05 Mar 2026
By: Yi TCM Admin
Despite perpetuating discussions on female infertility, of the 15 per cent of Singaporean couples facing infertility issues, approximately one-third of these cases stem from factors related to men. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may help to alleviate this concerning condition via holistic remedies such as herbal recipes and acupuncture.
According to the World Health Organisation, infertility is a condition affecting the male reproductive system, where your partner is unable to become pregnant even after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. The common challenges of male infertility arise from sperm deficiencies, which may include poor motility, low sperm counts, or conditions such as erectile dysfunction. This means that the sperm is unable to fertilise an ovum, which would otherwise lead to pregnancy.
From TCM’s perspective, male infertility is a result of internal imbalances that are disrupting the body’s normal functions. It may be that an imbalance or blockage in the male reproductive system is impacting its overall health, leading to difficulties conceiving.
TCM views that imbalances affecting specific organs can lead to male infertility.
According to TCM, the kidneys are believed to govern the reproductive system’s well-being, as it stores the vital essence known as Jing. This pre-natal essence is believed to support reproductive health, and any deficiency in your Jing could disrupt sexual functions and reduce the chances of a successful conception.
The liver is responsible for emotional and Qi regulation, as the liver’s meridians are linked to the reproductive organs. Any changes to liver function could cause various issues that contribute to male infertility, including erectile dysfunction.
The spleen is responsible for the production of Qi and blood. Both of these elements are essential to reproductive health, as they ensure the reproductive organs are nourished with nutrients so they can function normally. A weakened spleen may also lead to a gradual accumulation of dampness in the body, further disrupting reproductive functions and causing male infertility.
Qi and blood stagnation can also stem from other causes, such as internal imbalances or blockages that prevent the nutrients required for the reproductive organs from reaching them. It may manifest as physical (i.e., sperm dysfunctions), emotional (i.e., stress), and lifestyle (i.e., poor diet) symptoms that further contribute to male infertility.
Internal and external factors could impact your hormone levels and cause an imbalance, which can then impair your reproductive functions and lead to male infertility. It may also stem from a liver imbalance, as the liver helps regulate hormone levels, among other key functions.
TCM focuses on holistic approaches that focus on treating the root causes of male infertility. During the initial consultation, the TCM physician will identify the causal factors and prepare a suitable treatment plan to gradually clear stagnation and deficiencies within the body. In fact, TCM may complement Western therapies to support your treatment for male infertility.
Acupuncture is a traditional technique that uses small, sterile needles, placed at specific acupoints on the body to clear blockages and promote Qi and blood circulation. Some acupoints are located along meridians associated with different organs, and targeting these points may help tonify the reproductive system and address the underlying causes of male infertility. In doing so, it may support the nourishment of the reproductive organs. Placing needles at these acupoints may also reduce stress and anxiety by promoting the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that help the body feel relaxed and even relieve pain.
Some studies have indicated that acupuncture can support conventional treatments as an adjunct therapy for male infertility, which may improve sperm motility and increase healthy sperm production. However, you may need several acupuncture sessions to treat these imbalances and complications at a consistent pace in tandem with your conventional treatment sessions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbal formulae have been used for centuries to treat various ailments. It focuses on using specific herbs to help address multiple imbalances that contribute to male infertility. A herbal recipe is carefully tailored to your current health needs, helping soothe and nourish your body with a natural formulation that supports your holistic well-being and reproductive functions.
Your TCM physician may suggest the following herbs as part of your herbal formulae.
An ART is a fertility treatment or procedure that improves the chances of a healthy conception. It is aimed at supporting couples facing difficulties with male infertility, allowing women to become pregnant via a laboratory setting. The most common ARTs are in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
TCM can support these fertility treatments as well, using acupuncture. As the procedures will require healthy sperm or eggs, TCM will focus on optimising you and your partner’s health via regular TCM treatments prior to the IVF/IUI procedure. In doing so, this may help to increase the odds of a successful ART procedure. These TCM sessions typically take place alongside the ART procedures, not only to maintain your reproductive well-being, but also to manage side effects and reduce your stress and anxiety levels.
Yi TCM provides holistic health care by combining Eastern and Western medical knowledge to support your fertility and journey to parenthood. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to becoming a loving parent!
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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prmcm.2022.100129
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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