Until recently it was only female fertility that had been researched regarding acupuncture. A recent study published in fertility and sterility suggests that acupuncture can be used to increase sperm production and quality.
Twenty eight infertile men were given acupuncture treatment twice a week for a period of five weeks. Semen samples were taken from each of the patients on the day before treatment started and after the acupuncture treatment had completed.
Sperm motility improved from 44.5% to 50% the percentage of healthy sperm increased from 0.06% to 0.26% and the actual number of healthy sperm increased from 40,000 to 200,000.
It is believed that the acupuncture restores hormonal balance and reduces stress. It helps the body purge itself of toxins and harnesses the body's energy to kick start the reproductive system.
The specific main acupuncture points used in the treatment were : Guan yuan (Ren 4), shen shu (UB 23, bilateral), ci liao (UB 32, bilateral), tai cong (Liv 3, bilateral), and tai xi (KI 3, bilateral).
The secondary points that were used in the treatment were: zhu san li (ST 36, bilateral), xue hai (SP 10, bilateral), san yin jiao (SP 6, bilateral), gui lai (ST 29, bilateral), and bai hui (Du 20). During the acupuncture treatment the needles were inserted to a depth of between 15 and 25 millimetres, the specific depth being dependent on the area of the body that was being treated. The needles were manipulated for a period of ten minutes to achieve de qi, then left stationery for another twenty five minutes before they were removed.So, acupuncture may be a viable option in the treatment of male infertility and is a fairly easy treatment to try.