Bruce Gustafson
Male factor infertility is on the rise worldwide, and idiopathic male infertility (IMI) accounts for 30% of all cases. This multifactorial condition contributes to emotional stressors, blame and disappointment among those who desire to have their own biological children. Attempting to ameliorate these complex conditions subsequently results in medical costs for various treatments, often with unreliable, inconclusive, or no benefit. Yet, infertility science and reproductive technology have made strides in dealing with male infertility, and have come a long way since being in the dark, or looking to the female partner solely for etiologies of infertility. Traditional medicine, including acupuncture and herbal medicine therapies should be considered as an option alongside any treatment modality. Although used in China with much anecdotal success for over 2000 years – and with demonstrated success in numerous contemporary studies - it is commonly expressed by recent studies and substantial literature review that additional quality research and clinical studies may provide added positive outcomes and evidence-based treatment efficacy correlations. This research project examines the prevalence and the effects of male infertility worldwide; then, through the diagnostic designations and treatment approaches of both Western Medicine and Eastern/TCM/Complementary Medicine modalities, presents benefits and shortcomings of each modality. Finally, the study suggests a clinical treatment protocol, based upon extensive literature findings, that may be used in additional research, or in future RCT’s.