800+ five-star reviews · Three Best Rated 2026 · Fresha Highly Recommended 2026 · MBAcC · CNHC Registered · Fertility Support Trained

Acupuncture for Male Fertility · Middlesbrough

You have more influence over this than anyone has told you.

Male factor is involved in around 40% of all fertility difficulties. Sperm complete a full new cycle every 90 days, which means there is a genuine window to work with. We treat both partners together because that is how you get the best outcome from it.

Book a Couples Consultation →

Coming alone? Book an individual consultation — £99

The only clinic in the North East routinely working with both partners as part of a structured programme

Who This Page Is For

Deanna Thomas, fertility acupuncturist in Middlesbrough

This page is for men who have received an abnormal semen analysis and want to understand what they can do about it. It is also for women doing research on behalf of their partner, and for couples who want to approach their fertility journey as a shared clinical picture rather than a female-only problem.

Male factor infertility is involved in around 40% of all fertility cases. That includes low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology, and elevated DNA fragmentation. These parameters respond to treatment. Working with both partners gives any cycle, natural or assisted, the strongest possible foundation.

Deanna works with men attending fertility clinics across Teesside including James Cook University Hospital, Darlington Fertility Centre, and CARE Fertility. If you are coming to us from Middlesbrough, Yarm, Stockton, Ingleby Barwick, or further afield, you are welcome. Our fertility acupuncture service is built around your full picture, not just one partner's.

Planning to come together as a couple?

If you and your partner both want to be assessed and treated from the outset, our couples fertility acupuncture page is the right starting point. The consultation is structured around both of you from the very first appointment.

MBAcC Member CNHC Registered PG Diploma Obstetrics & Gynaecology Fertility Support Trained PSA Accredited 800+ Five-Star Reviews Three Best Rated 2026

The numbers are too significant to ignore

40%

of fertility cases involve a male factor

days to mature a new sperm cycle

1 in 6

couples in the UK have fertility difficulties

What Acupuncture Can Address

Sperm quality is not fixed. Unlike eggs, sperm are produced continuously and complete a new cycle roughly every 90 days. This means that with the right intervention, at the right time, meaningful change in sperm parameters is achievable.

The research into acupuncture and male fertility focuses on several areas. Published studies have shown improvements in sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation following acupuncture treatment. The mechanisms proposed include improved testicular blood flow, reduced oxidative stress, and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which governs hormone production including testosterone and FSH.

High sperm DNA fragmentation in particular is a significant factor in recurrent implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage, and is not always identified unless specifically requested. If you have had repeated failed cycles and a standard semen analysis has come back within normal ranges, DNA fragmentation testing is worth discussing with your clinic. Acupuncture can be part of a structured approach to reducing fragmentation levels.

Parameters we commonly work with

Low sperm count (oligospermia)
Poor motility (asthenospermia)
Abnormal morphology (teratospermia)
High DNA fragmentation
Combinations of the above (oligoasthenoteratospermia / OAT)
Unexplained male factor where results fall marginally below normal range

Lifestyle factors have a direct and measurable impact on sperm quality — and the numbers are more significant than most people realise. Stopping smoking has been shown to increase sperm counts by 50 to 800% depending on baseline. Even modest alcohol intake of five units or more per week has an adverse effect on sperm quality, which matters particularly in the lead-up to an IVF cycle. Heat is one of the most underestimated factors: the testes need to be kept cooler than core body temperature to function properly, and Sertoli cells — which are essential to sperm production — begin to malfunction within 24 hours of a temperature rise. That means laptops on laps, phones in front pockets, saunas, and hot baths all carry a real cost. These factors, alongside oxidative stress, sleep, and the impact of prescribed medications, are reviewed at your initial consultation and built into the plan. For a deeper look at the evidence behind acupuncture and sperm health, read our Male Fertility Acupuncture: Unlocking Vital Support.

"My wife and I have been coming for treatment together for a few months now and Deanna has been great. She is very skilled and knowledgeable, and has taken great care to put our treatment plan together. I would recommend her to anyone, especially those going through IVF treatment."
Barry Gamble · Google ★★★★★

If you are trying to conceive naturally, our fertility acupuncture page covers the full picture for both partners. If you are preparing for a fresh IVF or ICSI cycle specifically, our IVF acupuncture page explains the full cycle timeline including male partner support ahead of collection.

