Male Fertility: The Amazing Hypothalmic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis excerpts from Randine Lewis, Ph.D., Lic.Ac. In the United States, it is estimated that approximately 15% of the population falls into the category of being unable to conceive. In 40% of these cases, sperm abnormalities are either a factor or the factor. Male factor infertility is assessed based upon the following values: (1) deficient sperm count (less than 10 million per millileter; volume should be 1 - 5 mL of ejaculate) (2) insufficient sperm motility (over 60% should be motile and demonstrate purposeful forward movement), and/or (3) poor sperm morphology (more than 50-60% abnormal in form) Male infertility is defined as the inability to fertilize the ovum; whereas sterility is defined as the lack of sperm production. The average ejaculate sample contains almost 200 million sperm. Amazingly enough, only a few dozen sperm actually reach the egg for a chance at penetration. This makes for some pretty ominous statistics for sperm overall. It is for this reason that sperm numbers must be so high, just to have a modicum of hope of reaching the vicinity of the egg traveling down the fallopian tube. If both partners have fertility issues, it seems truly a miracle that conception ever even takes place. Luckily, there are methods to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology. Male fertility depends upon adequate production of spermatozoa by the testes, unobstructed transit of sperm through the seminal tract, and satisfactory delivery to the ovum. Deficient sperm production may be affected by factors such as radiation and other environmental toxins, undescended testes, varicocele, traumatic induced or infectious testicular atrophy, drug effects, prolonged fever, and endocrine disorders that affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Antisperm antibodies may be a factor in certain couples, and may be produced by either partner. If a man produces antibodies to his own sperm, the antibodies will typically attack the sperm's tail. If the woman produces sperm antibodies, they will often attack the head of the sperm. Congenital anomalies may obstruct the seminal tract, as well as certain surgical procedures. Low sperm counts can be aggravated, if not caused, by factors such as tight fitting underwear which raises the scrotal temperature, environmental toxins, urogenital infections, poor diet and prescription drugs (anti-hypertensives and anti-inflammatories can drastically reduce sperm count). Even anti-histamines negatively affect sperm count, by diminishing the seminal fluid, which contains high levels of anti-oxidants within it. Stress, lack of sleep, and overuse of alcohol, nicotine and marijuana decrease sperm production as well. When the cause of the abnormality is known, often its identification and elimination can cure the problem. In other cases, deeper analysis is necessary. Significant medical history would include a history of childhood cryptorchidism (failure of the testes to descend), mumps, or history of sexual problems. Physical manifestations may include structural abnormalities, particularly the presence of a varicocele (scrotal swelling). The size and shape of the testicles should be within the normal range. General evaluation of secondary sex characteristics may provide clues to an underlying endocrine disorder. Hypothyroidism, hypopituitarism, other functional adrenal disorders, and hypogonadism are certain endocrine disorders which may possibly play a role in sperm abnormalities. Male sterility is easier to diagnose with western methods than female infertility, but harder to treat. The only potential remedy is surgery. Yet many men with sperm problems are treated effectively with nutritional suplementation and herbs. [Daily Kundalini Yoga spinal flexion exercises work out the glandular system and can facilitate the HPG axis vitality - Mary Ceallaigh] If the physical examination reveals no abnormality and the man is not impotent (able to engage in intercourse, can become erect, and can ejaculate), the next diagnostic step consists of obtaining a sperm specimen and examining the ejaculate histologically for numbers, motility, and morphology (correct shape). A minimum of 2 to 3 specimens should be analyzed before determining ejaculate adequacy, as sperm values can fluctuate from one sample to the next. The semen should look slightly viscous and opaque, and the volume should be between 1 and 5 mL. Sperm density should be (optimally) over 20 million/mL. The results of semen analyses are recorded into the following categories: (1) adequate (2) aspermia - absence of ejaculate (surgical sequelae or neurogenic dysfunction) (3) azoospermia - absence of sperm in the semen (from testicular