Categories: Mens fertility

Sperm Quality – Toxins – Miscarriage

Pregnancies ending in miscarriage are being found to be fathered by men with higher numbers of abnormal sperm (i.e. misshapen sperm heads, double tails, etc.). Abnormal sperm are also being found to occur more often in males exposed to chemicals during the two month sperm development period before conception (3). Results of recent research indicate that sperm quality influences not only the likelihood of miscarriage, but also the rates of fertilization of eggs and subsequent embryo development (rates of embryo cleavage, blastocyst formation and implantation). A Sperm DNA test is preformed to measure damage that may be present in sperm. The integrity of the sperm DNA is used as a marker to predict pregnancy outcomes. Male partners of couples with a history of unexplained infertility, poor embryo quality after in vitro fertilization (IVF), implantation failure after IVF, recurrent chemical or occult pregnancy losses, or recurrent early spontaneous abortions should consider that there may be underlying problems with sperm quality (1, 2).

The largest study done to date involved 61 papers concerning sperm concentration/count in a total of 14,957 males without a history of infertility. A staggering decline in average sperm counts from 113 million per ml in 1940 to 66 million per ml in 1990, and in seminal volume from 3.40 ml to 2.75 ml was noted (6).

Must Read: Complete Male Fertility Evaluation

Studies over the past two decades have clearly shown that commonly used substances (pesticides, industrial chemicals, metals) have been shown to have estrogen-mimicking and other endocrine-disrupting effects (5). The following, just to name a few, are examples you may find around your home.

Dioxins (bleaching of paper, waste incineration, burning of residential waste, feminine products): cause decreased sperm production, decreased testis weight, decreased testosterone levels, delayed puberty, and endometriosis.
Phthalates (plastic softener, polyvinyl chloride (PVC, vinyl) products, children’s toys, some teethers, food packaging, cling wraps, medical devices, backpacks, shower curtains, vinyl flooring, wallpaper, decorating and building products, blood bags, adhesives, mosquito insect repellents, plastic plumbing pipes, nail polish, skin moisturizers, perfumes, solvents, cosmetics, personal care products, wood finishes and insecticides): cause damaged, shrunken, undescended, or atrophied testicles; reduced sperm production; damaged sperm, destruction of Sertoli cells (which produce sperm) and lowered testosterone levels in offspring.
Lead causes decreased fertility, increased rates of miscarriage, pre-term delivery, low birth weight, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, abnormal sperm shape and size.

Mercury in predatory fish species, such as shark and tuna, and bottom-feeders, such as crab causes adverse effects on the developing fetus, sperm, and male reproductive organs. It also increases the number of spontaneous abortions and stillbirths

It is also important to note that with the increases in infertility and abnormal sperm being observed in today’s male population, studies highlight the significant benefits of which may be attained by simply consuming organic food for couples wishing to have children (4).

Detoxification through diet, supplementation, herbal therapy, and acupuncture has shown clinically profound improvements in semen quality as well as over health, wellness, and satisfaction with life and relationships.

Dr Spence Pentland

Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Dr. Pentland is founder of The IVF Acupuncture Group of Greater Vancouver, available 7 days a week for on site embryo transfer and acupuncture treatments at the Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM) and Genesis Fertility Centre. “The integrated relationship I have established with these clinics is something that I value very much as it expands my knowledge, gives me the opportunity to reach more people, and helps me better understand how to support women on their journey toward family.” says Dr. Pentland. Dr. Pentland, along with Dr. Jeffrey Roberts of The Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), and Dr. Christine Sutton of the University of British Columbia, authored research published in Fertility & Sterility on the stress reducing effects of acupuncture when administered in the weeks leading up to an IVF embryo transfer. In 2015 Spence published BEING FERTILE - 10 Steps to Help You Overcome the Struggles of Infertility, Get Pregnant, and Create a Happy, Healthy Family. A book written to provide hope, tools and resources for women and couples experiencing difficulty starting or expanding their families. Further demonstrating his commitment to reproductive health, he is a devoted member of IAAC (Infertility Awareness Association), CFAS (Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society), and ASRM (American Society for Reproductive Medicine). As the former president of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of British Columbia and the provincial BC TCM quality assurance committee, Dr. Pentland is well respected by peers and patients alike. He remains actively involved in educating healthcare colleagues and the public on the powerful benefits of Chinese medicine & acupuncture, working steadily on the integration of ancient Daoist wisdom into modern western life as a way to build awareness about reproductive health. This compassionate expertise is reflected in patient testimonials. When not helping others start their families, Spence can be found spending time with his own--his adoring wife Chantal and their two beautiful sons. “I am very proud to be part of the team of professionals at Yinstill. We are all dedicated to raising the bar in the field of complimentary and alternative reproductive medicine. Nothing is more important than family,” he says. Professional Development Certifications Combining TCM and IVF to Improve Clinical Outcomes - Jane Lyttleton Treating Complex Gynecological Conditions with Evidence-based Acupuncture - Elisabet Stener-Victorin High-Performance Summit - Darren Hardy Acupuncture during Pregnancy: safe and ethical practice - Claudia Citkovitz Treating Irregular Menstrual Bleeding - Sharon Weizenbaum Management of High Risk Pregnancy Conditions - David Bray Physiology & Pathology of Gynecology - Giovanni Maciocia Treatment protocols for Menopause and Endometriosis - Kiiko Matsumoto Chinese medicine approach to the treatment of Poor Ovarian Reserve - Brandon Horn Clinical problems and solutions in Oriental Reproductive medicine - Dr. Daoshing Ni Treatment strategies for PCOS, Weight Loss, & type 2 Diabetes - Sharon Weizenbaum Allergic and Autoimmune diseases - Mazin Al-Khafaji Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth - Debra Betts Treating Infertility with Chinese medicine - Bob Flaws Masters class in Diagnosis - Bob Flaws East meets West in Reproductive medicine - Mike Berkley The Infertility Cure - Chinese wellness program - Randine Lewis Men’s Health and Fertility - Peter Deadman Integrating acupuncture and IVF - Diane Cridennda and Dr. Paul Magarelli Treatment of Infertility with Chinese medicine - Jane Lyttleton Yang School lecture series Part 1 - Dr. Liu Fang Advanced acupuncture in pregnancy - Jean Levesque Certified Western herbalist - Packard School of Nutrition Courageous conversations - Justice Institute Biology of Empowerment - Dr. Lee Pulos Secrets of Chinese Pulse Diagnosis - Bob Flaws and Honora Lee Wolfe View Articles and Blog Posts by Dr. Pentland Read Dr. Pentland's Success Stories Become Spence's friend on facebook