Men's Health
Optimising Male Fertility
In addition to promoting fertility, acupuncture has also been shown to be beneficial for men dealing with sexual issues, such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and prostate health. By addressing the underlying imbalances in the body, acupuncture can help improve these conditions and support men's overall reproductive health.
With 1 in 7 couples struggling to conceive in the UK, many factors contribute to this; male factor infertility accounts for roughly 50% of all cases. This can stem from various issues, including low sperm count or poor sperm quality, poor sperm motility (the ability to swim), and abnormal sperm morphology (shape). These problems can make it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.
Various factors contribute to male infertility, including low sperm count, poor sperm movement, abnormal sperm shape, hormonal imbalances, and issues with erection or ejaculation.
This is where acupuncture can play a supportive role. Research has shown that acupuncture may help improve sperm quality and increase sperm count. This is believed to occur through a combination of factors, such as reducing inflammation in the reproductive system, improving blood flow to the testes, and balancing hormone levels. Additionally, acupuncture has been found to reduce stress and anxiety levels, which also have a positive impact on fertility.
Here are some ways acupuncture supports male fertility:
Stress Reduction: Infertility can be a stressful experience for couples, and stress may negatively impact fertility in both men and women. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones. By reducing stress, acupuncture may indirectly support male fertility.
Improving Sperm Quality: Some studies suggest that acupuncture may improve sperm quality by increasing sperm count, improving sperm motility, and enhancing sperm shape and structure.
Regulating Hormones: Acupuncture may help regulate hormonal imbalances affecting sperm production and overall reproductive health in men. Stimulating specific acupuncture points may restore the body's hormonal balance, potentially improving fertility outcomes.
Enhancing Blood Flow: Acupuncture is believed to improve blood circulation throughout the body, including the reproductive organs. Better blood flow to the testes and other reproductive organs may support sperm production and overall reproductive function.
Supporting Conventional Treatments: Acupuncture is often used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments for male infertility, such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI). Some research suggests that acupuncture may enhance the effectiveness of these treatments by improving sperm quality and overall reproductive health.
Acupuncture is a safe and natural approach to supporting men's fertility and promoting overall reproductive health.
It can be used as a standalone treatment or supporting other traditional medical interventions.