Male infertility

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Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Diet Increased intake of saturated fats Reduced intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains Reduced intake of dietary fiber Increased exposure to synthetic estrogens In diagnosing male infertility on the basis of sperm concentration, it is important to point out that, as sperm counts in the general population have declined, there has been a parallel reduction in the accepted line between infertile and fertile men. The dividing line for sperm count has dropped from 40 million/ml, to 20 million/ml, to 10 million/ml, to 5 million/ml.

Most causes of male infertility reflect an abnormal sperm count or quality. Although it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, in an average ejaculate a man will eject nearly two hundred million sperm. However, because of the natural barriers in the female reproductive tract, only about forty sperm will ever reach the vicinity of an egg. There is a strong correlation between fertility and the number of sperm in an ejaculate. In about ninety percent of the cases of a low sperm count, the reason is deficient sperm production.

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Several studies have shown that L-arginine can also increase sperm count and may be a useful treatment for male infertility. L-arginine is best known for its ability to stimulate the production of growth hormone, which is instrumental in shedding fat and building muscle. Body builders use L-arginine to bulk up and lose flab. L-arginine also has important medical uses. For instance, it is used in hospitals to promote wound healing in patients after surgery, and for those suffering from severe burns.

The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Further, a topic of some debate in Europe is the effect of birth control pills and estrogen-like chemicals on male infertility. These chemicals are not biodegradable by stomach acids and get into the environment, i.e., the soil, water, and through urine. Thus, they get into the food chain and in that way can affect both males and females alike. As mentioned, the lining of the uterus must be able to nurture the fertilized egg.

The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

A Double-blind Randomized Placebo Cross-over Controlled Trial Using the Antioxidant Vitamin E to Treat Reactive Oxygen Species Associated male infertility," Fertil Steril, 64(4), October 1995, p. 825-831. Influenza Results of this study showed that the use of reaferon in combination with alpha-tocopherol in infected with influenza A virus-infected mice led to reduced mortality rate, boost in the reaferon's antiviral effects, and led to near total normalization of lipid peroxidation processes in the pulmonary tissues and blood plasma. —N.G. Pertseva, et al.

Placebo-controlled, Double-blind, Cross-over Trial of Glutathione Therapy in male infertility," Human Reproduction, 8(10), October 1993, p. 1657-1662. Results of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that the administration of glutathione can partially reverse dyspermia provided structural cell membrane damage is not severe. —A. Lenzi, et al., "Glutathione Treatment of Dyspermia: Effect on the Lipoperoxidation Process," Human Reproduction, 9(11), November 1994, p. 2044-2050.

Earl Mindell's Supplement Bible: A Comprehensive Guide to Hundreds of NEW Natural Products that Will Help You Live Longer, Look Better, Stay Heathier, ... and Much More! Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

This herb may also be useful to treat male infertility due to poor sperm motility, which makes it difficult for conception to occur. In one test tube study, astralagus improved sperm motility, which suggests it would work as well in human beings. Take up to three 400-mg. capsules daily. AVENA SATTVA You've heard the expression "Sow your wild oats." Whoever first coined that phrase must have had avena sativa in mind. Derived from the wild oat plant, avena sativa is reputed to increase libido in both men and women.

PDR for Nutritional Supplements Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik See book keywords and concepts

Placebo-controlled, double-blind, cross-over trial of glutathione therapy in male infertility. Hum Reprod. 1993; 8:1657-1662. Lenzi A, Picardo M, Gandini L, et al. Glutathione treatment of dyspermia: effect on the lipoperoxidation process. Hum Reprod. 1994; 9:2044-2050. Loguercio C, Di Pierro M. The role of glutathione in the gastrointestinal tract: a review. Ital J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1999: 31:401-407. Lyons J, Rauh-Pfeiffer A, Yu YM, et al. Blood glutathione synthesis rates in healthy adults receiving a sulfur amino acid-free diet. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2000; 97:5071-5076.

The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Seminal Zinc and male infertility," Urology, 13(3), March 1979, p. 280-281. Results of this study indicated that the administration of 440 mg per day of zinc sulfate over a period of between 60 days to 2 years had beneficial effects on male patients experiencing infertility, particularly following variocelectomy. —H. Takihara, et al., "Zinc Sulfate Therapy for Infertile Male with or without Varicocelectomy," Urology, 29(6), June 1987, p. 638-641.

L-arginine and male infertility," Minerva Urol Nefrol, 46(4), December 1994, p. 251-253. Intestinal Damage Results of this study found that arginine-derived nitrous oxide mediated the restitution of intestinal mucosa by minimizing cell injury during reperfusion in rats. —F. Raul, et al., "Beneficial Effects of L-arginine on Intestinal Epithelial Restitution after Ischemic Damage in Rats," Digestion, 56(5), 1995, p. 400-405. Results of this study found that the intragastric administration of 32.5-300 mg/kg per day of L-arginine accelerated the healing of acetic acid-induced gastric ulcers.

