The Fight Against 'Spermageddon': Treatment of Male Infertility | Paige Waters
EstrogenThe Fight Against ‘Spermageddon’: Treatment of Male Infertility

The Fight Against ‘Spermageddon’: Treatment of Male Infertility

At the end of July, I attended a two day workshop presented by an Austrian Medical Doctor and Chinese Medicine Practitioner who specialises and treats only male infertility, Dr Olivia Pojer. 

She was one of the best presenters I have had the privelege to learn from. Her passion and her drive to improve the world’s sperm problems is evident in everything she does. 

I wanted to share some of the takeaway points as well as some practical and easy things you discuss implementing with your male partner or known sperm donor. 

THE STATISTICS:

  • Male infertility is the second highest andrological disease in men (12.4% falling behind only to erectile dysfunction at 28.7% which is not unrelated to infertility of course)
  • Average sperm count was 101 million per milliliter in 1973 and down to 49 million per milliliter in 2018
  • Spermatogenesis (the start to finish growth of a sperm) takes 74-82 days so treatment times need to be at least 10-12 weeks
  • It’s predicted that the male infertility market will increase to 6.0 billion US dollars by 2030
  • Poor sperm health is associated with problems with overall health in men
  • Even though 1/3 to 1/2 of the causes of a couple’s fertility is due to male factor we still exclusively treat the women
  • The WHO changed the standard values of a sperm test so now sperm test results that are within normal range would have been pathological before 2010 (a fake idea of normal)
  • Sperm move 3mm/min, on average takes them 15-40 minutes to reach the fallopian tube, but due to crowded starter-field of 50-500 million sperm, it could take closer to 1-1.5 hours
  • The way semen is tested at a lab can affect the results – some path labs are using microwaves to reheat sperm! 
  • Semen only contains about 10% sperm, the rest consists of enzymes, vitamin C, calcium, protein, sodium, zinc, citric acid and fructose sugar
  • Periodontitis and gingivitis have a high correlation with poor sperm health
  • Smoking affects embryo development
  • Jobs that involve vibrations eg mining can cause micro trauma to testicles
  • BMI >25 has 24% lower sperm concentration levels and reduces testosterone levels. Being underweight is just as detrimental

THE CAUSES:

  • Inherited health problems
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are huge factors for poor sperm movement
  • Sperm competition is lacking in monogomous species – dolphins have up to 8 males competing for one egg and have a morphology count of 90%+, a monogamous mole rate has only 5-15% normal morphology
  • DNA fragmentation – increases with age and not seen by embryologists
  • Heat – healthiest sperm temp is 34 degrees, anything that increases heat, severely affects sperm health
  • Varicoceles – in Chinese medicine shows a stagnation of blood with heat affecting sperm quality and fluid 
  • Infection/Viral – HPV is underdiagnosed and increases infertility, genital tract infections
  • A covid infection can impair semen quality for 120-180 days!
  • High estrogen – estrogen exposure in drinking water, plastic, skin care, hair care, pesticides, cleaning agents

WHAT CAN BE DONE:

  • Men need to have their testicles seen by a doctor – size matters! Also to assess the presence of varicoceles is a leading cause of male factor infertility
  • Thyroid needs to be tested
  • More frequent ejaculation, improves number of good quality sperm
  • Essential nutrients for male fertility – Zinc, glutathione, carnitine, vitamins A, D, C, E, B12, folate, copper and manganese, CoQ10 and selenium
  • Probiotics – lactobacilus especially
  • Antioxidants – a variety and lots of them!
  • Acupuncture and moxibustion – recommended at least once per week for 10-12 weeks and on the day of sperm donation
  • Chinese herbal medicine has some really good evidence for improving sperm health
  • Lifestyle modifications – no smoking, avoid alcohol, no cold drinks, regular exercise, healthy diet, proper sleep
  • Healthy gums and teeth
  • Diet – mediterranean diet, good quality seafood, avoid processed meat and soy
  • Avoid regular ibuprofen
  • Avoid saunas, hot baths, heat at work, tight pants, laptop on lap, cellphone in pocket
  • Aim for a healthy BMI with reduced abdominal weight
  • Low tox cleaning, body care, home cleaning products

Remember…

Spermatogenesis (the start to finish growth of a sperm) takes 74-82 days so diet, supplement, lifestyle changes as well as acupuncture treatments need to be implemented for at least 10-12 weeks prior to sperm donation or conception. 

Just a note – the common recommendation for abstinence for sperm testing/IUI/IVF is between 2-4 days. Dr Olivia’s recommendation for best sperm sample is not to abstain for longer than 2 days, sperm are more prone to oxidative stress with more than 2 days.

So much information! 

If you have any questions, please get in touch via email hello@paigewatersacupuncture.com.au.