Treatment for Male Infertility I TCM Puchong

Introduction

Male infertility refers to a condition where a man is unable to father a child after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. While female infertility often takes the spotlight, male factor infertility is just as common, and it can be just as complex. TCM Puchong offers specialized treatments that target the root causes of male infertility, providing hope for couples who are struggling to conceive.

What is Azoospermia?

Azoospermia is a medical condition in which a man’s semen contains no sperm. It is a major cause of male infertility, affecting approximately 1-2% of men. There are two main types of azoospermia: obstructive and non-obstructive.

• Obstructive Azoospermia: This occurs when there is a blockage in the sperm transport system, preventing sperm from being released in the semen. Causes include vasectomy, infections, or congenital absence of the vas deferens.
• Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: This type is due to low or absent sperm production in the testes, often caused by genetic conditions, hormonal imbalances, or damage from drugs or radiation.

Types of Azoospermia

1. Obstructive Azoospermia: Blockage in the reproductive tract, often treatable with surgery or sperm retrieval.
2. Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: Testicular failure or other underlying health issues, typically requiring hormone treatments or ART.

Diagnosis of azoospermia typically involves a semen analysis, blood tests (to check hormone levels), and sometimes a scrotal ultrasound. Additional tests like testicular biopsy may be used to determine whether sperm production is occurring in the testes.

Hydrocele and Varicocele

A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac around a testicle, while a varicocele is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. Both conditions can impair sperm production, but they are treatable with surgery or other medical interventions. TCM Puchong addresses these issues and helps improve these issues through acupuncture, herbal therapy, and lifestyle adjustments that support proper blood circulation and testicular health.

What is Male Factor Infertility?

Male factor infertility refers to any issue that affects a man’s ability to produce healthy sperm or deliver sperm effectively during intercourse. It can be caused by low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), or abnormal sperm morphology (shape). Additionally, physical blockages, hormonal imbalances, and genetic conditions can contribute to infertility in men. Understanding the underlying cause is essential to providing effective treatment.

What Are the Risk Factors for Male Infertility?

Several factors can contribute to male infertility, including:

1. Age: While men do not experience the same sharp fertility decline as women, sperm quality tends to decrease with age, especially after the age of 40.
2. Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and obesity can all lower sperm quality.
3. Environmental Factors: Prolonged exposure to heat (e.g., hot tubs, saunas) or chemicals (e.g., pesticides, heavy metals) can damage sperm production.
4. Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia and gonorrhea, can lead to blockages in the reproductive tract, causing infertility.
5. Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid disorders can affect sperm production and function.
6. Medications: Certain drugs, including chemotherapy or testosterone therapy, may impact male fertility.

TCM Puchong addresses these risk factors by treating the root causes with holistic approaches like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary adjustments.

Why is it Important to Be Evaluated for Male Factor Infertility?

Early evaluation of male infertility is crucial because it can help identify treatable causes, such as varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), low testosterone levels, or infections. By undergoing tests such as semen analysis and hormone profiling, men can determine whether they have low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or other factors contributing to infertility. TCM Puchong by Golden Gate KL fertility centre provides a thorough assessment, using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to optimize overall reproductive health.

How is Male Infertility Treated?

The treatment for male infertility varies depending on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include:

1. Medications: Hormonal treatments and medications that boost sperm production or correct hormonal imbalances.
2. Surgery: In cases of blockages or varicocele, surgery may be necessary to restore fertility.
3. Lifestyle Changes: Healthy diet, exercise, and quitting smoking or drinking can significantly improve sperm quality.
4. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In cases of severe infertility, procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be recommended.

TCM Puchong utilizes a natural approach to treat male infertility, focusing on balancing the body’s energy, or “Qi,” to improve sperm health and overall fertility.

Can Male Fertility Be Achieved After Vasectomy?

A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that cuts or blocks the vas deferens, preventing sperm from reaching the semen. While vasectomy is considered a permanent form of male contraception, fertility can often be restored through vasectomy reversal or sperm retrieval methods. The success rate of vasectomy reversal depends on various factors such as the time since the vasectomy and the presence of any other fertility issues.

What is the Maximum Age for Male Fertility?

While men can produce sperm throughout most of their lives, sperm quality tends to decline after the age of 40. This can lead to reduced fertility, lower testosterone levels, and an increased risk of genetic abnormalities in offspring. However, with proper care and TCM Puchong treatments, many men can maintain healthy fertility well into their later years.

Until When Can Men Produce Sperm?

Unlike women, men do not have a fixed reproductive window. However, sperm production naturally decreases with age, and the quality of sperm also declines over time. For optimal fertility, it is important for men to maintain a healthy lifestyle and seek treatment for any underlying fertility issues early on.

What Kind of Job, Hobby, or Habit Can Cause Fertility Issues?

Certain occupations and habits can negatively impact male fertility. For example:

• Jobs involving heat exposure (e.g., welding, baking) can reduce sperm count.
• Heavy lifting and prolonged sitting (e.g., truck drivers, office workers) can impair circulation and sperm production.
• Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol use, and drug consumption are known to lower sperm quality and affect overall fertility.

TCM Puchong works to counteract these effects through treatments that enhance circulation, detoxify the body, and boost reproductive health.