From Dr Deb
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Insights from the modern TCM Doctor.
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WHO: Sperm density decreased 50% in the past 50-60 years
WHO: Sperm density decreased 50% in the past 50-60 years
WHO: Sperm density decreased 50% in the past 50-60 years
As per the WHO estimates 60–80 million couples worldwide currently suffer from infertility. Approximately 40–50% is due to “male factor” infertility. Among which, as high as 90% of male infertility problems are related to sperm count and abnormal semen parameters.
Today let's talk about sperms.
Data & study
According to a study done by Hu'nan Zhongnan University and the biggest Chinese sperm bank, the sperm quality of Chinese young men drops significantly in the past 15 years.
The study looked at 30,636 sperm-donor applicants, the results are fairly staggering: in 2001, the rate of qualified donors to a clinic in Hunan Province stood at 55.8%; in 2015, that was slashed by more than two-thirds to only 17.8%.
The global result is not any better. According to another report of US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the sperm density has decreased globally by about 50% over the past 50-60 years.
Stress, lack of exercise, along with polluted water, air and food, could also be reasons for causing infertility.
Sperm 101
Anatomy of a sperm:
Sperm Analysis
Semen analysis can evaluate the different factors that cause infertility in men.
A specialist will evaluate:
The number of sperm (concentration)
Motility (movement)
Morphology (shape).
A slightly abnormal semen analysis does not mean that a man is necessarily infertile. Instead, a semen analysis helps determine if and how male factors are contributing to infertility.
Total amount or volume of semen
2 milliliters (ml) is considered normal. A lower amount may indicate an issue with the seminal vesicles, blocked ducts or a prostate gland issue.
Sperm count
20 million to 300 million per milliliter is considered in the normal range for sperm counts. Below 15 million is considered “poor.”
Morphology
The perfect sperm structure is an oval head and long tail. Abnormally shaped sperm cannot fertilize an egg. About 60% of the sperm should be normal in size and shape for adequate fertility. 30% is considered a good amount of sperm that are shaped “normal.” And “strict” testing shows an even lower percentage as normal.
Motility
Movement and number of active cells. Movement is rated from 0-4, with score over 3 considered good. The amount of active cells is rated in percentages from 1-100%, with 50% considered the minimum. If movement is slow or not in a straight line, the sperm have difficulty invading the cervical mucus or penetrating the hard outer shell of the egg.
Conditions that cause
abnormal semen analyses
Varicoceles:
A condition in which the veins on a man’s testicles are large and cause them to overheat.
Medical conditions:
hormonal disorders or exposures such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, trauma, infection, testicular failure, or treatment with chemotherapy or radiation.
Unhealthy habits such as heavy alcohol use, testosterone supplementation, smoking, anabolic steroid use, and illicit drug use.
Environmental toxins including exposure to pesticides and lead.
Treatments
Treatment for male infertility should first address any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to fertility problems.
Drug therapy may be used to treat hormonal disorders. Studies continue in an attempt to prove the effectiveness of drugs on sperm motility. Some believe that a certain combination of vitamins or a medication called Clomid may increase motility and sperm count.
Surgery may be used to repair varicoceles and correct any obstructions in the reproductive tract.
If fertility issues remain unresolved, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is commonly used in combination with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to achieve pregnancy when male infertility is a factor. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm into an egg obtained through IVF. The fertilized egg is then implanted back into the woman. Pregnancy success rates depend on many different factors.
TCM point of view
The 2 main organs that are related to sperm quality are Liver and Kidney.
When the Liver Qi is stagnated it’ll turn into liver heat, causing overheat in the testicles, and affect the sperm count and motility.
The sperm quality is related to the Kidney Qi. Kidney Yang is the gives the energy for sperm motility. While Kidney Yin is the energy that helps to form sperms, thus relates to sperm count and morphology.
TCM treatments can increase the sperm quality by using Chinese herb or acupuncture. It is best to consult with your TCM doctor. Do not buy any type of penis medicine or OTC medicine that’s says it can make you strong, TCM does not work that way. Always, always consult with your doctor.
Home remedies for sperm quality
Exercise regularly can help you to reduce stress.
Lose weight will help you counteract low sperm count.
Quit smoking and drinking
Eat healthy foods.
A diet that's low in fat, and high in Zinc, Vitamins, protein, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your health and for your sperm.
Avoid soy-based foods and high-fructose corn syrup. Soy foods have a mild estrogenic effect on the body. High-fructose corn syrup causes insulin resistance, which lowers fertility. Men who drink a quart of Coke regularly have 30% less sperm than men who don't drink Coke.
Don't wear tight pants and jeans. Wear loose, cotton boxer shorts instead of briefs.
Avoid hot baths and saunas. This will overheat your testicles.
Don't keep your cellphone in the front pocket. A systemic review of 21 research papers on radiation shows phones placed close to a man's genitals for a prolonged period of time steadily drive down sperm count.
