Acupuncture for Fertility: Incorporating technology of Zymot in IVF with TCM

Exploring Fertility Solutions: The Role of Zymot and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Enhancing Reproductive Health.

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM)

Acupuncture, TCM, Crows Nest

When it comes to fertility, the spotlight often falls on female factors—but male fertility plays an equally crucial role in conception. Among the many technological advances in reproductive medicine, ZyMot sperm separation devices are creating a quiet revolution in how we prepare sperm for assisted reproductive techniques like IVF and ICSI (Cortez Gallego, et al. 2024). But while ZyMot uses microfluidics to mimic the natural selection process of the female reproductive tract, there's still space in this modern landscape for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture in fertility - to offer complementary support that enhances outcomes holistically.

What is ZyMot?

ZyMot is a medical device used to prepare sperm samples for fertility treatment. Unlike traditional methods like centrifugation, which can damage sperm by subjecting them to mechanical stress, ZyMot relies on microfluidic channels that allow only the healthiest, most motile sperm to swim through—much like what would happen during natural conception inside the female body (Cortez Gallego, et al. 2024).

The result?

• Lower DNA fragmentation

• Higher motility and morphology scores

·   Improved fertilisation potential

Clinics using ZyMot report better embryo quality, higher pregnancy rates, and reduced miscarriage rates—especially in couples where male factor infertility is a contributing issue (Zaha, et al. 2023).

Why Sperm Quality Matters

Sperm health is about more than just count. DNA fragmentation within sperm can lead to poor fertilisation rates, embryo arrest, and even miscarriage. ZyMot’s design specifically filters out sperm with DNA damage, selecting the best swimmers with the most intact genetic material (Pujol, et al. 2022).

For couples going through ICSI or IVF, particularly those who’ve experienced failed cycles or recurrent pregnancy loss, incorporating ZyMot into sperm preparation protocols can make a noticeable difference (Zaha, et al. 2023).

Where Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Fit In?

While ZyMot is excellent at selecting high-quality sperm, TCM focuses on creating it. In fact, this is where the synergy between the two becomes powerful. You can think of ZyMot as a high-tech sieve—and TCM as the nourishing environment that improves what flows into it.

TCM and Sperm Health

From a TCM perspective, male fertility is deeply connected to Kidney Jing (essence), Liver Qi flow, and Spleen Qi. These organ systems, when out of balance, can contribute to low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology.

Common TCM approaches for male fertility include:

• Herbal formulas such as Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan or Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan to nourish Kidney essence.

• Acupuncture to improve testicular blood flow, reduce inflammation, and regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.

• Dietary therapy focused on warming foods, healthy fats, and avoiding damp-producing foods like sugar and dairy.

• Stress reduction techniques to ensure Liver Qi flows smoothly—critical for healthy hormonal cycles in both partners.

Clinical studies have shown that TCM can improve sperm count, motility, and morphology within 2–3 months—a full cycle of sperm maturation (Wang, et al. 2018).

The Integrative Approach: Technology + Tradition

Fertility journeys are deeply personal, often emotionally charged, and physically demanding. By combining ZyMot’s precision with TCM’s whole-body wisdom, couples give themselves the best possible chance of success.

• ZyMot enhances selection.

• TCM enhances production.

It’s a marriage of science and tradition that honours both modern progress and the body’s innate healing intelligence.

To sum things up…

Whether you’re just beginning to explore assisted reproductive technologies or looking for that final missing link after a long journey, ZyMot and Traditional Chinese Medicine can work hand-in-hand. The best outcomes often come when we blend the sharp edge of science with the gentle depth of tradition.

If you're considering fertility support, speak to a reproductive specialist and a licensed TCM practitioner. Together, they can craft a roadmap that supports both the process and the people going through it.

References

Cortés Gallego, S., Arasa, M., Andrés Santé, C., Cordero, C., Rodriguez-Roque, C., Almoyna, A., ... & Horcajadas, J. (2024). P-059 Euploidy and mosaics rates using microfluid sperm selection techniques (Zymot-ICSI®). Human Reproduction, 39(Supplement_1), deae108-436.

Pujol, A., García-Peiró, A., Ribas-Maynou, J., Lafuente, R., Mataró, D., & Vassena, R. (2022). A microfluidic sperm-sorting device reduces the proportion of sperm with double-stranded DNA fragmentation. Zygote, 30(2), 200-205.

Wang, S. C., Wang, S. C., Li, C. J., Lin, C. H., Huang, H. L., Tsai, L. M., & Chang, C. H. (2018). The therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine for poor semen quality in infertile males. Journal of clinical medicine, 7(9), 239.

Zaha, I., Naghi, P., Stefan, L., Bunescu, C., Radu, M., Muresan, M. E., ... & Huniadi, A. (2023). Comparative study of sperm selection techniques for pregnancy rates in an unselected IVF–ICSI population. Journal of Personalized Medicine, 13(4), 619.