Low count : less than 20million/ml. Volume should be 1-5 mL of ejaculate
Low motility: over 60% should be motile and demonstrate forward movement
Poor morphology: more than 50-60% abnormal in form
Male fertility relies on adequate production of spermatozoa by the testes, smooth transit of sperm through the seminal duct, and efficient delivery to the egg. Low sperm production may be caused by environmental toxins, radiation, undescended testis, varicocele, infectious testicular atrophy, prolonged fever, and endocrine disorders that affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Antisperm antibodies may be a factor in some cases. Congenital anomalies and surgical procedures may obstruct the seminal duct. Low sperm counts can be aggravated, if not caused by factors such as tight fitting underwear, environmental toxins, urogenital infections, poor diet, lack of sleep, and over use of alcohol, prescription drugs, ( e.g. anti-hypertensives, anti-inflammatories, anti-histamines) nicotine and marijuana.
From Chinese Medicine perspective, male infertility fall into three differential patterns of organ disharmony,
Deficiency of the Kidneys, which correspondent to sexual dysfunction, impotence, low testosterone, low semen volume, low count, low motility and antoimmunity .
Qi and Blood Stasis, which correspondent to poor morphology, varicocele.
Damp Heat, which correspondent to infections in the pelvic area.
Sperm maturation is a process taking between 70-90 days. Chinese medicine can help male patients improve the quality and quantity of semen, along with healthy diet and life style adaptation. In doing so, the health of the embryo improves which in turn reduces the risk of miscarriage.