Male factor infertility accounts for approximately half of fertility challenges, yet it is often an afterthought in a fertility workup. We treat the male partner as half the picture, and we start with a semen analysis rather than an assumption.
The evidence base here is still developing. Most research on acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and sperm parameters comes from small trials of variable quality, and reviews generally conclude that larger, better studies are needed. We discuss that uncertainty clearly while keeping the appointment focused on your current concerns and medical plan.
Care may include a Chinese Medicine assessment, discussion of your semen analysis with referral back to your GP, fertility specialist or urologist where the results warrant it, acupuncture, and individually prescribed Chinese herbal medicine where appropriate. We can also discuss established lifestyle considerations including heat exposure, alcohol and smoking.
Sperm production takes roughly 74 days, but that biological timescale does not prove that a three-month acupuncture program changes sperm quality. The number and timing of appointments should reflect what you want support with and whether the care is useful. Any repeat semen analysis should be arranged and interpreted through your medical team; variation between samples means a single change is not proof that a complementary treatment caused it.