Semen Quality Improvement in a Man with Idiopathic Infertility Treated with Traditional Korean Medicine: A Case Report

Abstract

Approximately 45-50% of the cases of infertility result from deficiencies associated with male factors, and 30-45% of these deficiencies are idiopathic. A standardized approach for the treatment of idiopathic male infertility remains elusive. In Korea, male infertility has been treated with either acupuncture, herbal remedies, or pharmacopuncture. We report a case of male idiopathic infertility in which the patient's semen quality improved through traditional Korean medicine (TKM) therapies, which was evaluated according to the 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) standards. A 35-year-old infertile man visited the Conmaul Hospital from August 2013 to December 2013. He was diagnosed with asthenoteratozoospermia. The patient received 3 TKM therapies-acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal remedies-for 3 months. After 3 months of treatment, a second semen analysis of the patient was conducted. The sperm motility increased by 13%, and the normal sperm morphology increased by 4% over 3 months. In addition, the total motile sperm count was 2.5 times higher than that before treatment. The results of the present study support the clinical potency of treatment with acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, and herbal remedies in idiopathic infertile men, especially for the improvement of sperm motility and morphology. Further large-scale randomized controlled trials with elaborate designs should be performed to verify the clinical effect of TKM therapies.

Potential effect of smoking on semen quality through DNA damage and the downregulation of Chk1 in sperm

“…Infertility is a common disorder affecting some one in seven couples, and subfertility has become a markedly increasing problem in affluent countries, with the most commonly identified cause attributed to 'male factor' ( 1 – 3 ). Several scientific studies have suggested that a decrease in male fertility is frequently associated with smoking, which may cause a decrease in semen quality ( 4 ).…”

Effect of garlic (Allium sativum) on male fertility: a systematic review

“…Also, garlic can repair and protect the DNA of the sperm, in addition to sperm maturation through vitamins C, B, E, which are its potent antioxidants (53). Approximately 45%-50% of infertility has a male cause, but nevertheless, 30-45% is due to idiopathic causes (54). Typically, infertility in men is indicated by oligozoospermia, asthenozoospermia, or teratozoospermia and varicocele (55).…”

Semen quality improvement in boars fed with supplemental wolfberry (Lycium barbarum)

“…In humans, Lycium barbarum juice significantly increased antioxidant biomarkers in the serum of healthy adults after continuous consumption for 30 days (Amagase, Sun, & Borek, ). A case study found that a 13% and 4% increase of sperm motility and normal sperm morphology, respectively, in a man with idiopathic infertility after treatment with a traditional Korean medicine containing Lycium barbarum (Jo, Lee, Lee, & Jerng, ).…”

“…30 days (Amagase, Sun, & Borek, 2009). A case study found that a 13% and 4% increase of sperm motility and normal sperm morphology, respectively, in a man with idiopathic infertility after treatment with a traditional Korean medicine containing Lycium barbarum (Jo, Lee, Lee, & Jerng, 2015).…”