EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE ON SEMEN QUALITY: THE INTERFACE BETWEEN CHINESE MEDICINE AND ANDROLOGY

Abstract

Male infertility represents a significant challenge in global reproductive health, accounting for a substantial proportion of infertility cases worldwide. In this context, acupuncture has emerged as a promising complementary therapeutic approach, demonstrating potential to improve semen quality, regulate hormonal function, and reduce oxidative stress. This systematic review analyzed studies published between 2020 and 2025 in English, on the effects of acupuncture on male fertility, highlighting improvements in sperm motility, concentration, and morphology, as well as modulation of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), all essential to spermatogenesis. Evidence suggests that acupuncture acts by modulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, promoting hormonal balance and enhancing the reproductive environment. Additionally, acupuncture was effective in reducing cortisol levels and reactive oxygen species (ROS), both of which negatively impact sperm quality and fertility potential. However, methodological limitations were identified, including small sample sizes, lack of standardized acupuncture protocols, and heterogeneity in inclusion and exclusion criteria. While the findings are promising, there is a clear need for larger, well-designed randomized controlled trials with standardized and reproducible methodologies to consolidate scientific evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in the field of Andrology.