28 Sep 2026
By: Yi TCM Admin
Getting a fertility test is an essential step for couples who are planning to start a family and better understand their reproductive health. In men, fertility is strongly influenced by factors such as sperm count and morphology. Getting diagnosed with low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal sperm morphology may feel disheartening, but it does not mean that conception is not achievable. Further assessment may help identify contributing factors that can be addressed. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sperm morphology, motility, and sperm count issues are seen as signs of underlying imbalances in the body. With TCM as a complementary approach alongside conventional fertility care, men can get the support they seek for their reproductive health.
A male fertility test includes a semen analysis that will give you important information about the quality of your sperm and overall fertility health:
If your results indicate low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology, your doctor may recommend that you take further tests and discuss possible treatment options to support fertility.
Among various details you get from a fertility test, sperm count, motility, and morphology are crucial in affecting overall reproductive health.
Habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, being overweight, and stress are some potential issues that may contribute to poor sperm parameters. Moreover, occupations and lifestyles associated with high temperature exposure may negatively impact sperm production and development. This may include wearing tight clothing, frequently using a laptop on the lap, and taking hot baths.
According to TCM, sperm morphology, motility, and count is usually associated with several underlying imbalances:
In TCM, Kidney Jing is associated with the direct material basis for sperm production in TCM. Low Kidney Jing can be associated with low sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal morphology. This often occurs with signs of premature ageing and weak bones.
In TCM, the Kidney is known to hold the body’s warming fire. A deficiency of Kidney Yang may be associated with lower sperm production and motility. Men with Kidney Yang deficiency may feel persistently cold, especially in the low back and knees, and have lower libido.
A depletion of Kidney Yin may be associated with internal Heat in the reproductive environment. This pattern is also characterised by constantly feeling hot and restless, with night sweats or a dry mouth.
A sedentary lifestyle and humid environment, along with a diet high in greasy foods, are usually associated with causing Dampness and Heat to settle in the genital region. This may potentially hinder the flow of Qi and Blood, which may affect sperm-producing tissues.
Treatments from TCM for sperm morphology, motility, and count may help address the specific patterns causing the issues. A qualified TCM physician will start by asking several questions about your condition and examine your tongue and pulse to confirm your specific deficiency patterns. They will then recommend a holistic approach that may include:
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles through specific points of the body to help regulate the flow of Qi along various meridians. Research shows that the acupoints that may be targeted in TCM for sperm morphology, sperm count, and motility are mainly composed of:
TCM herbs may also support the body’s balance and reproductive health. Our physician carefully tailors each herb to address individual conditions. For instance, patterns of Kidney Yin deficiency may be addressed with Shu Di Huang (熟地黄) and Gou Qi Zi (枸杞子). On the other hand, reduced fertility due to Dampness-Heat issues may be addressed with Long Dan Cao (龙胆草) and Che Qian Zi (车前子).
Recent studies have also explored how TCM herbs may support low sperm parameters. Zuogui pill (左归丸), a kidney-tonifying formula made of herbs such as prepared Rehmannia root, Chinese yam, and goji berries, achieved improvement of sperm quality and motility. In another study, Wuzi Yanzong pill (五子衍宗丸), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, was found to support semen quality, sperm concentration, and motility. However, findings from these studies should be interpreted cautiously, as further research may still be needed to establish the clinical effectiveness of TCM herbs.
Aside from acupuncture and Chinese herbal prescriptions, your TCM physician may also advise you on certain adjustments in your diet. Avoiding raw and cold foods may help address Kidney Yang deficiency, while deeply nourishing foods such as bone broths and goji berries can help allow Jing to accumulate. Adopting a healthier lifestyle may also support sperm health.
Men may consider further medical assessment after getting a semen analysis. Results that indicate low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology may need to be confirmed and interpreted by a fertility specialist. Moreover, seeking medical advice is also recommended for men who have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months, or more than 6 months if their partner is over 35 years old. If concerns persist despite lifestyle changes, medical attention is also recommended to address any underlying conditions affecting fertility.
Getting unsatisfactory fertility test results can be discouraging. Along with lifestyle adjustments and Western medication, TCM male fertility treatments can be a complementary approach to support your family planning journey. At Yi TCM, our team of qualified physicians are here to assess your condition and provide a recommendation based on your underlying patterns. Schedule an appointment at our TCM clinic in Singapore today!
Fang, C., Wang, F., Shen, Y., Yu, X., Chang, D., & Ye, Y. (2022). The roles and potential mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine on male infertility. Pharmacological Research – Modern Chinese Medicine, 4, Article 100129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prmcm.2022.100129
Zhang, M., Wang, J., Feng, J., Ju, B., Yang, J., Gao, Z., Wang, X., Zhou, S., & Li, X. (2025). The therapeutic potential of Zuogui Wan in oligoasthenozoospermia: insights from network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and experimental validation. Scientific reports, 15(1), 38576. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-22348-w
Zhao, M. P., Chan, C. P. S., Cheung, C., Alqawasmeh, O., Wang, R., Che, J., Lin, Z.-x., Li, T., Chung, J., Mak, J., Law, S. M., & Chan, D. Y. L. (2019). A double-blinded, randomized placebo-controlled trial on the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Wuzi Yanzong Pill on improving semen qualities in men with sub-optimal parameters [Preprint]. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.2.500/v1
Geriatrics | Healthy Ageing | Endocrine & Metabolic Health | Pain Management | Autism & Developmental Support | General Wellbeing
Gastrointestinal Conditions | Pain Management | Stress / Emotional conditions | Sleep Disorders | Menses disorders | General Wellness
General Wellness | Pediatrics | Women’s Health | Fertility | Pain Management
Sub-Fertility | Pregnancy | General Health | Gynaecology | Gastrointestinal | Pediatrics
Sub-Fertility | Pregnancy | Gynaecology | General Health | Gastrointestinal | Pain Management | Facial Acupuncture | Pediatrics
Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology | Pediatrics | Neurological Disorder |
Post-stroke Management
Sub-fertility | Pregnancy | Gynecology | Gastrointestinal Health | Pediatrics | Geriatrics
