Male Fertility

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Overview

Your reproductive health is very important to us and we are dedicated to detecting male factor infertility and increasing male fertilty.

First step when male factor infertility is suspected is a full evaluation of the woman by a gynecologist or fertility specialist (IVF doctor).  Somewhere within this time frame, the male partner may be asked to give a semen sample.  When the semen analysis comes back, the man will either hear "it's fine" (which may actually mean that it is 'fine' for an ICSI procedure), or, "it's abnormal" (according to somewhat archaic lab ranges).  It is at this point couples are quickly given the news that their best chance for conception is IVF/ICSI. 

The above displays a simplified version of the management of 'sub-fertile' couples.  In the new age of medical care, it is recommended for the evaluation of the male partner be more extensive, and all treatment options, both surgical (i.e. varicocele, TESE) and non-surgical/alternative (i.e. Chinese medicine) be explored for appropriateness and exhausted before assisted reproduction is considered.

According to Chinese medicine your reproductive health is the result of your body being in proper balance. Stress, poor lifestyle, inadequate diet and other factors can disturb your natural balance. This results in poor health including impaired semen quality and quantity.

It takes 100 days for your body to create and mature sperm. Our treatment protocol treats you for this crucial period to balance your health and to improve your semen quality.

After a detailed consultation with your Acubalance practitioner they will create an individualized program of herbal formulas, diet, lifestyle counseling, and acupuncture. This is designed to relieve stress and restore your normal reproductive functioning.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been shown to:

• Significantly increase sperm production
• Increase the percentage of healthy sperm
• Improve sperm movement (motility)
• Improve the levels of hormones responsible for male fertility/li>
• Increase the rate of pregnancy when used in conjunction with ART

“In conjunction with ART or even for reaching natural fertility potential, acupuncture treatment is a simple, non-invasive method that can improve sperm quality.”
(Dr. Jian Pei, Fertility and Sterility 2005: 84:141-147)

To book an initial in-person consultation click here. If you are unsure about how Acubalance may be able to help your condition, take advantage of our free 15 minute Q&A phone conversations by calling the clinic now to check our availabilities at 604.678.8600 

Steps to a full male fertility evaluation;

History
A full medical & social history should be taken.  This includes family and personal medical issues both present and past, developmental issues as a child (i.e. undescended testis), use of medications (some negatively affect sperm, i.e. drugs for hair loss, hypertension, prostate issues), sexual history, use of proper lubricants, & occupation (exposure to toxins or heat, sedentary).  Please bring all prior medical evaluation paperwork with you to your initial appointment.

Physical Exam
BMI, blood pressure, secondary sex characteristics, irregularities of the penis & testicles, careful palpation of the spermatic ducts for tenderness and/or obstruction as well as varicocele, and especially if there are any abnormal urinary symptoms, a prostate & seminal vesicle exam should be performed.

Semen Analysis
As Dr. Paul Turek states: "although not a true measure of male fertility, the semen analysis, if abnormal, may suggest that the probability of achieving pregnancy is statistically low."  It is always recommended to get 2 semen tests done, at least 2-3 months apart to rule out error.  As well, it is recommended to have them done at a fertility clinic and opt for more extensive style semen testing options that are available.  Unfortunately, sperm DNA fragmentation Assays are not currently done in Vancouver, as this is an important test that has particular importance in bein gused when recurrent pregnancy loss is evident.  Normal up-to-date semen testing values:
- Volume: >1.5ml
- Concentration: >15 million/ml
- Motility: >40% forward rapid progressive
- Morphology: >4% normal forms
*Anti-sperm antibodies should be tested for if the following are present: should be no agglutination, white cells, increased viscosity, or raised ph.  .
*Genetic testing should be considered if sperm concentration is zero or very low.

Hormone levels
If thyroid & fasting blood sugar tests should be done. Hormones associated with reproduction should be measured if:
1) Sperm concentration is <10 x 106 sperm/ml on semen analysis.
2) There is impaired sexual function (erectile dysfunction, low libido)
3) There are exam findings of a specific hormone disorder (i.e. thyroid).

Additional tests
Any additional testing should only be ordered if it would do any of the following:
1) Delineate treatable problems
2) Define life-threatening problems
3) Help guide non-surgical/alternative medical treatment efficacy & direction

Go to male infertility treatment plan