What the research says

There is a growing body of clinical research into acupuncture and male fertility. Three studies in particular are worth understanding — two for their outcomes, and one for the mechanism that helps explain why acupuncture works in this area.

Randomised Clinical Trial · Andrologia, 2016

Acupuncture vs varicocele surgery in infertile men

30 men with primary infertility, varicocele, and abnormal semen analysis were randomised into two groups: one received varicocelectomy surgery, the other received acupuncture twice weekly for two months. After six months, sperm concentration and motility improved significantly in both groups. The increase in sperm concentration was greater in the acupuncture group (P = 0.039). At 42-month follow-up, pregnancy rates were 33% in both groups.

Kucuk EV, Bindayi A, Boylu U. Andrologia. 2016;48(10):1080–1085.

Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis · European Journal of Medical Research, 2023

Acupuncture ranked most effective non-pharmacological treatment for oligoasthenospermia

A Bayesian network meta-analysis of 38 randomised controlled trials covering 3,080 patients compared eight non-pharmacological therapies for low sperm count and motility. Every intervention outperformed sham and no-treatment approaches. Warming acupuncture ranked highest for both total effective rate and sperm concentration improvement, with SUCRA scores of 80.1% and 93.4% respectively.

Wang Z, et al. Eur J Med Res. 2023;28(1):6. doi:10.1186/s40001-022-00968-6

Mechanism Study · Asian Journal of Andrology, 2009

Acupuncture reduces scrotal temperature in men with low sperm output

This study examined why acupuncture improves sperm production in men with initially low output, finding that successful outcomes were associated with a measurable decrease in scrotal skin temperature. The testes need to be 1–8°C below core body temperature for healthy sperm production. Sertoli cells, which are essential to spermatogenesis, begin to malfunction within 24 hours of a temperature rise. Acupuncture appears to support optimal scrotal temperature through improved circulation and nervous system regulation.

Siterman S, Eltes F, Schechter L, Maimon Y. Asian J Androl. 2009;11(2):200–8.

An honest note on evidence

These studies show a clinically meaningful effect, but acupuncture is a complementary therapy and individual results vary depending on the cause of the problem, consistency of treatment, and lifestyle factors. We cite research to show that the rationale is grounded, not to promise specific outcomes. Results are always discussed honestly at your initial consultation.

We treat fertility as a shared clinical picture

Most fertility clinics treat partners in separate silos. The female partner is given a detailed protocol; the male partner is told to take a multivitamin. In our view, that treats half the problem.

We are the only clinic in the North East that routinely works with both partners as part of a structured programme. For male partners, this means addressing the specific semen parameters that need support alongside lifestyle and supplementation guidance tailored to what the analysis shows. Both partners are seen and treated as part of a shared plan.

For IVF cycles with a confirmed sperm factor, male partner treatment is included within our Roots To Transfer programme, meaning you are both supported without additional cost. The 90-day preparation window before egg collection is when this work has the greatest impact.

The sperm being produced right now will be the sperm relevant to your next cycle. Starting in the right direction today matters more than starting perfectly later. The 90-day window is not a deadline — it is an opportunity.

What your journey looks like

Most people arrive not knowing what to expect. Here is how it actually works from first contact to ongoing treatment.

Initial consultation — £99

A 60 to 75 minute appointment covering your full health history, semen analysis results if you have them, lifestyle factors, and your fertility pathway. You will receive treatment at this session and leave with a clear picture of what is possible. If you are coming with your partner and want you both assessed together, book a couples fertility consultation instead.

Your personalised plan

Based on your consultation, Deanna will recommend the most appropriate level of support, whether that is individual appointments, or one of the structured programmes. For couples, both partners are considered in the same plan. Nothing is prescribed that does not make sense for where you are.

Treatment begins

Weekly sessions timed to your spermatogenesis window and your clinic's protocol. Progress is reviewed regularly. Lifestyle, supplement, and nutrition guidance runs alongside treatment. Email support with Deanna between sessions means nothing has to wait until your next appointment.

Three Best Rated

Middlesbrough 2026

Fresha Highly Recommended

2026

800+ Five-Star Reviews

Google & Fresha combined

MBAcC · CNHC

Professionally registered

If someone has sent you this page and you are not sure

That is completely understandable. Most men who come here arrive sceptical. Some have been told by their GP that nothing can be done. Some feel that fertility is their partner's problem to fix. Some just find the idea of acupuncture uncomfortable and want to know what they are walking into before they commit to anything. The first appointment is genuinely just a conversation. You bring your semen analysis if you have one, you ask whatever you want to ask, and nothing happens that you are not comfortable with. No needles anywhere near the genitals. Many men who were hesitant before their first session book a second one before they leave.

