24 Sep 2026
By: Yi TCM Admin
For couples who are trying to conceive, having healthy sperm is an important aspect that may determine the chances of a successful pregnancy. While sperm count is often associated with various male reproductive issues, sperm motility is also a crucial factor which affects fertility.
This guide explores the common causes of low sperm motility, as well as how an integrated approach with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may help support it naturally.
Sperm motility is defined as the ability of sperm to swim efficiently in order to fertilise an egg. To reach the egg, sperm should move through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. Moreover, only motile sperm is able to penetrate the egg’s outer layer before fertilising it. Even with a normal sperm count, the chances of achieving a pregnancy may decrease if sperm cannot move effectively.
Sperm motility can be classified into two general types:
In general, sperm must have progressive motility, which helps them move at least 25 micrometres per second through cervical mucus to reach and fertilise an egg. At least 40% of sperm should be motile in order to achieve pregnancy. When less than 32% of sperm samples show progressive motility, asthenozoospermia or low sperm motility may be diagnosed. Although pregnancy may still happen with this condition, the chances are considered less common.
Certain lifestyle adjustments may help support sperm motility, such as:
Lifestyle is a significant factor that may affect sperm quality and motility. Men are advised to maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight may be linked to decreased sperm count and movement. Moreover, men should avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as wear loose-fitting underwear to support optimal temperature for sperm production. Regular exercise and avoiding sitting for long periods of time can also help support sperm quality.
Reducing stress levels through meditation, self-care, and doing your hobbies may also help support sperm motility. Stress has been associated with oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances, which may reduce the sperm’s ability to swim toward the egg.
A TCM fertility treatment in Singapore may involve various Chinese herbs that may help support your chances of conceiving with low sperm motility. Based on a thorough assessment of your body condition, our experienced practitioner may prescribe different types of herbs that address the root imbalances causing low sperm motility.
For conditions caused by spleen deficiency and dampness, the Chinese herbs that may be prescribed are:
If the issues are related to Kidney Yin deficiency, you may benefit from consuming:
Alternatively, you may also be prescribed with Chinese herbs that support in boosting the Yang:
For conditions related to Damp-Heat, you may be prescribed with:
The specific components of each prescription differ based on the root cause and deficiencies you may have.
Research has also shown that several Chinese herbal formulas and specific herbs may help improve sperm motility and overall quality. A randomised controlled study using Jiawei Wuzi Yanzong Decoction (加味五子衍宗汤) shows that it may improve sperm motility in men with Kidney Yin deficiency. This decoction contains five core herbs, namely 枸杞子 (goji berry), 菟丝子 (dodder seed), 覆盆子 (Chinese raspberry), 五味子 (schisandra berry), and 车前子 (plantain seed). In another study, prescribing Liuwei Dihuang Pill (六味地黄丸), containing key ingredients such as 熟地黄 (prepared rehmannia), 山药 (Chinese yam), and 山茱萸 (cornus), is also known to support sperm motility.
Fertility acupuncture is another TCM treatment that may help address internal imbalances and support sperm motility. During an acupuncture session, our practitioner may insert fine needles into specific pressure points such as:
Research has investigated the effect of targeting certain acupoints on sperm motility. By needling acupoints BL23 bilaterally, left ST36, and CV4 once a day for 60 days, sperm motility may improve in asthenozoospermic patients. Another study also assessed the effect of acupuncture on men with oligoasthenozoospermia with 1,088 participants, highlighting that acupuncture alone or combined with another intervention may help improve semen quality.
Contrary to Western medicine, which often focuses on single symptom management, TCM takes into consideration the whole body as an interconnected system. This may be especially relevant for unexplained fertility and TCM treatments, as they help address subtle imbalances that standard tests might miss. Sperm motility is viewed as a reflection of the Kidney, Liver, Spleen, Blood circulation, as well as Qi.
In TCM for male fertility, the Kidneys govern the Jing(精), which is known as the pre-natal essence, which may affect reproductive ability. When the body lacks Qi and Jing to fuel the sperm, they may have weaker ability to swim forward effectively. As Jing is considered to be fixed at birth, it cannot be easily restored if it is depleted. Thus, TCM treatments may focus more on nourishing the body’s Qi, tonifying deficiencies, and helping restore balance to the body.
More specifically, low sperm motility may be caused by:
As Yang represents warmth and movement, a deficiency in Kidney Yang may cause sperm to be sluggish.
Yin helps nourish the reproductive system, and when it is deficient, sperm may lack the structural integrity needed to move well.
Damp-Heat is known as the accumulation and stagnation of fluids in the body due to an unhealthy lifestyle or stress. Damp-Heat buildup may result in a hostile environment for sperm to develop.
A prolonged sedentary lifestyle may hinder the flow of Blood and Qi to the male reproductive organs, especially the testes. In TCM principles, this causes a decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients needed to nourish sperm.
Along with lifestyle adjustments, TCM can be a complementary treatment for couples in conceiving with low sperm motility. At Yi TCM, our experienced practitioners are delighted to provide a tailored plan based on your internal condition, whether you are aiming to conceive naturally or looking for alternative treatments through TCM for IVF and IUI support. Visit our TCM fertility clinic today to begin your journey with us!
Feng, J., He, H., Wang, Y., Zhang, X., Zhang, X., Zhang, T., Zhu, M., Wu, X., & Zhang, Y. (2022). The efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of male infertility: A literature review. Frontiers in endocrinology, 13, 1009537. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.1009537
Zhou, S. H., Deng, Y. F., Weng, Z. W., Weng, H. W., & Liu, Z. D. (2019). Traditional Chinese Medicine as a Remedy for Male Infertility: A Review. The world journal of men’s health, 37(2), 175–185. https://doi.org/10.5534/wjmh.180069
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