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

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.