How to Work With Us

We offer both structured programmes for couples on an assisted conception pathway, and individual appointments for those trying naturally or wanting to begin before committing to a full programme. All treatment begins with an initial consultation.

Coming together as a couple?

See the Couples Consultation →

Roots To Transfer™ — IVF Preparation Programme

Programme investment · Fresh IVF & ICSI cycles

Pay in Full

£999

3-Month Plan

£333/month

Payment plan available as three monthly bank transfers · Discuss at your consultation

For couples preparing for a fresh IVF or ICSI cycle, the Roots To Transfer programme supports both partners across the full pre-collection window. For male partners with a confirmed sperm factor, treatment is included within the programme.

12 weekly preparation sessions timed to your cycle phase
Dedicated session around egg collection
Two sessions on transfer day, before and after
Follow-up session one week post-transfer
Partner treatment included where there is a male sperm factor (fresh IVF cycles)
Priority diary access secured for your full programme
Between-session email support with Deanna
Personalised nutrition and supplement guidance
Programme pause available if your cycle is delayed — credits valid for 9 months from purchase
Pregnancy acupuncture credits if positive result

Putting £999 in perspective. 16 individual sessions at standard rates would cost over £1,200. Roots To Transfer™ gives you all 16 for £999, plus email support, nutrition guidance, and a male partner treatment included within the programme. A single private IVF cycle typically costs £5,000 to £8,000. Broken down, £999 is around £83 per week across the preparation window.

Begins with your £99 fertility consultation · Programme purchased following your assessment

Find Out More About Roots To Transfer™

Natural Fertility Programme™ — Trying Naturally

Programme investment · Natural conception pathway

Pay in Full

£999

3-Month Plan

£333/month

Payment plan available as three monthly bank transfers · Discuss at your consultation

For couples trying to conceive naturally, the Natural Fertility Programme provides structured, cycle-aware support for both partners across a three-month window. For male partners, this means addressing the specific semen parameters that need support alongside lifestyle and supplementation guidance tailored to the analysis.

Cycle-timed acupuncture sessions across the full programme window for both partners
Comprehensive 75-minute initial consultation covering semen analysis, cycle history, and health picture
Semen analysis results reviewed and built into the treatment plan from day one
Personalised nutrition and supplement protocol tailored to your specific results
Lifestyle assessment covering heat exposure, sleep, oxidative stress, and environmental factors
Between-session email support with Deanna throughout the programme
Treatment adapted at each phase based on how your body is responding
Both partners held within one shared plan, not treated as separate cases

We are the only clinic in the North East that routinely works this way. Treating one partner and not the other is, in our view, treating half the problem.

Find Out More About the Natural Fertility Programme™

Individual Appointments

For those not ready for a programme

Initial consultation: £99 — 60 to 75 minutes, full case history, treatment, and tailored plan
Follow-up appointments: £75 — 45 to 60 minutes

If a programme is not the right step for you at this stage, individual appointments are available. Many clients begin with a single consultation to understand the picture before deciding on next steps.

We understand that fertility treatment is already expensive. What we would say is this: treating both partners as part of a structured programme is not a luxury. It is the approach most likely to address what is actually happening. A conversation costs nothing. The initial consultation is £99 and there is no obligation beyond that.

We see patients from across Teesside including Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington, Yarm, and Ingleby Barwick. Free parking is available at Acklam shops and in the surrounding residential streets.

Book an Individual Consultation — £99

What couples say

★★★★★

"My wife and I have been coming for treatment together for a few months now and Deanna has been great. She is very skilled and knowledgeable, and has taken great care to put our treatment plan together. We always feel very safe in her hands. I would recommend her to anyone, especially those going through IVF treatment."

Barry Gamble · Google Review

★★★★★

"My partner and I have been having regular weekly sessions with Deanna and cannot recommend her enough. She is worlds apart from other acupuncturists I have seen. So professional, knowledgeable, and always tailors each session to us. She makes you feel instantly at ease and we both feel extremely comfortable under her care."

