The most severe expression of male factor infertility is azoospermia, where no sperm are present in the ejaculate. Azoospermia is found in 15-20% of men evaluated for infertility. Causes of azoospermia include congenital and acquired reproductive tract obstruction as well as spermatogenic failure. 

Azoospermia may have different etiologies previously described as pretesticular (i.e. abnormal Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Gonadal hormonal axis), testicular (i.e. secondary to abnormal testicular function) and posttesticular (i.e. obstruction or ejaculatory dysfunction). This classification, although physiologically correct, is not always practical for treatment decision making. The division of azoospermia into OBSTRUCTIVE and NON-OBSTRUCTIVE categories allows better determination of specific treatment options available to a particular patient. It is also critically important since patients with nonobstructive azoospermia have different genetic problems. 

By use of Chinese herbs, the quality and quantity of sperm and semen can be improved and appropriate lifestyle changes. Normally it takes 2-3 months for sperm to mature, treatment should persist for at least this long. Acupuncture has been shown to be very effective to address sperm motility and to address those cases involving qi and blood stagnation. Acupuncture is also beneficial to help relax the patient during what can become a very frustrating time in a couple’s relationship. For Kidney deficiencies, acupuncture is usually used in conjunction with long-term herbal treatment. Continue to learn TCM Treatment Evaluation for Male Infertility.