Male Infertility & Acupuncture

A Brief Introductory Guide

Complex Physical & Emotional Challenges.

Male infertility is a complex issue that affects approximately 40-50% of couples who experience difficulty conceiving. It is defined as the inability to impregnate a partner after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. The primary causes of male infertility often include low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), abnormal sperm morphology (shape), or issues with sperm delivery. These factors can be influenced by a variety of underlying conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors, genetic disorders, or structural abnormalities within the reproductive system.

Male infertility can present significant emotional and psychological challenges for men. Feelings of inadequacy, shame, and anxiety are common, which can negatively impact mental health and relationships. While conventional treatments for male infertility, such as hormone therapy or surgical interventions, are often necessary, complementary therapies like acupuncture can be a valuable addition to support reproductive health and overall well-being.

The Wellspring Integrative Approach

Women’s Health during all stages of conception, pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery is our specialty here at Wellspring Health.

It takes a village to raise a child, but before that, it takes a team to make a baby. You can’t do it alone and we at Wellspring Health are privileged to be a member of your team. Wellspring Health uses Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine) and Conventional medicine in an integrative approach. This combination can enhance treatment outcomes, manage the side effects of conventional treatments (like chemotherapy), and provide additional support for chronic or complex conditions. We love science and we love working with conventional medical Doctors. This approach combines the strengths of both systems, offering a broader range of treatment options and emphasizing the prevention of disease as well as the treatment of existing conditions.

Reproductive Endocrinologists & Gynecologist Support During Fertility & Pregnancy: We enjoy collaborating with physicians and have extensive experience working with a large network of specialists in Manhattan. We can provide recommendations and referrals for every stage of the fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum journey.

Doula Support: We frequently work with doulas throughout all stages of pregnancy and delivery, providing integrated care and support to enhance the birthing experience.

Below is a comprehensive introductory guide to how Wellspring & TCM can support you throughout every stage of your journey. Feel free to jump to any specific section that best suits your needs.

Click to jump to section:

Challenges Associated with Male Infertility:

  1. Low Sperm Count and Poor Sperm Quality:
    Low sperm count, or oligospermia, is one of the leading causes of male infertility. This condition means that the semen contains fewer sperm than normal, reducing the chances of a sperm successfully fertilizing an egg. Additionally, poor sperm quality, such as low motility or abnormal morphology, can further impede the ability to conceive.

  2. Hormonal Imbalances:
    Hormonal disorders, such as low levels of testosterone or issues with the pituitary gland, can significantly impact sperm production and function. Conditions like hypogonadism, where the body produces insufficient levels of sex hormones, can lead to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased sperm count.

  3. Varicocele and Structural Abnormalities:
    A varicocele is an enlargement of veins within the scrotum that can lead to overheating of the testicles, impairing sperm production and quality. Other structural issues, such as blockages or previous surgeries, can also hinder the delivery of sperm during ejaculation, contributing to infertility.

  4. Lifestyle Factors and Environmental Exposures:
    Lifestyle factors, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of exercise, can contribute to male infertility. Environmental exposures to toxins, heavy metals, or chemicals may also negatively affect sperm health.

  5. Emotional and Psychological Impact:
    The emotional burden of male infertility is often underestimated. Men may experience anxiety, depression, or relationship stress due to their inability to conceive. These psychological factors can create a vicious cycle, as elevated stress levels can further disrupt hormone balance and sperm production.

From Our Clients

“My Wife and I came here for fertility-related treatments. It was a 5 star experience! The clinic was spotless and the Kirsten is knowledgeable. We were delighted with the results and we would definitely recommend this clinic to others.”

-Travis W.

“I had such a wonderful treatment at Wellspring Health, NYC.  The treatment center is new and immaculate. Kirsten has a wonderful bedside manner, she listens and is knowledgeable on many treatment options to help aid in a holistic healing. I enjoyed my experience so much I scheduled an appointment for my husband.  I would highly recommend!” 

- Sandy W.

“Kirsten and the team at Wellspring Health are absolutely phenomenal! The environment they create and care for their patients is top notch. As someone who is new to acupuncture, I was hesitant at first but look forward to my appointments each week and look forward to working with Kirsten for years to come. Highly recommended!”

- Peter Q.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Female Infertility:

Benefits of Acupuncture for Male Infertility

Acupuncture, an ancient healing practice within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been increasingly recognized for its potential to support male reproductive health. By inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture aims to restore balance, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing processes. Here are some of the key benefits of acupuncture for male infertility:

  1. Enhances Sperm Production and Quality:
    Acupuncture can significantly improve sperm count, motility, and morphology. By increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, acupuncture promotes the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the testes, supporting healthier sperm production and better overall sperm quality. Studies have shown that regular acupuncture sessions can enhance spermatogenesis (the production of sperm), making it a useful treatment for men with low sperm count or poor sperm quality.

  2. Balances Hormones and Boosts Testosterone Levels:
    Acupuncture helps regulate the endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can increase testosterone levels and support the body’s natural hormone production, improving libido, erectile function, and overall reproductive health.

  3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety:
    Stress is a significant factor in male infertility, as it can negatively affect hormone levels and sperm quality. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety. This not only helps alleviate the psychological burden of infertility but also supports hormonal balance, creating a more favorable environment for conception.

