Work

Effectiveness of electroacupuncture in improving sperm motility and morphology in men with varicocele

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Infertility affects 15% of couples worldwide, with male factors contributing to over half of the cases. Varicocele, present in 35% of men with primary infertility, impairs sperm quality. This study evaluates the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on improving sperm motility and morphology in varicocele patients. A single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 14 participants divided into an EA group (n=7) and a control group (n=7). The intervention group received EA in combination with a herbal regimen and Tribulus Terrestris, while the control group received only the herbal regimen and Tribulus Terrestris without EA. Men aged 20-35 with ultrasound-confirmed varicocele and abnormal spermiograms were included. Statistical analysis used the paired t-test, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney tests. The EA group showed significant improvements in sperm morphology (P=0.029) and motility (P=0.026) compared to the control group. These findings suggest that EA significantly enhances sperm quality in varicocele patients and may serve as an effective complementary treatment for male infertility.

Source: African Journal of Reproductive Health

DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i1.5

Authors: Uki R. Budihastuti, Bhisma Murti, Teguh Prakosa, Ida Nurwati, Abdurahman Laqif, Eriana Melinawati

Institutions: Sebelas Maret University, Panti Rapih Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Sperm and Testicular Function

Subfield: Reproductive Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Universitas Sebelas Maret