Acupuncture for Male Infertility and Sperm Health
Male factor infertility accounts for nearly 50% of all infertility cases. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine provide natural, evidence-based support to improve sperm health and increase the chances of conception, whether naturally or with assisted reproductive technology (IUI or IVF).
How Acupuncture Supports Male Fertility
Research shows that regular acupuncture treatments can enhance testicular blood flow, reduce inflammation, and regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which governs hormone production and sperm development. These improvements contribute to healthier sperm count, motility, morphology, and semen volume, ultimately increasing the likelihood of fertilization and healthy embryo development.
The TCM Perspective on Male Factor Infertility
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), male infertility often arises from imbalances in the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen systems, along with internal heat, dampness, or stagnation that impair sperm production. Acupuncture works to restore balance, strengthen Qi, and clear blockages that interfere with fertility. When combined with customized herbal medicine, nutrition, and lifestyle guidance, this holistic approach supports long-term improvements in male reproductive health.
Understanding the Key Indicators of Sperm Health
✧ Sperm Count: The total number of sperm in a sample. Higher counts increase the chances of fertilization
✧ Sperm Motility: The ability of sperm to move effectively, which is essential for reaching the egg
✧ Sperm Morphology: The size and shape of sperm. Normal morphology is linked to better fertilization potential and reduced DNA damage
✧ Semen Volume: The amount of fluid released during ejaculation, which transports and nourishes sperm
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Research on Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Male Infertility
A 2005 study in Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture twice weekly for five weeks significantly improved motile sperm count. There was also a measurable enhancement in the ultrastructural integrity of spermatozoa, improving the chances of successful fertilization and embryo development, whether naturally or with ART.
A 2003 randomized controlled trial showed that 10 weeks of acupuncture and moxibustion significantly increased the percentage of normal-form sperm in men with semen abnormalities.
A 2024 study on electroacupuncture found sperm motility increased by 56.4% and total motile sperm count rose when combined with CoQ10 supplements.
A 2022 systematic review confirmed that Chinese herbal medicine consistently improves sperm parameters (count, motility, and morphology) and conception rates.
A 2025 Frontiers in Pharmacology meta-analysis demonstrated that the classic TCM formula Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan significantly improved pregnancy rates, sperm motility, morphology, semen volume, and concentration.
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