Male Infertility
| Y-chromosome microdeletions and recurrent pregnancy loss | OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Y-chromosome microdeletions in recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) couples as compared with couples with male factor infertility and fertile couples. DESIGN: Controlled clinical study. SETTING: Andrology laboratory and RPL clinic. |
| Undernutrition During Foetal and Post-Natal Life Affects Testicular Structure and Reduces the Number of Sertoli Cells | Conclusion: foetal to pubertal subnutrition is accompanied by changes in testicular structure and lower Sertoli cell numbers in adult life, strongly suggesting lower daily sperm production. |
| The spermiological limits to ART. | Spermatic limitations impairing IVF results exist. Globozoospermia is a severe form of teratozoospermia characterized by round-headed sperm with an absence of acrosome. This morphologic abnormality should decrease fertilization failure. Sperm DNA fragmentation is known to compromise male fertility. Furthermore, previous findings have suggested the implication of oxidative stress in the aetiology of this pathological condition. Other studies have indicated that abnormally low parameters of sperm DNA integrity and sperm membrane integrity correlate to reduced fertility due in part to implantation disorders. Sperm DNA damage should be efficiently treated with oral antioxidants. Moreover, testicular sperm for use in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) should be injected without delay. |
| TCM treatment of male immune infertility -- a report of 100 cases. | OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of Yikang Tang (Yikang Decoction) for male immune infertility. METHODS: 100 cases of male immune infertility in the treatment group were treated with Yikang Decoction, while 100 cases treated with prednisone as the controls. Physical exam, routine semen and prostate exams, and exams for presence of anti-sperm antibody (AsAb) and mycoplasma in the serum or seminal plasma were carried out. RESULTS: 1) The serum and seminal plasma AsAb levels decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in both the groups after treatment, with a more remarkable effect in the treatment group. 2) The sperm density and percentage of motile spermatozoa increased significantly in the two groups, but more significantly in the treatment group after treatment. The pregnancy rate of their wives was higher in the treatment group than that in the control group (P < 0.01). 3) The sperm agglutination rate in the two groups decreased, but more significantly in the treatment group after treatment. 4) The improvement rate of the symptoms and the stability of the therapeutic effect were more dramatic in the treatment group than that in the control group (P < 0.01) after termination of drug administration. |
| Study links folate with healthier sperm | Study |
| Sperm injection overtakes traditional techniques in European fertility clinics | Sperm injection technology designed to overcome infertility in men has for the first time overtaken the traditional approach in fertility clinics across Europe, new figures indicate. COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) In 1997, the proportion of sperm injection treatments - in which sperm is injected into a female egg - compared to in vitro fertilization, or IVF, across Europe, was 44 per cent. By 2001, sperm injection accounted for 48 per cent. |
| Sperm function tests and fertility. | Summary Traditionally, the diagnosis of male infertility has depended upon a descriptive evaluation of human semen with emphasis on the number of spermatozoa that are present in the ejaculate, their motility and their morphology. The fundamental tenet underlying this approach is that male fertility can be defined by reference to a threshold concentration of motile, morphologically normal spermatozoa that must be exceeded in order to achieve conception. Many independent studies have demonstrated that this fundamental concept is flawed and, in reality, it is not so much the absolute number spermatozoa that determines fertility, but their functional competence. In the light of this conclusion, a range of in vitro tests have been developed to monitor various aspects of sperm function including their potential for movement, cervical mucus penetration, capacitation, zona recognition, the acrosome reaction spermoocyte fusion. Such functional assays have been found to predict the fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa in vitro and in vivo with some accuracy. Recent developments in this field include the introduction of tests to assess the degree to which human spermatozoa have suffered oxidative stress as well as the integrity of their nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Such assessments not only yield information on the fertilizing capacity of human spermatozoa but also their ability to support normal embryonic development. |
| Soy food and isoflavone intake in relation to semen quality parameters among men from an infertility clinic |
Jorge E. Chavarro1,2,7, Thomas L. Toth3, Sonita M. Sadio4 and Russ Hauser3,5,6 |
| Short-term Improvement of Erectile Dysfunction by Viewing Humorous Films in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis. | Introduction. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin |
| Semen quality in fertile US men in relation to geographical area and pesticide exposure. | Summary. We conducted the first US study to compare semen quality among study centres using standardized methods and strict quality control. We present data on semen quality in partners of 493 pregnant women recruited through prenatal clinics in four US cities during 1999-2001. Sperm concentration, semen volum and motility were determined at the centres and morphology was assessed at a central laboratory. While between-centre differences in sperm morphology and sample volume were small, sperm concentration and motility were significantly reduced in Columbia, MO (MO) relative to men in New York, NY, Minneapolis, MN and Los Angeles, CA; total number of motile sperm was 113 x 10(6) in MO and 162, 201 and 196 x 10(6) in Ca, MN and NY respectively. Differences among centres remained significant in multivariate models that controlled for abstinence time, semen analysis time, age, race, smoking, history of sexually transmitted disease and recent fever (all p-values ,0/01). We