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Sperm Health

Functional Medicine is a systems biology–based approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease, rather than simply treating symptoms.

The main causes for this decrease in the quantity and quality of sperm is probably due to an increased exposure to pollutants in our environment as well as an increase in exposure to exogenous estrogenic and/or estrogenic like activity in our environment (such as plastic and water supply). Poor nutrition, alcohol, cigarette smoking, recreational drug intake, caffeine, hot baths, cycling and stress are other factors which negatively impact male fertility.

A history of undescended testicles as a child, sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia or gonorrhea), prostatitis (which can lower sperm count and motility) or trauma to the testicles can all be factors lowering sperm count and quality.

Problems with sperm include:

  • Low volume (should be greater than 1.5ml)
  • Low sperm count (should be at least 15 million per ml)
  • Poor motility (should be at least 50%)
  • Poor morphology (i.e. abnormalities – should be at least 4% normal forms)
  • Liquefaction problems (the semen remains too coagulated so that sperm is not release sufficiently after ejaculation.
  • Varicocele (abnormal dilation of the veins within the testes)
  • Acrosome abnormalities which prevent the sperm from penetrating the egg
  • Anti-sperm antibodies
  • Presence of other cells and identification of leukocytes
  • DNA sperm fragmentation
  • Retrograde ejaculation

Environmental factors such as air pollution, smoking, stress, high alcohol intake, Marijuana and chemicals and other toxic agents in the diet have all been considered as possibly responsible for the decrease in semen quality observed in developed countries.

Diet and Male Fertility

Eat more of:

  • Mediterranean diet
  • Omega 3 fatty acid in fatty, low mercury fish
  • Low fat dairy
  • Folate and Zinc help reduce aneuploidy (abnormal number of chromosome) in sperm
  • Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidant. Antioxidants are scavengers on reactive oxygen species which negatively affect the DNA of the sperm, reducing the count, motility and increasing miscarriage rates.

Avoid/Limit:

  • Meat and processed meat:  rich in protein, but also contain xenoestrogens (XEs) have estrogenic effects and are suspected to be partially responsible for the decline in semen quality.
  • Caffeine: high caffeine intake can cause a higher plasma level of testosterone, studies have shown this can disrupt endocrine system and have detrimental affect on the sperm.
  • Sugar: high intake of sugar can cause insulin resistance which has negative impact in sperm health.
  • Alcohol: Studies have shown habitual alcohol intake have a negative impact in sperm health
  • Marijuana: The data shows. current or past marijuana users had more damaged sperm, lower sperm counts and reduced semen volume. A study showed that  certain part of the marijuana compound (CBD) had affinity to latch or bind to receptors on the sperm’s structure, altering its shape and function, which can ultimately decrease fertility in men.

Acupuncture and Male Fertility

  • Studies have shown that Acupuncture with Moxa help male fertility by regulating hormone secretion, reducing inflammation, and improving semen parameters. Acupuncture can reduce inflammation and increase blood circulation and help sperm production.

    Treating male infertility with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine:

    Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may represent a useful option for men. It has been demonstrated that TCM can regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and boost the function of Sertoli cells (spermatogenesis) and Leydig cells (secrets testosterone). TCM can also alleviate inflammation, prevent oxidative stress, reduce the DNA fragmentation index, and modulate the proliferation and apoptosis of germ cells. Furthermore, TCM can supply trace elements and vitamins, ameliorate the microcirculation of the testis, decrease the levels of serum anti-sperm antibody, and modify epigenetic markers.