Male Factor Infertility

Male factor infertility (MFI) refers to a male's inability to achieve pregnancy in a fertile female partner after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected intercourse. It contributes to approximately 50% of infertility cases and can result from hormonal imbalances, genetic factors, lifestyle choices, or environmental exposures.

Recent World Health Organisation (WHO) data highlights a significant global decline in sperm quality. Studies reveal that average sperm counts have fallen from 101 million per millilitre in 1973 to less than 50 million per millilitre today, raising concerns about male reproductive health. (who.int)

Additionally, research published in Human Reproduction Update shows that sperm counts among men in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand have more than halved in less than 40 years

Why ‘Normal’ Sperm Counts May Not Be Enough for Natural Conception

IVF clinics assess sperm to determine if it meets their criteria for assisted reproduction, often selecting the healthiest sperm for procedures like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). However, for natural conception, sperm must be strong enough to travel through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilise the egg.

Even if an IVF clinic tells you that your sperm count is within normal parameters, optimising concentration, morphology (shape), and motility (movement) is still crucial for natural pregnancy.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Can Help

Our Clinic Director is a specialist in male fertility, lecturing and training Chinese medicine practitioners worldwide on how to influence sperm concentration, morphology, and motility through acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Acupuncture

Stimulates blood flow to the reproductive organs
Helps regulate hormones and improve sperm production
Reduces stress, which is known to impact fertility
Supports better sperm motility and morphology

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal formulas are personalised to address imbalances
Can increase sperm count, quality, and overall reproductive health
Some traditional formulas have been used for centuries to support male fertility
Often combined with vitamins and supplements for optimal results

What Conditions Can We Help With?

We have successfully supported men diagnosed with:

✔ Low sperm count (oligospermia)
✔ Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia)
✔ Abnormal sperm shape (teratozoospermia)
✔ Complete absence of sperm (azoospermia)
✔ Sperm immobility (necrozoospermia)
✔ Retrograde ejaculation
✔ Erectile dysfunction
✔ Hormonal imbalances
✔ Primary/Secondary gonadotropin deficiency

Even if you haven’t received a formal diagnosis but want to improve sperm quality and increase your chances of conception naturally, we can help.

Testimonial

"I had a single immobile sperm in my IVF sample, and we could not undertake the procedure. We were heartbroken. I worked with Sharon for six months, and I didn’t realise that what I was doing in my daily life affected my sperm so much. We changed my diet, and I took herbal tea, then moved on to herbal pills. Although Sharon was always confident, I was sceptical. But after six months, my sperm was above normal levels. The only thing I did was attend my acupuncture appointments, take my herbs, and make simple diet changes."

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Sperm takes approximately 100 days to regenerate, so we typically recommend a three- to six-month programme for optimal results.

And finally, to answer a common concern—no needles are placed near your genitals during acupuncture! We use points on the hands, feet, and abdomen to achieve the best results.

If you’re concerned about your fertility, get in touch. I’m here to listen and help.