Male Factor Infertility Can Be Half the Problem

Male infertility concerns are appearing more regularly in the news lately and for some couples this may come as a surprise. Often times the male partner is overlooked in favor of primarily treating the woman . This however, is changing and more doctors are looking at the man's fertility as frequently as the woman's.

It is thought that about 50% of all fertility cases are related to problems with the male partner. Fertility for the male depends on adequate sperm, unobstructed ability of the sperm to travel through the seminal tract, the ability of the sperm to travel through the woman's reproductive tract to reach the egg and its ability to fertilize the egg. When sperm quantity, quality and motility (ability to swim and move) are reduced it is difficult to fertilize an egg. Physical problems like varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum) also impact fertility, possibly by elevating the temperature in the region thus affecting sperm quality and quantity.

Factors that may contribute to infertility:

• history of prostatitis or genital infection
• testicular trauma
  
• history of early puberty or delayed puberty
• exposure to toxic substances or hazards on the job, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, ethylene oxide, vinyl chloride, radioactivity, and x-rays
• cigarette or marijuana smoke
• heavy alcohol consumption
• exposure of the genitals to high temperatures
• hernia repair
• undescended testicles
• prescription drugs for ulcers or psoriasis
• DES taken by mother during pregnancy
• mumps after puberty

Solutions to male infertility range from surgery, IVF, ICSI, to natural solutions like supplements, acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Chinese Medicine, which incorporates acupuncture and herbal medicine, has shown to be very effective in treating low sperm count, problems with liquefaction, low motility, poor morphology and other problems related to the male reproductive tract.

If you are a couple that has been trying for some time to become parents please consider testing to see if male factor infertility is part of the problem. Having a semen analysis is a good first step. Consult your medical professional for options.

For more information on how acupuncture and herbal medicine can help go to www.bethanymuhl.com or call 310-367-1564 for a complementary phone consultation.