disorders) (4) oligospermia - lowered sperm density (5) diminished motility and impaired sperm forward progression (6) abnormal sperm morphology (7) antisperm antibodies. An Overview of Sperm Production Sperm production begins during puberty in response to the same hormones (LH and FSH) as in the female. But the LH signals cells within the leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone, and FSH signals sertoli cells to produce sperm. Estrogen is also important in sperm formation, but too much dietary synthetic sources of estrogen can be harmful. The seminal vesicles secrete substances which nourish the sperm, including fructose (which feeds the sperm), fibrinogen (which holds or coagulates the fluid together) and prostaglandins (which help the sperm penetrate the cervix). The prostate adds an alkaline fluid to the ejaculate. It is extremely important to keep the sperm in a more alkaline environment because the vaginal pH is relatively acidic. Seminal fluid in normal, fertile men contains antioxidant factors. In many subfertile men the seminal fluid may not contain the protective elements, or the circulating free radicals may be so abundant that the seminal fluid is not capable of scavenging the damaged reactive oxygen species. Therefore, men with suboptimal sperm counts should include dietary sources of antioxidants. The plasma membrane of human sperm contains high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, making them extremely susceptible to peroxidative changes. Free radical damage leads to functional impairment in the sperm, lowering motility and morphology. The slippery fertile mucus produced in the female cervix and the arousal fluids of the vagina are actually nourishing to sperm, and enhance motility. The more healthy the woman, the greater the nourishment to sperm.  Most supplementary sexual lubricants are hostile to sperm. The only vaginal lubricants which have been found to support sperm longevity besides the woman's own arousal fluids are egg whites (yes, really) and canola oil. [The Taoist-Yoga perspective is that intercourse is inappropriate and disease-causing without sufficient organic fluids aroused in the fertile woman in the first place - Mary Ceallaigh] Treatment to Enhance Male Fertility Avoid excess environmental toxins including synthetic estrogens. Beef and dairy cattle are often fed bovine growth hormone to enhance growth and milk production. Most meat, dairy products, and even poultry and eggs contain substantial quantities of synthetic estrogens. Some reports have shown the presence of synthetic estrogen in sources of drinking water as well.  Therefore,spring water and eating only free-range animal products is suggested. [Very few restaurants offer free-range animal products, so when eating out, go vegan - Mary Ceallaigh] Pesticides and other chemicals which may impair spermatogenesis are found in non-organically grown produce. It is therefore best to consume organic fruits and vegetables. Keep scrotal temperatures between 94 and 96 degrees Farenheit [avoid spandex bike shorts, tight underwear, and hot tub baths] Men with slight varicoceles are encouraged to use cool packs daily on the testicles. Avoid saturated fats, and paraticularly hydrogenated oils, palm and especially cottonseed oil (contains gossypol which inhibits sperm formation). Include plenty of polyunsaturated oils and essential fatty acids [such as Omega 3, Omega 6, Hemp Seeds, ghee, raw oils, seeds, and avocado). Natural Supplements Soy, other legumes, nuts and seeds also contain phytosterols which promote testosterone production. Oxidative damage is present in almost half of the diagnosed cases of oligospermia. To prevent further free radical damage to developing sperm, it is recommended that the following nutritional supplementation be included: Vitamin C - 2,000 mg/day (in divided doses) Vitamin E - 800 IU/day Beta-carotene - 100,000 IU/day Selenium Other nutritional supplements which are critical to sperm production include: Zinc - 60 mg/day (necessary for sperm production and testosterone metabolism) Vitamin B12 - 1000 ug/day (involved in the replication of cells) L-Arginine - 4 g/day (an amino acid involved in cellular replication) L-Carnitine - 600 mg. three times per day (found in very high levels in sperm, this amino acid transports fatty acids into the mitochondria and assists sperm motility) Because of sperm's susceptibility to oxidative damage it is recommended to include free-radical scavengers like oligomeric proanthocyanidins. One of the most potent bioactive antioxidant sources comes from the extracts of pine bark extract, red wine extract, grape seed extract, and bilberry extract. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins may be purchased through health and nutritional sources.