Eastern Medicine Approaches to Male Infertility

Abstract

Male factor is a common cause of infertility and the male partner must be systematically evaluated in the workup of every infertile couple. Various Eastern medical strategies have been tried with variable success. This article describes the clinical effects of Eastern medicine approaches including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, massage, yoga, tai chi, and qi gong, which could improve the sperm parameters and motility, genital inflammatory conditions, as well as immune system disorders, sexual dysfunction, and varicocele. Acupuncture reduces inflammation, increases sperm motility, improves semen parameters, modulates the immune system, and improves sexual and ejaculatory dysfunction in male infertility. The clinical effects may be mediated via activation of somatic afferent nerves innervating the skin and muscle. Chinese herbal medicines may also exert helpful effects in male infertility, and it is worth noting that some herbal drugs may result in male infertility. Massage also exerts positive effects in male infertility. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of clinical effects are unclear. Tai chi, qi gong, and yoga have not been investigated in male infertility, but it has been reported to regulate endocrine and central or autonomic nervous systems. In conclusion, Eastern medical approaches have beneficial on reproductive effects in male infertility. However, future well-designed, randomized, clinical control trials are needed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and mechanisms of Eastern medical approaches for male infertility.

Effect of bajijiasu isolated from Morinda officinalis F. C. how on sexual function in male mice and its antioxidant protection of human sperm

“…Therefore, alternative herbal remedies with a long history of use have become a novel option, gradually attracting attention. Historical Eastern medical approaches, especially traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have had beneficial effects on male infertility (Hu et al, 2013). TCM has been used in the clinical context for thousands of years, and is a successful option for many infertile Chinese male patients throughout the country, despite the lack of scientific evidence to support its effectiveness.…”

Study of Variables Involved in Male Infertility Identified in the Spermograms Assessed in Assisted Human Reproduction

“…The percentage of infertile men with oligozoospermia was high compared to individuals with obstructive azoospermia (p <0.05). These abnormality parameters affect 50 % of men with infertility, being a more common alteration in oligoastenoteratozoospermia 14 . As the genetic abnormalities found seem to be classified as less important when compared to an obstructive azoospermia (p <0.05), but it is relevant data.…”

Ginseng for Improving Semen Quality Parameters: A Systematic Review

“…People with infertility problems often seek complementary and alternative medicine [4]. Several studies have shown that many sufferers have used some form of herbal medicine, such as dang gui, maca, or ginseng, in order to try to improve their fertility, libido, and sexual performance [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. Ginseng is the root of the Panax plant.…”