hypothesized that poorer sperm concentration and motility in MO men relative to other centres might be related to agricultural pesticides that are commonly used in the mid-west. We investigated this hypothesis by conducting a nested case-control study within the MO cohort. We selected 25 men in this cohort for whom all semen parameters (concentration, % normal morphology and % motile) were low as cases and an equal number of men for whom all semen parameters were within normal limits as controls. We measured metabolites of eight non-persistent, current-use pesticides in urine samples the men had provided at the time of semen collection. Pesticide metabolite levels were elevated in cases compared with controls for the herbicides alachlor and atrazine, and for the insecticide diazinon (2-isopropoxy-4-methyl-pyrimidinol) (p-values for Wilcoxon rank test = 0.0007, 0.012, and 0.0004 for alachlor, atrazine and diazinon respectively). Men with higher levels of alachlor or diazinon were significantly more likely to be cases than men with low levels [odds ration (OR) 30.0, 16.7 for alachlor and diazinon respectively], as were men with atrazine over the limit of detection (OR = 11.3). These associations between current-use pesticides and reduced semen quality suggest the agricultural chemicals may have contributed to the reduced semen quality seen in fertile men from mid-Missouri. |
| Research Into Acupuncture and Abnormality of Sperm | Sperm morphology A study in treating subfertility by acupuncture was carried out in Germany on 28 men. Each patient received a total of 10 treatments for a period of three weeks. The spermiograms and hormone levels were checked before and after acupuncture. Total count, concentration and motility were evaluated and in all cases the researchers observed a statistically significant improvement of sperm quality. The authors conclude that acupuncture therapy at the time of ovulation might increase the chances of a pregnancy. (5) A Chinese study was carried out on 54 males with impaired fertility. 1-3 months of acupuncture therapy was given, and sperm analysis carried out before and after treatment. 55.5% of patients impregnated their partners in that period of time, and 24% showed a significant improvement in sperm parameters. 20% of patients, previously diagnosed with azoospermia and immune disturbance, did not improve. The best improvement was seen in patients with abnormal sperm. |
| Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility |
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| Miscarriages Linked to Defective Sperm and Lower Sperm Counts | Pregnancies ending in miscarriage were found to have fathers whose sperm showed increased numbers of defective sperm as well as lower sperm counts. This was the conclusion in a 1962 research project conducted by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Sabbatsberg Hospital in Stockholm, Sweden. Semen specimens were gathered from 201 men whose wives had experienced miscarriages in the second to third month of pregnancy or spontaneous abortions in the fourth to fifth month of pregnancy. Over half the research families had experienced two or more miscarriages. For comparison, sperm samples were taken from a control group of 116 husbands who had visited the hospital but whose wives had produced living normal children within two years. To insure similar parameters among participants, sperm samples were acquired by masturbation after an abstinence period of five days. Results of the two groups showed that sperm counts for the miscarriage/spontaneous abortion group was 110.2 million per cubic centimeter, while the sperm counts for the fathers of successful pregnancies was 138.7 million per cubic centimeter. The investigators classified this as "highly significant statistically." Of even more concern, it was found through microscopic examination of sperm samples that approximately 48% of the sperm were "abnormal" in the unsuccessful pregnancies while only 4% of the sperm were "abnormal" in the men who produced normal children. |
| Mechanisms of male infertility: role of antioxidants. | Defective sperm function is the most common cause of infertility, and until recently, was difficult to evaluate and treatm. Mannalian spermatozoa membranes are rich in poly unsaturated fatty acids and are sensitive to oxygen induced damage mediated by lipid peroxidation. Hence, free radicals and reactive oxygen species [ROS] are associated with oxidative stress and are likely to play a number of significant and diverse roles in reproduction. The excessive generation of reactive oxygen species by abnormal spermatozoa and by contaminating leukocytes [leukocytospermia] has been identified as one of the few defined etiologies for male infertility. Moreover, environmental factors, such as pesticides, exogenous estrogens, and heavy metals may negatively impact spermatogenesis since male sperm counts were declinded. IN addition, again is also likely to further induce oxidative stress. Limited endogenous mechanisms exist to reverse these damages. In a normal situation, the seminal plasma contains antioxidant mechanisms which are likely to quench these ROS and protect against any likely damage to spermatozoa. However, during genitourinary infection/inflammation these antioxidant mechanisms may downplay and create a situation called oxidative stress. Assessment of such oxidative stress status [OSS] may help in the medical treatment of male infertility by suitable antioxidants. The cellular damage in the semen is a result of an improper balance between ROSS generation and scavenging activities. Therefore, numerous antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, have proven beneficial effects in treating male infertility. A mulit-faceted therapeutic approach to improve male fertility involves identifying harmful environmental and occupational risk factors, while correcting underlying nutritional imbalances to encourage optimal sperm production and function. |
| Male Infertility: Nutritional and Environmental Considerations | Click to view PDF |
| Male Infertility - how to reverse it | Click to view attached PDF document |