  4. Improves Blood Flow to the Reproductive Organs:
    Good blood circulation is essential for optimal testicular function and sperm production. Acupuncture enhances blood flow to the pelvic region, which increases oxygen and nutrient supply to the reproductive organs. This improved circulation can enhance testicular health, leading to higher quality and more viable sperm.

  5. Supports Healthy Sexual Function:
    Acupuncture can help improve conditions like erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, which may be contributing factors to male infertility. By addressing underlying issues such as poor circulation, hormonal imbalances, or psychological stress, acupuncture can enhance sexual function and overall reproductive health.

  6. Addresses Underlying Health Conditions:
    Acupuncture treats the body holistically, addressing not only symptoms but the root causes of health issues. Whether it’s a varicocele, chronic inflammation, or autoimmune disorders affecting sperm production, acupuncture works to restore balance within the body, helping to manage and potentially resolve the underlying causes of male infertility.

Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum We Treat With TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic and individualized approach to supporting women’s health through all stages of fertility, pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum recovery. By addressing imbalances in the body and promoting harmony between the physical and emotional aspects of health, TCM can enhance reproductive health, support a healthy pregnancy, and aid in postpartum healing. With its long history and integrative methods, TCM continues to be a valuable option for women seeking a natural and comprehensive approach to wellness and maternal care.

  • Female Infertility: Improving ovarian function and egg quality, balancing hormones, supporting Uterine Health, blood flow, nervous system, emotional support, and stress management.

  • Stress Management, Nervous System Supports & Pregnancy: Regulate stress response, stimulate endorphins, balance cortisol, sleep, muscle tension, pain relief, emotional support, a place to relax, let go and get some care.

  • IVF/IUI: Support pre- and post-embryo transfer, reducing IVF-related stress and anxiety, and managing hormonal fluctuations during IUI/IVF.

  • Egg Freezing: Optimizing ovarian reserve, preparing the body for egg retrieval, managing side effects of hormonal stimulation, and post-egg retrieval recovery.

  • Pain & Pregnancy: Relieving back pain, pelvic pain, sciatic and joint pain.

  • Labor Prep, Delivery & Induction: Promote cervical ripening and softening, supporting natural and assisted labor induction, pain relief, and breech babies.

  • Prenatal & Trimester Support: Nausea and fatigue, fetal development support, breech presentation and positioning, insomnia and stress.

  • Post Partaum: Emotional supports balancing hormones, stress response, lactation support, activating parasympathetic nervous system to encourage relaxation.

  • Lactation: Enhancing milk supply and flow, addressing blocked milk ducts and mastitis, balancing hormones, reducing stress, and improving milk quality.

  • Recurrent Miscarriage: Strengthening uterine health, immunological factors, managing stress and anxiety.

  • Male Infertility: Improving sperm quality and motility, varicocele, hormone, and libido imbalance.

Parting Thoughts:

Male infertility presents unique physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that can significantly impact a man’s life and relationships. Acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach to supporting reproductive health by improving sperm quality, balancing hormones, reducing stress, and addressing underlying health conditions. By integrating acupuncture into a fertility treatment plan, men can enhance their chances of conception while promoting overall well-being and emotional resilience throughout the journey to parenthood.

Resources & Links to Learn More

Acupuncture has been investigated for its potential benefits in treating male infertility. Here are five clinical studies highlighting its positive effects:

  1. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Male Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: This comprehensive review analyzed multiple randomized controlled trials to assess acupuncture's effectiveness in treating male infertility. The findings suggested that acupuncture, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other therapies, significantly improved sperm density, motility, and overall clinical efficacy.  Biomed Research

  2. The Efficacy and Mechanism of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Male Infertility: A Literature Review: This study explored the mechanisms by which acupuncture may influence male fertility, including hormonal regulation and improved semen parameters. The review highlighted that acupuncture could effectively treat male infertility by enhancing sperm quality and quantity.  Frontiers

  3. Quantitative Evaluation of Spermatozoa Ultrastructure After Acupuncture Treatment for Idiopathic Male Infertility: This clinical trial evaluated the effects of acupuncture on sperm ultrastructure in men with idiopathic infertility. The results demonstrated significant improvements in sperm morphology and a decrease in structural defects, indicating acupuncture's potential role in enhancing male reproductive health.  Fertstert

  4. A Prospective Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of the Effect of Acupuncture in Men with Severe Oligozoospermia: This study assessed acupuncture's impact on men with severe oligozoospermia (low sperm count). The findings revealed that acupuncture treatment led to a significant increase in sperm concentration and motility compared to the placebo group, suggesting its efficacy in improving male fertility parameters.  Fertstert

  5. Acupuncture for Male Infertility: Boosting Sperm Quality and Quantity: This article discusses various studies indicating that acupuncture can effectively improve sperm quality and quantity in men with infertility issues. It highlights acupuncture's role in enhancing male reproductive health and its potential benefits as a complementary treatment alongside conventional methods.  Darwyn Health

These studies suggest that acupuncture may offer benefits in enhancing male fertility, particularly by improving sperm quality, quantity, and overall reproductive health.