Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility

JianPeiPh.D.ErwinStrehlerM.D.UlrichNossM.D.MarkusAbtPh.D.PaolaPiomboniPh.D.BaccioBaccettiPh.D.KarlSterzikM.D 2005

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.12.056

Result

Statistical evaluation of the TEM data showed a statistically significant increase after acupuncture in the percentage and number of sperm without ultrastructural defects in the total ejaculates. A statistically significant improvement was detected in acrosome position and shape, nuclear shape, axonemal pattern and shape, and accessory fibers of sperm organelles. However, specific sperm pathologies in the form of apoptosis, immaturity, and necrosis showed no statistically significant changes between the control and treatment groups before and after treatment.

Conclusion

The treatment of idiopathic male infertility could benefit from employing acupuncture. A general improvement of sperm quality, specifically in the ultrastructural integrity of spermatozoa, was seen after acupuncture, although we did not identify specific sperm pathologies that could be particularly sensitive to this therapy.