Acupuncture may improve sperm quality
Wed Jul 27, 2:37 PM ET
Acupuncture may have a role as a treatment for certain types of male infertility, researchers suggest.
They report, in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, an improvement in sperm quality following acupuncture, especially the structural integrity of sperm.
Dr. Jian Pei, from Christian-Lauritzen-Institut in Ulm, Germany, and colleagues assessed the benefits of acupuncture therapy in 28 men with unexplained sperm abnormalities, including malformed and motionless sperm, and low numbers of sperm. A variety of standard acupuncture points throughout the body were used.
Acupuncture led to a significant increase in the percentage and number of sperm without structural defects, the investigators report.
Still, certain specific sperm abnormalities, such as immaturity, did not resolve or change with acupuncture, the report indicates.
The results suggest that acupuncture could be a useful treatment for infertility in men, but further research is needed to confirm the findings and to shed light on the mechanisms involved, the authors conclude.
SOURCE: Fertility and Sterility, July 2005.
Stacey's comment:
Here is another source that supports how natural methods can improve male fertility. This study suggests that acupuncture may be able to produce sperm with less defects therefore creating healthier sperm. But remember, its important to note that making lifestyle changes is extremely important, such as stop smoking, mimimise or eliminate drinking alcohol, eliminate coffee, ask your natural therapist for a natural alternative to over the counter medication, eat low glycemic foods, decrease acidic foods in your diet, improve the nutrients in your system through diet and supplementation, and many other tips. Please stay tuned for our teleconference on improving male fertility in September.
And my suggestion for finding an acupuncturist is talking to others who have had acupuncture. Asking the acupuncturist if you can speak to his/her former patients who have improved their sperm count or does he or she have any testimonials from these patients. Make sure the acupuncturist is trained appropriately by asking for their credentials and how long they have been treating patients and how much experience do they have treating male fertility issues. All of this will help you make the decision as to whether they are the right person for you.