Amy Johnson · Google Review

From the clinic — in Deanna's words

Some of the outcomes I feel most proud of are the ones nobody expected. One couple came to me while the male partner was on a surgical waiting list for a varicocele repair. Their clinic had told them IVF could not begin until after the surgery. They started the programme together in that waiting period. They conceived naturally before the surgery ever happened, and before IVF was needed.

This is not something I can promise, and I want to be clear about that. But it is also not a coincidence that the research on this page includes a randomised trial comparing acupuncture directly against varicocelectomy, which found that sperm concentration improved more in the acupuncture group. The clinical logic is sound. The 90-day window exists. And treating both partners together, rather than waiting, changes what is possible.

I have also worked with couples who were told natural conception was not an option at all, who went on to conceive without IVF after completing a structured programme. These outcomes do not happen for everyone. But they happen often enough that I believe the male side of fertility deserves the same level of attention and investment as the female side. It is half the picture.

Deanna Thomas — MBAcC, PG Diploma Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fertility Support Trained

Questions people often ask

Does acupuncture actually improve sperm quality?

Yes, and there is specific published research to support it rather than just general claims. A randomised controlled trial published in Andrologia found that acupuncture produced greater improvements in sperm concentration than varicocelectomy surgery in a head-to-head comparison. A 2023 Bayesian meta-analysis of 38 RCTs covering over 3,000 patients ranked warming acupuncture as the most effective non-pharmacological treatment for low sperm count and motility. A further study in the Asian Journal of Andrology identified that acupuncture reduces scrotal temperature, which directly explains one of the key mechanisms. These studies are summarised in full further up this page. Individual results vary and nothing is guaranteed, but the clinical rationale is well grounded.

My semen analysis came back normal. Should I still be doing something?

Standard WHO reference ranges for semen analysis are set at thresholds associated with natural conception within 12 months. They are not a measure of optimal fertility. A result that falls just within normal range may still benefit from support, particularly if your partner has a known diagnosis or you are embarking on assisted conception. DNA fragmentation, which is not part of a standard analysis, is worth discussing with your clinic if you have had unexplained implantation failures.

Is the partner treatment within the Roots To Transfer programme included in the £999 price?

Yes. For fresh IVF and ICSI cycles where there is a confirmed male sperm factor, partner acupuncture treatment is included within the Roots To Transfer programme at no additional cost. This is one of the key differences between our structured programme and booking individual sessions separately. The programme is built around both of you.

How many sessions will I need if I book individually?

For meaningful change in sperm parameters, we generally recommend committing to at least 10 to 12 weekly sessions to cover most of one sperm cycle. Progress is assessed at consultation and reviewed as treatment continues. If you are on a tighter timeline approaching an egg collection date, Deanna will advise on the most effective approach for where you are.

Will acupuncture interfere with my medication or my clinic's protocol?

No. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy and works alongside your clinic's protocol, not in place of it. Deanna reads your test results, understands your medication schedule, and builds treatment that complements what your clinic is doing. If anything clinically relevant arises, she will always advise you to inform your consultant.

I feel fine. Do I really need to do anything?

This is a very common response, and a fair one. Sperm parameters are not something you can feel. Many men with significantly abnormal results have no symptoms at all. If a semen analysis has flagged an issue, that is the relevant data, not how you feel day to day. The good news is that sperm health is genuinely improvable with the right approach and enough time.

My partner is the one having IVF. What exactly does the male side look like?

Within the Roots To Transfer programme, male partner treatment is included for fresh IVF and ICSI cycles where there is a confirmed sperm factor. Sessions are timed around the 90-day spermatogenesis window ahead of egg collection. In practice, this means regular weekly sessions focused on the specific parameters identified in your analysis, alongside guidance on heat, supplements, and lifestyle. You will be treated as part of a shared plan, not as an afterthought.

What does the initial consultation involve?

The initial consultation is 60 to 75 minutes. Deanna will take a full health history covering your semen analysis results, relevant medical history, lifestyle factors, and your current fertility pathway. If you have a semen analysis, please bring it or have the results to hand. The session will also include treatment, and you will leave with a clear picture of what is possible and what is recommended for your situation. There is no pressure to book further sessions at that stage.

Fertility is both of your journeys.
The support should be too.

The consultation is simply a conversation. A chance for Deanna to understand the full picture, and for you both to feel whether this is the right support. No pressure, no obligation.