If you've been trying to get pregnant for 6-12 months or more and are not having success, it may be time to make sure both partners are improving their health. While fertility is typically thought of as a "female issue," studies show that up to 50% of fertility issues come from the male side. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be used to support male factor infertility. In western medicine, male factor infertility is considered poor quality / damaged sperm or difficulties with sperm motility. The risks are understood to be some of the following: use of alcohol or certain drugs; hormonal imbalances; exposure to environmental toxins; genital exposure to excess heat; being overweight; having certain infections; poor diet; and stress. Western medical approaches to addressing male factor infertility may involve taking supplements or medications, minor surgeries if appropriate, or using intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition to a thorough western medical workup to understand potential male issues, I recommend acupuncture and herbal therapy to support male fertility. Especially since these days many couples are trying to conceive later in life when sperm and egg quality naturally decrease, supporting both the male and female partner in their health is prudent. When I work with a man who is trying to conceive we will do a full workup to understand dietary habits, exercise, lifestyle patterns, moods and stresses, and more. This will help me to understand the ways in which acupuncture, herbs, and potentially other supplements or diet changes may support the male partner in fertility. I will recommend a series of acupuncture treatments that can improve blood flow to the genitals (note -- needles are not placed anywhere near the genitals), reduce stress, and support proper hormone function. If additional support is needed I will recommend daily Chinese herbs to further strengthen the treatment. I also typically recommend a small number of supplements that support development of healthy sperm. If you are curious about how acupuncture and herbal therapy can be helpful in your fertility journey, please call me for additional information. Here's to the health of your growing family!