Acupuncture improves sperm activity in men with low fertility
The aim of this prospective controlled study was to assess the effect of acupuncture on the sperm quality of males suffering from sub fertility related to sperm impairment. Semen samples of 16 acupuncture-treated sub fertile patients were analyzed before and 1 month after treatment (twice a week for 5 weeks).
In parallel, semen samples of 16 control untreated sub fertile males were examined. Two specimens were taken from the control group at an interval of 2-8 months.
The expanded semen analysis included routine and ultramorphological observations. The fertility index increased significantly (p or = .05) following improvement in total functional sperm fraction, percentage of viability, total motile spermatozoa per ejaculate, and integrity of the axonema (p or = .05), which occurred upon treatment.
The intactness of axonema and sperm motility were highly correlated (corr. = .50, p or = .05). Thus, patients exhibiting a low fertility potential due to reduced sperm activity may benefit from acupuncture treatment.
Reference
Siterman, et al. (1997) Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from sub fertility related to low sperm quality. Arch Androl, 39(2):155-61, Sep-Oct (ISSN: 0148-5016).