Male Infertility

Research

admin — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:04:38 -0600

Infertility
Prostate
Erectile Dysfunction
Toxins, Chemicals, Pollution, Pesticides

Infertility
Raised cortisol predicts spontaneous abortion

Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality...

Environmental toxicants cause sperm DNA fragmentation

Quantitative ultramorphological (QUM) analysis of human sperm: diagnosis and management of male infertility

Miscarriages Linked to Defective Sperm and Lower Sperm Counts

Decline in semen quality from 1930 to 1991

Evidence for decreasing quality of semen during past 50 years

Decline in Semen Quality among Fertile Men in Paris during the Past 20 Years

Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility

Influence of acupuncture on idiopathic male infertility in assisted reproductive technology

Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities

Is there a relationship between cell phone use and semen quality?

Semen quality in fertile US men in relation to geographical area and pesticide exposure

Mechanisms of male infertility: role of antioxidants

Male genital tract antioxidant enzymes-Their ability to preserve sperm DNA integrity

Sperm function tests and fertility

The spermiological limits to ART

Does human sperm nuclear DNA integrity affect embryo quality?

Semen analysis in subfertile balanced-translocation carriers

Semen analysis and seminal plasma biochemistry in two brothers with familial reciprocal translocation 46,XY,t(8;9)(p10;p10) transmitted by the father

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Prostate
Acupuncture for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of chronic prostatitis

Combined therapy for the chronic pelvic pain syndrome

Predictors of symptom severity in patients with chronic prostatitis and interstitial cystitis

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Erectile Dysfunction
Acupuncture in the treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction

Do motorcyclists have erectile dysfunction? A preliminary study

Mechanisms of Disease: new insights into the cellular and molecular pathology of Peyronie's disease

How, why and when should urologists evaluate male sexual function?

Self-Esteem, Confidence and Relationship Satisfaction of Men With Erectile Dysfunction Treated With Sildenafil Citrate: A Multicenter, Randomized, Parallel Group, Double-Blind, Placebo Controlled Study in the United States

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Toxins, Chemicals, Pollutions, Pesticides
Surprising Sperm Abnormalities Linked to Chemically Grown Foods

Sperm DNA - Toxins - Miscarriage

Environmental toxicants cause sperm DNA fragmentation

Semen quality in fertile US men in relation to geographical area and pesticide exposure

Mechanisms of male infertility: role of antioxidants

Male genital tract antioxidant enzymes-Their ability to preserve sperm DNA integrity

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Qigong

admin — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:04:22 -0600

a powerful ancient technique to help overcome infertility, erectile dysfunction, & prostate problems, through energetic detoxification & strengthening of the body, mind, and breath.

Today Qigong is most often referred to as any set of breathing and Qi circulation techniques that are capable of improving health, preventing illness, and strengthening the body. Qigong is slow meditative exercise for the body, the breath, and the mind. 'Qi' is the vital force behind everything, everything is 'Qi' at differing densities, even Einstein has made these claims. 'Gong' is cultivation, effect, attainment. Qigong can therefore be translated as 'cultivation of vital force'. It restores the balance of Yin Yang energy returning the body to a healthy, normal physiological state. These effects directly translate into increased overall reproductive wellness.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the human body is treated as an integral system of interrelated networks with different physiological functions. This integral system uses the energy pathways to link the organs and other human systems into a unified whole, making the communication and interaction between parts of the body possible. The energy that flows in the energy pathways is called Qi. It extends internally to the organs and externally throughout the body, completing and interrelated system of networks.

Medical Qigong is a compilation of effective preventative, healing, and strengthening exercises derived from a long history of the Chinese peoples experience with nature and living in harmony with it.

Qigong is studied not merely for the health and strength of the body, but as an attempt to understand human nature and its interactions with the environment and the universe as a whole. Realizing that humans are part of nature, any attempt to understand human physiology inevitably involves the study of wholism.

From commoners to scientists, martial artists to government officials. Qigong studies span the masses of the Chinese population.

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Toxins & Environment

admin — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:03:46 -0600

Sperm DNA - Toxins - Miscarriage

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Environmental Infertility Factors

Surprising Sperm Abnormalities Linked to Chemically Grown Foods

Environmental toxicants cause sperm DNA fragmentation as detected by the Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay

Qigong

F.A.T.H.E.R.S. Fertility Treatment Program

admin — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:02:18 -0600

F.A.T.H.E.R.S.

The Acubalance Male Fertility Program

Our Promise
When committed to and followed through with, 'The Acubalance Male Fertility Programme (F.A.T.H.E.R.S.)' provides men with an effective, easy-to-implement system that has profound benefits towards fertility, as well as overall health and well-being.

NEW! No Needle Treatments!
For those of you who hesitate to participate in the FATHERS programme because of the needles, Acubalance can still work with you. Come in for your initial fertility consultation and ask for more information.

F - Food
Even subtle dietary alterations can have a profound effect on both your health and fertility. A nutritional review will be conducted, and recommendations will be discussed.

