The Conception Channel Podcast

Sexual (performative, function) health issues (erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, libido) and Acupuncture as Treatment

Most men experience some sexual function loss or dips in libido at some point in their lives, and it’s not always because you’ve had one too many at the pub last night. In fact if the subject weren’t such a taboo, experiences and solutions could be shared more openly leading to improved quality of life and better sex. There is a ton of pressure on men to perform these days with pop culture, the prevalence of internet porn and other cultural expectations playing a role in everyone’s perceptions of what is a healthy and mutually satisfying sexual experience. Not to mention the magic of the little blue pill that has become the go to prescription since its release to the public in 1998; Viagra has become one of the largest selling drugs on earth. In terms of long term health, sexual dysfunction can be a precursor to potentially more serious conditions connected with circulation, blood flow and blood health (heart conditions, stroke, diabetes, etc.). By confronting sexual health conditions you may save yourself from other serious issues down the road. Male sexual issues can play out in a variety of ways, namely erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and low libido.

Continue Reading »

Natural Treatment for Chronic Prostatitis / CPPS (Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome)

How Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Can Help Reduce Pain, Solve Urinary Problems, and Improve Sexual Function. Male Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS) is a well-established condition known for the pain and discomfort it causes. It was long thought to be connected specifically with prostatitis or inflamed prostate gland and differentiated from acute bacterial prostatitis or chronic bacterial prostatitis. However, more recently it has been re-defined as abdominal and/or pelvic pain lasting for 3 months, without evidence of a urinary tract infection.

Continue Reading »

What You Need to Know About Male Infertility

As our cultural and medical understanding of sperm health and male fertility grows, our sperm quality and quantity declines. A study published last year (https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article-abstract/23/6/646/4035689?redire…) found a hefty decline in sperm counts between 1973 and 2011, a 50-60% drop in this time; dramatic to say the least. Most disturbing is there are only theories and notions as to what is the actual cause of this steep decline. Sperm production is a complicated biochemical process and to assess the variables that are in play in it’s healthy production is difficult. Usually studies will look at one or two chemicals or variables to see how they affect sperm health. These types of studies will often show concrete correlations between phthalate exposure and sperm health (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29024969), or stress levels and lower testosterone (https://militarymedicine.amsus.org/doi/pdf/10.7205/MILMED-D-11-00053). However, to have a full picture of the situation is extremely difficult, and all we can do now is investigate trends and specific factors that may be contributing.

Continue Reading »

Acupuncture and IVF (in-vitro fertilization)

In-vitro fertilization was originally developed to treat infertility due to fallopian tube problems. It is being used today to help couples who are experiencing other issues such as poor sperm quality, surrogacy, advanced maternal age, and unexplained infertility. Recently, clinical research has shown that integrating acupuncture with IVF can contribute positively to how you feel during your IVF cycle, and may also improve your chances for a successful pregnancy.

Continue Reading »

Supporting Follicular Genesis with Acupuncture and Self-Care

The egg you release this menstrual cycle has actually been in its final phase of maturation for the past 3 menstrual cycles. That is when the pre-antral follicle stage began; during this time the follicle grows from 0.2 mm to about 20 mm when the follicle is finally mature and the egg is ready for fertilization. Many follicles grow at the same time during the pre-antral stage. The follicles become “antral” once there is a fluid-filled sac which surrounds the egg.

Continue Reading »

How to properly do a post-holiday cleanse (and why your body desperately needs it)

The month of December is such an incredible time during which most of us get to catch up with family, friends, loved ones, and of course some of our favourite foods. When advising patients during the holidays, I normally tell them not to worry about this. It’s true that the diet is an important fundamental factor of overall health, however December is not the best time to initiate dietary changes if you want to set yourself up for success. Normally I encourage my patients to eat as they normally would over the holidays, and get back on track with healthy eating habits in January. Therefore, the start of a new year creates a great opportunity for you to cleanse and reset your whole system to set the tone for a healthy year.

Continue Reading »

CBD2 Cannabinoid receptors regulate & control the production of sperm, in a (perhaps) unexpected way

Sperm & Marijuana – Science Magazine found results contrary to the commonly held belief that marijuana is universally bad for sperm production; rather, isolating compounds has somewhat surprising effects – “both hyper- and hypo-stimulation of CB2 disrupted the temporal dynamics of the spermatogenic cycle”. In other words, your cannabinoid receptors need to be adequately stimulated to produce optimal sperm numbers.

Continue Reading »

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is pain and swelling of the prostate gland. It usually develops for unknown reasons.

Prostatitis can result from a bacterial infection that spreads to the prostate from the urinary tract or from bacteria in the blood stream.

Continue Reading »

your free gift

Yinstill Fertility Diet & Workbook

Learn how to optimize your fertility with Traditional Chinese Medicine dietary principles. Includes lots of great fertility-boosting recipes!