Male Sterility Results of this study showed that the administration of 800 mg per day of SAMe over a period of 3 months increased basal motiligy of spermatozoa in 6 out of 10 male infertility cases treated. —R. Piacentino, et al., "Preliminary Study of the Use of S. adenosyl Methionine in the Management of Male Sterility," Minerva Ginecol, 43(4), April 1991, p. 191-193. Migraine Results of this study showed that the administration of SAMe alleviated pain in patients suffering from migraines. —G. Gatto, et al.

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The influences of several drugs on male infertility. Bull Osaka Med School 1967; 13: 90-100. 15. Thiessen DD et al. Vitamin E and sex behavior in mice. Nutr Metabol 1975; 18: 116-19. 16. Bayer R. Treatment of infertility with vitamin E. Int J Fertil 1960; 5: 70-78. 17. Sandler B, Faragher B. Treatment of oligospermia with vitamin BI2. Infertil 1984; 7: 133-38. 18. Kumamoto Y, Maruta H, Ishigami J, et al. Clinical efficacy of mecobalamin in treatment of oligozoospermia. Acta Urol Jpn 1988; 34: 1109-32. 19. Costa M, Canale D, Filicori M, et al.

Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised Second Edition Michael T. Murray, N.D., Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

It can be concluded from these results that vitamin C supplementation can be very effective in treating male infertility, particularly if the infertility is due to antibodies against sperm. Other dietary antioxidants, such as vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene are also important and should be supplemented. Vitamin E supplementation appears to be especially warranted, as it is the main antioxidant in various cell membranes, including sperm membranes. Vitamin E has been shown to play an essential role in inhibiting free-radical damage to the unsaturated fatty acids of the sperm membrane.

The Doctor's Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia Sheldon Saul Hendler See book keywords and concepts

CLAIMS Positive: 1) Fights cancer; 2) boosts immunity against colds and other infections including AIDS; 3) lowers cholesterol and combats cardiovascular disease; 4) speeds wound healing; 5) helps maintain good vision; 6) helps overcome male infertility; 7) counteracts asthma; 8) protects against smoking and various pollutants; 9) prevents diabetes; 10) combats gum disease; 11) useful in the treatment of some mental disorders.

PDR for Nutritional Supplements Sheldon Saul Hendler and David Rorvik See book keywords and concepts

Zinc supplementation has overcome some forms of both female and male infertility in those who are zinc deficient. Zinc is essential for proper formation and maturation of spermatozoa. Zinc plays many roles in pregnancy, and disturbances in zinc metabolism, as well as zinc deficiency, can have serious adverse effects on the course of pregnancy and upon the growth of the fetus and newborn. Zinc deficiency can be teratogenic, producing neural tube defects. Zinc is also very important to the newborn when breast milk may be its only source of zinc (during the first few months of life).

Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts

Botanical medicines Ginseng Current scientific investigation suggests that both Panax ginseng (Chinese or Korean ginseng) and Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian ginseng) are likely to be effective in the treatment of male infertility. Both botanicals have a long history of use as male "tonics". Although human clinical studies are lacking, Panax ginseng has been shown to promote the growth of the testes, increase sperm formation and testosterone levels, and increase sexual activity and mating behavior in studies with animals (see Ch. 100 for references).

Impact, diagnosis and treatment in relation to male infertility. Int J Androl 1993; 16: 1-13 6. Sharpe RM, Skakkebaek NE. Are oestrogens involved in falling sperm counts and disorders of the male reproduction tract? Lancet 1993; 341: 1392-1395 7. Field B, Selub M, Hughes CL. Reproductive effects of environmental agents. Semen Reprod Endocrinol 1990; 8: 44-54 8. Messina M, Messina V. Increasing the use of soyfoods and their potential role in cancer prevention. J Am Diet Assoc 1991; 91:836-840 9. Aitken RJ. The role of free oxygen radicals and sperm function.

Purvis K, Christiansen E. male infertility. Current concepts. Annals Med 1992; 24: 259-272 2. Wyngaarden JB, Smith LH, Bennett JC, eds. Cecil textbook of medicine. 19th edn. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders. 1992 3. Carlsen E, Giwercman A, Keiding N. Evidence for decreasing quality of semen during past 50 years. British Med J 1992; 305:609-613 4. Lauersen NH, Bouchez C. Getting pregnant - what couples need to know right now. New York, NY: Fawcett Columbine. 1991 5. Purvis K, Christiansen E. Review: infection in the male reproductive tract.

The Green Pharmacy: New Discoveries in Herbal Remedies for Common Diseases and Conditions from the World's Foremost Authority on Healing Herbs James A. Duke, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Several studies suggest that zinc deficiencies may be tied to male infertility and poor sperm quality. Good sources of zinc include spinach, parsley, col-lards, brussels sprouts, cucumbers, string beans, endive, cowpeas, prunes and asparagus. Simmer most of these together in a big pot, and you've got the makings of a good soup. VV Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) and other herbs containing arginine. Naturopaths often recommend supplementation with the amino acid arginine for men with low sperm counts. They call for getting four grams of arginine a day.