A - Acupuncture
Acupuncture-moxibustion will be performed at each visit. This involves the stimulation of specific points on the body via insertion of thin sterile needles and heat. It serves to restore homeostasis and balance to the energetic and physiological processes of the body mind and spirit.

T - Things to Avoid
Things that you should avoid to optimize fertility (i.e. heat, pesticides, tobacco, etc.) are necessary to be aware of. Follow the link above to learn more.

H - Herbs
Every second week you will be sent home with a custom Chinese herbal formula. This is taken in liquid form as a tea, two times per day.

E - Exercise
In relation to your normal habits, you will be advised to stay active, not too strenuous or heavy, or to start to exercise if it is not already a part of your life. Keep it enjoyable.

R - Revision
Subtle revision of your thought, stresses, mental imagery, intention, breathing, and relationship is easy to do and can positively effect the quality of your life.

S - Supplements
Lets start with a good multivitamin then move on from there. Your particular needs determine the supplements that will be recommended. Others such as essential fatty acids, zinc, and folate may enter the picture.
Recommendations:
1. EFA's - 2000mg / day
2. ACES Plus - sisu
3. Biostrath or Multivitamin
4. Zinc - 30mg / day
5. Homocysteine - B6, folic (B9), B12

The System

100 days. That is how long it takes for our body to create and mature sperm. This means, the sperm you will fertilize your partners' egg with is already 100 days old! It is quite clear why your health 3-4 months before conception is of utmost importance.

F.A.T.H.E.R.S. is designed to make your journey toward improved health simple.

If you have not already done so, you will be asked to get a semen analysis and your testosterone levels checked. There are also a few other things that may be recommended checking; physical exam for things such as varicocele, small testicles, tumors, hydroceles, digital exam of the prostate, semen cultures to check for infection or presence of white blood cells, and if liquefaction is poor a test for antisperm antibodies should be done. Blockages can be assessed through an ultrasound exam and presence of fructose in the semen. Lastly, a testicular biopsy may be needed. It is better if this is done at a fertility clinic by urologists that specialize in this area. Doctors are often busy and in a rush, don't be afraid to interrupt and ask for a proper explanation. The causative factors from a scientific perspective help direct us in our treatment process.
Tests:
- varicocele
- Semen analysis (ask how often ejaculation occurs, up to 70% dead sperm per sample is considered normal)
- testosterone (signs of low testosterone: low interest in sex, fatigue, sleep disturbances, muscle weakness, soft or small testis, erectile dysfunction, weight gain particularly around the waist, osteo, depression, anemia. Even with pharmaceutical supplementation it can take 6 months to restore levels.)
- semen culture (infection)
- testi size and shape (undescended testis that are not corrected before the age of 1 can negatively effect fertility)
- tumors, cysts - pituitary/testi cancer
- digital prostate exam, PSA
- liquefaction (antisperm antibodies)
- blockage (ultrasound, fructose, ask how well semen propels from penis)
- testicular biopsy
- diabetes
- cholesterol
- dna fragmentation
- sperm dna integrity assay/sperm chromatin structure assay

The initial consultation involves establishing a trustworthy relationship between you and your practitioner. The treatment protocols over the next 100 days will be discussed. The forms that you will have already filled out and brought with you are addressed so that your individual needs are understood, and your health concerns get properly treated. Traditional Chinese Medicine enters into great depth with the intimate inner functioning of your mind and body. Be prepared to answer a few questions you may have never been asked before. You will be asked to spend a little time reviewing a list of vital things to avoid to help improve your sperm quality and quantity.
Every visit concludes with an acupuncture-moxibustion treatment.

The next appointment (one week later) will consist of reviewing the 5 day dietary journal you will have been asked to complete. With this information we make slight adjustments that optimize fertility according to the health patterns you display. Exercise will be discussed, proper supplementation recommendations are made, and a Traditional Chinese medical diagnosis will be determined.
Some informative educational literature may be suggested.
Again, every visit concludes with an acupuncture-moxibustion treatment.

Follow-up appointments focus primarily on refinement of the Traditional Chinese medical diagnosis, observation of changes taking place, and acupuncture-moxibustion treatments.
Every second week will involve taking 7 days of herbal formulations that are custom designed to your needs.
Other topics covered will be stress management, positive intention, visualization, and breathing exercises.

Cost Initial consultation with your partner is $115. All other acupuncture treatments are $75 each.
The cost of herbs is about $25-$40 per week, taken five days per week.
Supplements are between $100-$150 per month.

After the 100 day course of treatment, your health and fertility, as well as possible continuation of treatments, will be reassessed (if you have not yet conceived).

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Tests

admin — Thu, 28 Sep 2006 15:02:17 -0600

Tests

Also be sure to read:
Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (DNA fragmentation) - a test rarely done that quickly and accurately identifies men who are less likely to achieve a term pregnancy naturally or with IVF

Detailed personal, medical, and sexual history will need to be given to your doctor. Similar to women, the diagnositc process is threefold; semen analysis & physical exam, hormone assessment, and a third step of further testing if necessary, such as genetic tests, and biopsies.

