Improvement in Mechanical Energy of Sperm with Acupuncture

Over the past few years, computer?assisted sperm analysis (CASA) has allowed determination of a male's potential for natural conception based on indices of the mechanical energy of sperm. The sperm energy index (SEI) and mean sperm energy index (MEI) are indices of sperm energy. The SEI indicates the mechanical energy of all sperm in a given field while the MEI indicates the average energy of a single sperm. An M/S ratio (MEI?SEI) < 2 is an essentialprerequisite for natural conception. When the M?S ratio<2, then a larger SEI indicates a greater potential for natural conception. Recently, pain free acupuncture therapy using needles with guide tube with only slight tapping at acupoints uniquely selected was reported to improve menstrual cramps. This therapy was executed for 18 patients with oligospermia? asthenospermia. Among patients who had an M?S ratio of 2 or greater, 71.43% had an improved M?S ratio after acupuncture. Fifty percent had an improved M?S ratio of less than 2. For patients overall, the response rate in terms of the concentration of sperm, the percent motility, the concentration of motile sperm, and the SEI was 55.56%, 72.22%, 77.78%, and 66.67% respectively. For patients overall, the increasing rate in the concentration of sperm, the percent motility, the concentration of motile sperm, and the SEI was 1.81, 3.39, 4.37, and 4.51 respectively. Statistically significant differences in the concentration of sperm, percent motility, and concentration of motile sperm were noted before and after acupuncture. For patients with oligospermia?asthenospermia who wish to conceive naturally, acupuncture is a promising therapy that may increase the mechanical energy of sperm.