| Male Immune Infertility | Cohort description: Altogether, there were 264 men enrolled in this two-wing comparison study. These 264 subjects were randomly divided into two groups of 132 patients each – a treatment group and a comparison group. All 264 men were AsAb blood serum and/or seminal fluid positive sufferers of immune infertility. The age in the treatment group ranged from 24-52 years, with an average age of 28.9 years. These patients had been married without conception for1-9 years, with an average duration of marriage of 2.15 years. Forty-two cases were AsAb serum positive, 34 cases were AsAb seminal fluid positive, and 56 cases were positive in both. There were 82 men who presented a Chinese medical pattern of liver depression and blood stasis in the treatment group and 50 men who presented a pattern of liver depression, blood stasis, and damp heat pouring downward. In the comparison group, the men’s ages ranged from 25-51 years, with an average age of 33.7 years. These men had been married with conception for 2-11 years, with an average duration of marriage of 2.52 years. Forty-five of these cases were serum AsAb positive, 36 were seminal fluid AsAb positive, and 51 cases were positive in both. Eight-four men in this group presented a liver depression and blood stasis pattern, and 42 presented a liver depression, blood stasis, and damp heat pouring downward pattern. Therefore, in terms of age, length of being married, AsAb, and Chinese pattern discrimination, these two group were considered statistically comparable. |
| Male genital tract antioxidant enzymes Their ability to preserve sperm DNA integrity. | Male germ cells are unique because they lose a bulk of their cytoplasm as cytoplasmic droplets when they develop, leading to a decrerase in endogenous antioxidant and hence a dependence on extracellular antioxidant system to overcome oxidative stress. Spermatozoa are particularly vulnerable to oxidative stress because their plasma membrane is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acides and membrane-bound NADPH oxidase. To protect spermatozoa from oxidative attack, an optimal amount of reactive oxygen species is maintained by balancing the reactive oxygen species generated during sperm maturation in the epididymidis and antioxidants in secretions of the male reproductive tract. The male accessory sex glands secretions have been shown to be the major source of antioxidant enzymes in the ejaculate and have the important function of preserving sperm DNA integrity from oxidative stress experienced in the unterine environment. In our in vivo golden hamster model, ablation of the five major accessory sex glands, namely the ampullary glands, coagulating glands, dorsolateral prostate, ventral prostate and seminal vesicle, was found to cause higher incidence and greater degree of DNA damage in spermatozoa. These damaged sperm are able to undergo fertilization at the same rate as intact ones; however, the outcome of embryos sired is seriously affected. |
| Is there a relationship between cell phone use and semen quality? | This study was conducted to determine a possible relationship between regular cell phone use and different human semen attributes. The history-taking of men in our university clinic was supplemented with questions concerning cell phone use habits, including possession, daily standby position and daily transmission times. Semen analyses were performed by conventional methods. Statistics were calculated with SPSS statistical software. A total of 371 were included with the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (r = -0.12 and r = -0.19, respectively), and positively with the proportion of slow progressive motile sperm (r = 0.12 and r = 0.28, respectively). The low and high transmitter groups also differed in the proportion of rapid progressive motile sperm (48.7% vs. 40.6%). The prolonged use of cell phones may have negative effects on the sperm motility characteristics. |
| Influence of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in assisted reproductive technology. | Abstract: The clinical effects of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in sperm parameter and on therapeutic results in assisted reproductive technology were investigated. 22 patients failed in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with idiopathic male infertility were treated with acupuncture twice weekly for 8 weeks, followed by ICSI treatment again. The sperm concentration, motility, morphology, fertilization rates and embryo quality were observed. Quick sperm motility after acupuncture (18.3% +/- 9.6%) was significantly improved as compared with that before treatment (11.0% +/- 7.5%, P < 0.01). The normal sperm ratio was increased after acupuncture (21.1% +/- 10.4% vs 16.2% +/- 8.2%, P < 0.05). The fertilization rates after acupuncture (66.2%) were obviously higher than that before treatment (40.2%, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in sperm concentration and general sperm motility between before and after acupuncture. The embryo quality after acupuncture was improved, but the difference between them was not significant (P > 0.05). Acupuncture can improve sperm quality and fertilization rates in assisted reproductive technology. |
| Improvement of sperm production in subfertile boars by Cordyceps militaris supplement. | Am J Chin Med. 2007;35(4):631-41.
These results indicate that supplementation with CM mycelium improves |
| Fertility and Organic Living | In a study of Danish greenhouse workers, an unexpectedly high sperm count was found among organic farmers, who grew their products without the use pesticides or chemical fertilizers. The sperm count was more than twice as high in these men as in a control group of blue-collar workers.2 Although these findings are not definitive, they suggest that consuming organically grown foods may enhance fertility. |
| EPA to limit the use of substances found to cause infertility | The Environmental Protection Administration plans to restrict the use of two substances in cleaners and detergents because they have proven hazardous to animals and humans, an official said yesterday. Nonylphenol (NP) and nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPE or NPEO) are the two substances in question. |
| Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities. | CONCLUSION: The Chinese Traditional Medicine acupuncture and moxa techniques significantly increase the percentage of normal-form sperm in infertile patients with oligoastenoteratozoospermia without apparent cause. |
| Effect of Cordyceps militaris supplementation on sperm production, sperm motility and hormones in Sprague-Dawley rats. |
Importantly, percentages of motile sperm |
