Although it’s true 75% of our fertility cases are female factor, at Tao to Wellness we see a fair amount of male factor as well. Whether there is a specific issue or the patient is healthy, males are half the equation and working with them not only enhances sperm count, motility and morphology, but also creates a sense of partnership in the journey.
Sperm Analysis
If you’re not sure what your sperm analysis should look like, here’s what we deem normal:
- Sperm Count 20 million or more
- Motility 50% or more.
- Morphology 30% or more, this is based on WHO testing. Obtaining a stricter test like the Kruger is advised, which is 14%.
- If there are any issues with Sperm Count a DNA fragmentation test is necessary.
DNA Fragmentation Test Results:
- 0-15% Good
- 15-29% Fair to Poor
- Anything Above 29% is Problematic
Using Chinese Medicine to Enhance Male Fertility
We are here to help and support in any way we can, whether there are issues with the ranges above or you wish to simply enhance your numbers and overall health using Chinese medicine and Western medicine together is an ideal course of action, we work two sides of the same coin and cover all the bases.
Through a Chinese medicine lens, we look at things a little differently. For example, a male with low sperm count could be diagnosed with cold or heat in the Liver meridian or channel, or perhaps there’s a Yang issue or Liver blood issue. If there is a challenge around morphology, he may have an essence or Jing situation or maybe a blood deficiency. Lastly, if there is an issue with motility, he could be experiencing Liver coldness, blood deficiency or a dampness issue. These are some of the most common ways to describe the internal landscape when it comes to sperm health.
Remember, any issues with sperm count, motility or morphology is merely a symptom of a deeper imbalance, most often the patient will have other signs or symptoms. For example, low energy, trouble sleeping or inflammation. The beauty of working with us is we can address all these issues simultaneously while increasing your sperm’s health.
Here’s a list of the most common results our male fertility patients report while they are in our care:
- Boosted immune system, little to no colds and/or flus
- A deeper and better quality sleep
- Less inflammation—pain overall including less headaches
- More stamina and virility
- A better, balanced digestion
- A feeling of less stress
- More energy
Research Studies
Did you know that men who work with their laptop on their lap can be negatively impacting their sperm quality? Research shows that when the scrotal temperature increases just one degree, that can decrease sperm count exponentially. Recently, researchers have been studying the effects of WIFI and have found a negative impact on motility as well.
A recent study that was published in Fertility and Sterility magazine took two sets of samples of sperm, one was placed under a laptop with a WIFI signal for four hours, the other sample– no laptop, no WIFI. After four hours, the laptop sample showed 25% of the sperm had stopped swimming and 9% of the sperm actually had DNA fragmentation.
The same is true for cell phones, men typically carry their cell phones in their pockets. A research study showed the proximity of these cell phones so close to the male genitalia are impacting the testicles and causing adverse DNA reactions to sperm.
At Tao to Wellness we are experts in the field of fertility for women and men. We understand the path to parenthood can be a lot, physically and emotionally, we are here to support you in any way we can and we do just that successfully with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutrition and expert recommendations that have been backed by research and science.