The Chinese herb cangzhu (Atractylodes lancea) dominates two formulas widely prescribed in China for male infertility. One, called hochu-ekki-to, contains 4 grams each of cangzhu, astragalus and ginseng; 3 grams of Japanese angelica; 2 grams each of bupleurum root, jujube fruit, citrus unshiu peel (a Japanese citrus fruit); 1.5 grams of Chinese licorice root; 1 gram of black cohosh; and 0.5 gram of ginger. In one study, this formula boosted sperm concentrations and motility considerably after three months.

For treatment of male infertility caused by sperm abnormalities or clumping, vitamin C supplementation has been shown to be as effective as several fertility-enhancing drugs. Melvyn Werbach, M.D., assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine and author of Nutritional Influences on Illness, suggests taking 1,000 milligrams a day. (Although the Daily Value for vitamin C is only 60 milligrams, taking this much is considered safe.

Ashwaganda, they claim, can help treat impotence and male infertility. But I wouldn't recommend taking this particular herb every day—just occasionally. Try a cup or two of tea made with five teaspoons of dried herb per cup of boiling water. V Country mallow (Sida cordifolia). Here's another stimulant herb with a folk reputation as an erection-enhancing aphrodisiac. Its stimulant compound is ephedrine, the same one found in Chinese ephedra, the decongestant, anti-asthma herb. Country mallow contains some 850 parts per million of ephedrine, which probably explains its use for impotence.

Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts

Other causes of male infertility include ductal obstruction, ejaculatory dysfunctions, and infections or disorders of accessory glands (see Table 169.1). Since the overwhelming majority of men who are infertile suffer from deficient sperm production, this will be the major focus of this chapter. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS Table 169.

The Doctor's Vitamin and Mineral Encyclopedia Sheldon Saul Hendler See book keywords and concepts

Zinc may be useful in promoting healing of gastric ulcers and can be useful in treating some forms of male infertility and sexual impotence. Reports of zinc's usefulness in some forms of diabetes and in relieving some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are deserving of further study. Recently claims have been made that zinc can be helpful in preventing and shortening colds. Adequate zinc intake is clearly necessary for optimal health and life span. II.

Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts

It can be concluded from these results that vitamin C supplementation can be very effective in treating male infertility, particularly if the infertility is due to antibodies against sperm. Other dietary antioxidants, such as vitamin E, selenium, and beta-carotene, are also important and should be supplemented. Vitamin E supplementation appears to be especially warranted as it is the main antioxidant in various cell membranes, including sperm membranes. Vitamin E has been shown to play an essential role in inhibiting free radical damage to the unsaturated fatty acids of the sperm membrane.

Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives: A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients Vitamin E Ruth Winter See book keywords and concepts

In humans, potential adverse reactions from medication include euphoria, insomnia, psychotic behavior, high blood pressure, swelling, cataracts, glaucoma, peptic ulcer, GI irritation, increased appetite, high blood sugar, growth suppression in children, delayed wound healing, acne, skin eruptions, muscle weakness, pancreatitis, hairiness, decreased immunity, irregular menstruation, male infertility, and acute adrenal gland insufficiency.

Hormone Deception D. Lindsey Berkson See book keywords and concepts

He heads the Department of Growth and Reproduction at Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark, whose team sees thousands of young patients each year, specializing in male infertility and hormone disorders affecting reproduction (including puberty problems and intersex conditions). Dr. Skakkebaek became concerned when he realized that even healthy males had at least 50 percent abnormal sperm—sperm with no tail, all tail, two tails, grossly deformed heads, necks enlarged with cytoplasm—and some sperm were hyperactive while others didn't move at all.

Age Erasers for Men: Hundreds of Fast and Easy Ways to Beat the Years Doug Dollemore, Mark Giuliucci and the Editors of Men's Health Magazine See book keywords and concepts

Where to Start Overcoming male infertility often requires the help of a urologist or reproductive endocrinologist, who, after testing your sperm, may suggest fertility drugs or high-tech wizardry (more on that later). But there are some natural ways you can try to boost your chances of having a child. Here's how. Up your C, men. Low vitamin C levels may cause sperm to clump together, rendering as many as 16 percent of all men infertile. And some studies have shown that daily vitamin C supplements improve fertility in male smokers.

Other causes of male infertility include blockage of the vas deferens (the tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis), testicular cancer, infection, trauma and antibodies that attach to your sperm, inhibiting their movement and making them vulnerable to destruction by white blood cells. Antibodies may show up as a result of infection or trauma to the testicles. Our Clocks Are Ticking, Too Although we've all heard about men in their seventies who father children, for most of us having kids gets more difficult, because our fertility gradually drops as we get older, Dr. Galen says.

Gary Nulls Ultimate Anti Aging Program Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Zinc has shown promise in the treatment of male infertility. Obese patients have experienced significant weight loss following eight weeks of supplementation with 600 mg per day of zinc sulfate. Zinc has been found useful in the treatment of gastric ulcers (zinc sulphate), ulcerative stomatitis (zinc sulphate), and venous leg ulcers among the elderly (topical zinc oxide). It is an important part of treating periodontal disease in elderly patients. Zinc can also reduce enlarged prostate size in men.

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