" ....I was ushered away my an embryologist and told that since the last time I was tested my sperm had recovered to become much higher quality, as good as ‘normal’ in fact and that we would no longer require ICSI........I would like to thank Caroline for my treatment and potentially curing my ‘problem’.  "

According to statistics from the National Infertility Association [RESOLVE] between 35-40% of infertility problems are caused by male conditions. Several factors may be responsible for male infertility including:

• low sperm count
• abnormal sperm size and shape
• reduced motility

In the past 50 years, researchers have found that sperm counts, as well as sperm quality are on the decline, so increased awareness of treatment options comes at a crucial time. Furthermore, sperm quality has been correlated with more than simply fertilisation rates, but with factors such as development of the fertilised egg, implantation and perhaps more importantly, the development of the embryo itself. So occurences like miscarriages could have more to do with sperm quality than we imagined, and treatments that focus solely on the woman may indeed miss the mark. See testimonies page for how this worked in practice

"....My husband is uncomfortable with needles, but with some relaxation techniques Caroline reassured him and after the second week of treatment he was so relaxed he would doze off on the treatment table. We both found the treatment to be a positive experience and thankfully, we had a positive result!...."

What can Chinese medicine do?

Chinese Medicine has a long history of focussing on male sexual health. Today, this means that Chinese Medicine may provide a natural, non-invasive way to enhance male fertility.

Evidence suggests that Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can have an effect on sperm production and quality. A recent study in 'Fertility and Sterility'  from July 2005 showed that Acupuncture significantly improved both sperm count and quality in men with infertility of unknown cause. The authors of the research concluded 'In conjunction with ART or even for reaching natural fertility potential, acupuncture treatment is a simple, non-invasive method that can improve sperm quality'

Other research studies

• Gurfinkel et al in 2003 studies the effects of acupuncture and heat treatment on patients with semen abnormalities over a 10 week period. The researchers concluded that these techniques significantly increase the percentage of normal-form sperm in infertile patients with poor counts, motility and morphology.
• Siterman et al in 2000 studied patients with zero or very low sperm counts, with high rates of deformed sperm. A definite increase in sperm count was detected in 67% of patients with no sperm initially. Men with genital tract inflammation exhibited the most remarkable improvement in sperm density. The authors concluded that Acupuncture may be a useful, nontraumatic treatment for males with very poor sperm density, especially those with a history of gential tract infection.

Further research studies support these findings, reporting improvements in motility [forward movement], morphology [shape] and overall higher rates of successful pregnancies. Numerous studies have also shown that herbal medicine can improve sperm count and quality on many parameters.

How does it work?

Chinese medicine addresses specific complaints as well as related symptoms through the use of acupuncture, herbs, dietary and lifestyle changes. Depending on the case, treatment can make significant changes in just a few weeks. However, further benefit is gained from longer courses of treatment since sperm development is approximately 3 months. Chinese Herbal Medicine can help to restore natural fertility and avoid more extreme measures.

What can I expect?

A full assessment of a person's health is taken at the first consultation, all these details contribute to a comprehensive picture of what is called a patient's pattern of disharmony. Correct pattern differentiation is the cornerstone of Chinese medicine because it allows experienced practitioners to tailor treatments to a patients precise needs.

Once a clear diagnosis is made from a Chinese medical perspective a selection of therapeutic acupuncture points is chosen. Usually herbal formulas are given in addition, certain herbs are known to improve motility, while others are specifically effective for morphology or count. Follow up testing of semen analysis is recommended as a way to see the positive changes made from their healthy choices.

Caroline is affiliated to the Zita West Network. As a result of this she undergoes regular training in fertility and has access to a professional discussion forum examining current fertility issues. Danielle is trained to use the same acupuncture protocols. As part of your initial consultation you will be offered a variety of handouts and information about suitable supplements to take, as well as relevant lifestyle changes recommended to make and good foods to include in your diet to maximise male fertility.

Often with a sensible, planned and individual approach, plus some persistence, many of the factors linked to reproduction such as nutritional or hormonal status or stress levels can be fixed, withour recourse to IVF. Even if this proves necessary in the end, you will at least feel that you have ticked every box in pursuing a natural alternative first. Often the step by step approach to conceiving naturally first is very successful.

Read about Caroline's success stories with fertility in a Yorkshire Evening Post article