How Sperm DNA Damage Undermines Even Advanced Fertility Treatments—and How Acupuncture Can Help

Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, with male factors playing a starring role in up to 50% of cases. While basic semen analysis—measuring sperm count, motility, and shape—has long been the go-to diagnostic tool, it's like judging a book by its cover. Beneath the surface, sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) can lurk as a silent saboteur, damaging the genetic blueprint of sperm and sabotaging conception efforts, even with cutting-edge treatments like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ICSI, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, was hailed as a game-changer for severe male infertility. But recent research from American and European experts reveals it's not foolproof. The good news? Holistic interventions like acupuncture show real promise in repairing this hidden damage, offering hope to couples ready to rewrite their fertility story.