Male Infertility Facts
Current estimates suggest that about 67% of men between the ages of 15 and 50 are infertile, and up to 40% of infertility cases are related to male reproductive dysfunction.
Most causes of male infertility reflect an abnormal sperm count or quality. Though it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, in an average ejaculation, a man will eject nearly 200 million sperm. However, because of the natural barriers in the female reproductive tract, only about 40 sperm will ever reach the vicinity of an egg. There is a strong correlation between the number of sperm in an ejaculation and fertility.
A semen analysis test is used to estimate fertility potential in the male. The semen is analyzed for concentration of sperm and sperm quality.
The total sperm count, as well as sperm quality, of the general male population has been steadily declining over the last few decades. In 1940, the average sperm count was 113 million per mL; by 1990 that value had dropped to 66 million.Adding to this problem, the amount of semen fell almost 20% from 3.4 to 2.75 ml.
Causes of male infertility
There are many causes of male infertility:
- Deficient sperm production
- Congenital disorders
- Ejaculatory disorders
- Ductal obstruction
- Hormonal imbalance
- Antibodies to sperm
The downward trend in sperm counts has led to speculation that environmental, dietary, and lifestyle changes have been affecting men’s ability to manufacture high quality sperm.
Possible reasons for permanent or temporarily sperm count reduction:
- Increased scrotal temperature due to tight clothes, briefs etc.
- Infections: STDs(especially chlamydia), common cold, and flu
- Increased stress, anxiety and depression
- Chronic lack of sleep
- Overuse of alcohol, tobacco and particularly marijuana
- Prescription drugs
- Exposure to radiation from laptops and cell phones near the pelvic area
- Exposure to solvents, pesticides and other toxins
- Zinc, Vitamin D and other vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Clinical and subclinical insulin resistance or diabetes
- Increased exposure to estrogens
How I can help
Even when a couple isn’t struggling with infertility, I usually recommend several key lifestyle changes: a cleaner diet, increased intake of essential vitamins and minerals such as EPA-DHA Omega Fatty Acids, Vitamin D, L-Carnitine, Zinc and Nitric Oxide.
Together with time-proven herbal formulas this regimen improves the sperm quality in just a couple of months. After all, when we plant a garden, we want to use the best seeds ever!
If there is a diagnosed case of male infertility, I review the tests, the history and current status, to address a specific problem through an individualized treatment plan and recommendations tailored to the patient. For male infertility acupuncture treatment in Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana or in the Orange County area please schedule your first complimentary consult below.
