always stated – healing is never a straight line. An interdisciplinary approach to health offers the most comprehensive approach to fertility wellness for both men and women!
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