Semen Analysis & Physical Exam

Physical examination consists of checking for normal testicle size and shape, looking for varicocele, undescended testes, or any other evidence of physical abnormalities.

Hours old:less than 2 hours
Volume: => 2 ml
Motility: => 50 %
Count / Concentration: => 20 million / ml
Morphology: => 14 % normal
*WHO Morphology standards in 1987: => 50 % normal, and in 1992: => 30 % normal

For the semen analysis, the man is asked to ejaculate into a sterile container,...masturbation on demand is not so easy, mentally prepare for this part. They can also send you away with a special condom that can be brought back at a later time. It is important to refrain from ejaculation for 3-4 days before the sample is required. A urine sample after ejaculation may also be asked for to check for retrograde ejaculation.
Semen collection methods:
-The specimen is best collected by masturbation into a sterile container. This is most conveniently performed in the facility provided at the laboratory however collection at home is acceptable provided the sample is rapidly transported (within 1 hour) and kept at body temperature.
-Semen collected by interrupted intercourse is not favoured as it risks the loss of sample, particularly the first fraction of the ejaculate.
-Semen should never be collected into an ordinary condom, which contains substances that kill sperm.
-If religious or personal practises prohibit masturbation, a special condom (SCD) can be used that does not affect the sperm quality.

Illness that has happened in the last 3 months should also be offered to the doctor, it takes 100 days for sperm to mature, so problems at anytime in the last 3 months could effect the semen sample. Other factors that may effect the quality of the sample are medication, excess heat, alcohol, smoking, and other important things to avoid can be found at Improving Sperm Quality.

Also, be sure and have your tests done at a fertility lab, or a lab specially designed for male testing. Regular labs that do not understand the importance of the accuracy and timing of these tests may disregard the little things. It would be worth spending as little extra money if it is necessary. It is also worth doing more than one test because semen results can vary a lot depending on stress, illness, and many other factors.

Understanding the results
Appearance: normal semen is opalescent and grayish. Yellowish semen may show high intakes of vitamin supplements, abstinence, or jaundice. An infection may show some red in the semen.
Volume: total volume can range from 1-5ml. Too much can mean it is diluted. Low volume may show past infection blocking the tubes, retrograde ejaculation, or problems with accessory glands such as the seminal vesicles or the prostate. Sometimes there is an abscence of the vas deferens.
Liquefaction: after about 10 minutes semen becomes very runny (to swim better), if this does not happen within an hour, assisted techniques may need to be employed.
Acidity: semen has a pH between 7.2 and 8.
Agglutination: when sperm stick to one another it usually means there is anti-sperm antibodies that coat the sperm and bind to cervical mucus preventing proper movement and difficulty fertilizing the egg.
Antibodies: these tests are usually only done when all else has been ruled out.
MAR (mixed agglutination reaction): if the immunobead test shows less than 50 percent binding, antibody levels should not affect fertility.
Round Cell Concentration: immature sperm or white blood cells. Too many of these in a sample may indicate infection.
Sperm Concentration (count): 20 million sperm per ml of semen is normal. It may be too low, or sperm may be completely absent. Excess ejaculation may lower concetration. Caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, diet, exercise, and stress can also effect this. If it is very low there may be a genetic chromosomal defect.
Motility: swimming capabilities, fast and straight percentage is what is measured here. Too little or too much ejaculate can adversely effect motility. It is said that one big drinking binge can effect sperm for up to 3 months.
Morphology: shape of the sperm. Big or small heads, small or coiled tails. At least 15% of the sperm should be normal in shape. Avoiding things that are toxic to sperm are very important with morphology.

Normozoospermia, an ejaculate falling within normal range of parameters
Oligozoospermia, sperm concentration of less than 20 million
Azoospermia, no spermatozoa in the ejaculate
Aspermia, no ejaculate

Hormone Assessment

FSH, LH, Prolactin, and Testosterone. LH stimulates the production of testosterone (necessary for the healthy production of sperm), Prolactin can interfere with LH induced testosterone production. FSH is essential for sperm development.

If there are high FSH and LH, and low testosterone, this may show testicular failure. Low levels of testosterone and FSH may indicate hypothalamic dysfunction.

Further Testing

Cell Culture: inflammation of the testes can reduce or totally obstruct sperm and testosterone production.
Ultrasound: this will show physical problems such as infection, tumors, surgical lesions in the testes, scrotum, prostate, seminal vesicles, epididymis, or absence of vas deferens. Varicocele can also be found this way.
Testicualr biopsy: this shows if sperm are even being made.
Chromosome testing: if counts are lower than 5 million per ml this should be explored. This could represent the possible passing on of cystic fibrosis, Young's syndrome, Kartagener's syndrome, or Klinefelter's syndrome to the offspring.

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