Male fertility factors are common and should not be treated as secondary to female fertility. The European Association of Urology reports that a male-associated factor is found in about half of couples experiencing infertility, although it may occur alongside other fertility factors.
Possible male fertility concerns include a low sperm count, reduced sperm movement, abnormal sperm shape, an absence of sperm, ejaculation difficulties, hormonal conditions, varicocele, previous infection, testicular injury or surgery, and the effects of some medicines or medical treatments. In some cases no cause is identified.
A semen analysis is an important part of investigation, but its results do not by themselves provide a simple distinction between fertility and infertility. Medical evaluation should consider the wider reproductive and general-health picture.
The existing East West Clinic page usefully emphasises that male fertility deserves proper consideration. Fertility assessment should involve both partners where relevant rather than placing responsibility on one person.
During treatment, Jamie considers available semen-analysis results, fertility-clinic information, medical history, medication, lifestyle and wider health. The assessment may also include sleep, stress, digestion, energy and emotional wellbeing.
Male fertility concerns can be emotionally difficult and are sometimes discussed less openly. A supportive appointment can provide space to consider the individual's experience while recognising that acupuncture does not replace medical investigation or established fertility treatment.
Standard semen analysis commonly assesses sperm number, movement and shape. Results can vary between samples, and repeat testing or specialist assessment may be recommended.
Sperm DNA fragmentation tests assess aspects of sperm DNA integrity. Jamie has received specialist male-fertility training that included interpretation of COMET sperm DNA-fragmentation reports. This knowledge can help him understand information that a patient brings to an appointment, but it does not replace interpretation or treatment advice from a fertility specialist, urologist or andrologist.
Current NICE guidance says not to offer supplements, antioxidants or medical treatments to improve sperm DNA integrity. It also advises against surgical sperm retrieval solely as a way to improve outcomes for people with non-azoospermia and reduced sperm DNA integrity. Treatment decisions should be made with the appropriate specialist.
Chinese medicine uses an individual diagnosis rather than treating everyone with a male fertility concern in the same way. Care is adapted according to the person's health history, symptoms, medical findings and fertility-treatment plans.
Jamie combines more than 20 years of clinical experience with detailed pulse diagnosis and specialist fertility training. Where appropriate, acupuncture treatment usually uses points away from the reproductive organs, including points on the arms, legs, abdomen or back.
Any acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine recommendation should be based on the individual's circumstances and coordinated appropriately with medical or fertility-clinic care.
The first appointment provides time to discuss your fertility history, current investigations, semen-analysis results, known diagnoses and wider health. You may wish to bring available reports and information from your GP, fertility clinic, urologist or andrologist.
Jamie will also ask about medication, supplements, previous treatment, sleep, stress, digestion and other relevant symptoms. The appointment includes an individual Chinese medicine assessment and, where appropriate, your first acupuncture treatment.
Jamie will explain the initial approach and discuss a suitable rhythm of care. Acupuncture should not delay medical investigation, and treatment should not be presented as a way to guarantee improved semen results, conception or pregnancy.
The Fertility Pathway is the clinic's main destination for people seeking support with male fertility concerns, either while trying to conceive naturally or alongside assisted reproduction.
The pathway provides a framework for reviewing available medical information, wider health and changing needs over time. It is clinical guidance rather than a fixed programme or promise of improved fertility.
Pathway link: Fertility Pathway
The British Acupuncture Council does not currently provide a dedicated male-fertility fact sheet. Its 2019 infertility and IVF fact sheet focuses mainly on acupuncture alongside IVF and ICSI and cannot be used as evidence that acupuncture improves male fertility or sperm quality.
Research specifically concerning acupuncture for male fertility is limited and mixed. Some studies report changes in semen measurements, but study quality, small sample sizes and differences in treatment methods make firm conclusions difficult. Improvements in semen measurements would also not necessarily demonstrate improved chances of live birth.
Current NICE fertility guidance, published in March 2026, covers investigation and established management of male-factor fertility problems. It does not recommend acupuncture as a treatment for male infertility. The European Association of Urology recommends that men in couples seeking medical help for fertility problems receive an appropriate medical fertility evaluation.
Acupuncture should therefore be presented only as optional complementary support alongside appropriate investigation and care.
Further reading:
Both partners should seek fertility advice if pregnancy has not occurred after one year of regular unprotected sex. Seek advice sooner where there is already a reason for concern or the female partner is aged 36 or over.
Speak to a GP, fertility specialist or appropriately trained urologist or andrologist about abnormal semen-analysis results, ejaculation difficulties, testicular pain or swelling, previous testicular injury or surgery, suspected hormonal problems, or concerns about medication and fertility.
Do not stop or change prescribed medication, hormones or supplements without speaking to the healthcare professional responsible for your care. Anabolic steroids and testosterone treatment can reduce sperm production and should be discussed with an appropriate clinician.
If you are concerned about male fertility or preparing for fertility treatment, a first appointment gives us time to understand your individual circumstances and discuss whether acupuncture may be a suitable complementary part of your wider care.