Good Luck!
As per the WHO estimates 60–80 million couples worldwide currently suffer from infertility. Approximately 40–50% is due to “male factor” infertility. Among which, as high as 90% of male infertility problems are related to sperm count and abnormal semen parameters.
Today let's talk about sperms.
Data & study
According to a study done by Hu'nan Zhongnan University and the biggest Chinese sperm bank, the sperm quality of Chinese young men drops significantly in the past 15 years.
The study looked at 30,636 sperm-donor applicants, the results are fairly staggering: in 2001, the rate of qualified donors to a clinic in Hunan Province stood at 55.8%; in 2015, that was slashed by more than two-thirds to only 17.8%.
The global result is not any better. According to another report of US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the sperm density has decreased globally by about 50% over the past 50-60 years.
Stress, lack of exercise, along with polluted water, air and food, could also be reasons for causing infertility.
Sperm 101
Anatomy of a sperm:
Sperm Analysis
Semen analysis can evaluate the different factors that cause infertility in men.
A specialist will evaluate:
The number of sperm (concentration)
Motility (movement)
Morphology (shape).
A slightly abnormal semen analysis does not mean that a man is necessarily infertile. Instead, a semen analysis helps determine if and how male factors are contributing to infertility.
Total amount or volume of semen
2 milliliters (ml) is considered normal. A lower amount may indicate an issue with the seminal vesicles, blocked ducts or a prostate gland issue.
Sperm count
20 million to 300 million per milliliter is considered in the normal range for sperm counts. Below 15 million is considered “poor.”
Morphology
The perfect sperm structure is an oval head and long tail. Abnormally shaped sperm cannot fertilize an egg. About 60% of the sperm should be normal in size and shape for adequate fertility. 30% is considered a good amount of sperm that are shaped “normal.” And “strict” testing shows an even lower percentage as normal.
Motility
Movement and number of active cells. Movement is rated from 0-4, with score over 3 considered good. The amount of active cells is rated in percentages from 1-100%, with 50% considered the minimum. If movement is slow or not in a straight line, the sperm have difficulty invading the cervical mucus or penetrating the hard outer shell of the egg.
Conditions that cause
abnormal semen analyses
Varicoceles:
A condition in which the veins on a man’s testicles are large and cause them to overheat.
Medical conditions:
hormonal disorders or exposures such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, trauma, infection, testicular failure, or treatment with chemotherapy or radiation.
Unhealthy habits such as heavy alcohol use, testosterone supplementation, smoking, anabolic steroid use, and illicit drug use.
Environmental toxins including exposure to pesticides and lead.
Treatments
Treatment for male infertility should first address any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to fertility problems.
Drug therapy may be used to treat hormonal disorders. Studies continue in an attempt to prove the effectiveness of drugs on sperm motility. Some believe that a certain combination of vitamins or a medication called Clomid may increase motility and sperm count.
Surgery may be used to repair varicoceles and correct any obstructions in the reproductive tract.
If fertility issues remain unresolved, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is commonly used in combination with in vitro fertilization (IVF) to achieve pregnancy when male infertility is a factor. ICSI involves injecting a single sperm into an egg obtained through IVF. The fertilized egg is then implanted back into the woman. Pregnancy success rates depend on many different factors.
TCM point of view
The 2 main organs that are related to sperm quality are Liver and Kidney.
When the Liver Qi is stagnated it’ll turn into liver heat, causing overheat in the testicles, and affect the sperm count and motility.
The sperm quality is related to the Kidney Qi. Kidney Yang is the gives the energy for sperm motility. While Kidney Yin is the energy that helps to form sperms, thus relates to sperm count and morphology.
TCM treatments can increase the sperm quality by using Chinese herb or acupuncture. It is best to consult with your TCM doctor. Do not buy any type of penis medicine or OTC medicine that’s says it can make you strong, TCM does not work that way. Always, always consult with your doctor.
Home remedies for sperm quality
Exercise regularly can help you to reduce stress.
Lose weight will help you counteract low sperm count.
Quit smoking and drinking
Eat healthy foods.
A diet that's low in fat, and high in Zinc, Vitamins, protein, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your health and for your sperm.
Avoid soy-based foods and high-fructose corn syrup. Soy foods have a mild estrogenic effect on the body. High-fructose corn syrup causes insulin resistance, which lowers fertility. Men who drink a quart of Coke regularly have 30% less sperm than men who don't drink Coke.
Don't wear tight pants and jeans. Wear loose, cotton boxer shorts instead of briefs.
Avoid hot baths and saunas. This will overheat your testicles.
Don't keep your cellphone in the front pocket. A systemic review of 21 research papers on radiation shows phones placed close to a man's genitals for a prolonged period of time steadily drive down sperm count.
Good Luck!
From Dr Deb
Insights from the modern TCM Doctor.
Insights from the modern TCM Doctor.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
