Optimizing Sperm Health, Hormones & Vitality — Naturally
Male fertility is just as important as female fertility in achieving a successful pregnancy. In fact, studies show that male factors contribute to 40–50% of all fertility challenges — yet this area remains under-investigated and under-treated.
At Dr Ryu Natural Medicine, we take a comprehensive, evidence-based, and holistic approach to male fertility. Our male fertility program supports men at every stage — from preconception preparation to IVF/ICSI optimization — using natural, targeted methods to improve sperm health and overall reproductive function.
We Help Improve
- ✅ Sperm count and concentration
- ✅ Sperm motility (movement)
- ✅ Sperm morphology (shape and structure)
- ✅ DNA integrity and oxidative resilience
- ✅ Hormonal balance and testosterone health
- ✅ Sexual function and libido
- ✅ Metabolic and vascular health (insulin, inflammation, circulation)
Through a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, manual therapy, targeted nutrition, and lifestyle interventions, we help men restore reproductive vitality — often leading to improved conception outcomes, both naturally and in IVF.
📅 Book a consultation to discuss how we can help optimize your fertility and overall health.
Why Male Fertility Must Be Taken Seriously — From the Start
When a couple struggles to conceive, the assumption often falls on the woman. However, research consistently shows that male infertility is just as common. Despite this, most men receive little to no detailed assessment or treatment.
Key Principles We Apply
- Male fertility should be confirmed first — before the woman undergoes intensive testing or IVF.
- A sperm test should be done early in the fertility journey.
- Semen is not sperm — volume and appearance tell nothing about quality, motility, or DNA integrity.
- If the woman has known fertility issues, the man must optimize his health to improve outcomes.
- We encourage both partners to attend the initial consultation — fertility is a shared journey, requiring shared understanding and strategy.
Couples Share More Than a Goal — They Share Physiology
Partners often share lifestyle patterns such as diet, stress, sleep, and exercise habits. Consequently, they may share similar metabolic and hormonal imbalances.
- Women with PCOS often have male partners showing “male PCOS equivalents” — insulin resistance, abdominal fat, low SHBG, low testosterone, and reduced sperm quality.
- Conditions such as diabetes, prediabetes, and belly fat (the “oestrogen factory”) directly reduce sperm production and testosterone levels.
That’s why male fertility must be addressed holistically — as a whole-body, metabolic issue, not just a reproductive organ.
Male Fertility: A Global Crisis
- Male fertility has declined sharply over recent decades, yet the diagnostic thresholds have been lowered to make results look “normal.”
- Today, only 4% normal morphology is considered acceptable — down from 10–15% just a few decades ago.
- Few men are referred to urologists or andrologists, and fertility clinics (mostly run by gynaecologists) often bypass the male side using ICSI or IMSI.
- This is the only area of medicine where one person (the woman) receives treatment for another person’s diagnosis (the man).
But IVF cannot compensate for poor sperm quality. A strong, healthy sperm cohort — produced in a robust, testosterone-rich environment — is fundamental for conception, embryo quality, and pregnancy success.
Healthy Sperm = Healthy Man
Sperm health reflects the man’s overall metabolic, vascular, and hormonal state.
Poor sperm health often coexists with:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome
- Low libido or erectile changes
- Chronic inflammation or oxidative stress
- Poor circulation and pelvic floor tension
Improving sperm health means improving the man as a whole — hormonally, physically, and emotionally.
Our Approach
We help men:
✔ Optimize testosterone and hormonal balance
✔ Reduce inflammation and oxidative damage
✔ Improve circulation and pelvic function
✔ Restore vitality and libido
✔ Support metabolic health and longevity
This results in not just a better semen analysis — but better health, stronger vitality, and improved fertility outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Male Fertility
1️⃣ When should a man get his sperm tested?
As soon as a couple begins investigating fertility. Early testing avoids unnecessary delay and gives time to improve sperm health before IVF.
2️⃣ What’s the difference between semen and sperm?
Semen is the fluid; sperm are the reproductive cells within it. You can have normal semen volume but poor sperm count or quality.
3️⃣ Can lifestyle really change sperm quality?
Yes — nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress, and exposure to toxins profoundly affect sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA integrity.
4️⃣ How long does it take to improve sperm health?
A full sperm cycle takes about 74–90 days. Meaningful improvement often appears after 3–6 months of consistent treatment.
5️⃣ Can poor sperm quality cause miscarriage?
Yes. DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress, and chromosomal errors in sperm can increase miscarriage risk.
6️⃣ Are current sperm test standards reliable?
They measure only basic parameters. A “normal” sperm test does not always mean optimal fertility — the bar is now much lower than in previous decades.
7️⃣ What are the signs of hormonal imbalance in men?
Low libido, fatigue, belly fat, mood changes, and reduced muscle mass often indicate low testosterone or insulin resistance.
8️⃣ Does acupuncture help male fertility?
Evidence shows acupuncture can improve sperm motility, morphology, circulation, and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the testes.
9️⃣ What is the role of ICSI or IMSI in male infertility?
They help in cases of low count or poor motility, but they don’t fix underlying sperm or DNA issues. Improving natural sperm quality enhances IVF success.
🔟 Why is male fertility a public health concern?
Sperm counts have halved in the last 40 years globally. Declining male fertility mirrors rising metabolic, hormonal, and environmental stressors — it’s a vital marker of population health.
Take the Next Step
If you’re planning for pregnancy or undergoing IVF, don’t overlook male fertility.
Book your Initial Consultation at Dr Ryu Natural Medicine, Wimbledon, London, to assess and optimize both partners’ reproductive health.