The thing about doctors is that they’re trained in a scientific tradition. If something isn’t definitively proven, they’re often hesitant to suggest it might be the case. When people research the internet and read about some great treatment/cure and voice this to their doctor, they’re often shot down with phrases like “We don’t really know…”, “Flawed studies…” and “I’ve seen very little evidence to suggest…”

Pursuing natural remedies is usually harmless, however, if researched. In my case, I wrote down every suggestion of a vitamin or supplement that appeared to promote sperm health and general male fertility. I then researched those things to be sure they weren’t potentially harmful. In the end, I began taking regular supplements of Vitamin C, E, Beta Carotene, Zinc, L-Arginine and Yohimbe. Be cautious about dosage of the last two; Yohimbe can be dangerous, especially, if taken in larger dosages.

Meanwhile, at our gym Elizabeth struck up a conversation with Yosef Pollack, an acupuncturist who has a business here in Oak Park called Acupuncture Points. He claimed that acupuncture could treat male fertility issues including morphology. I’m not usually one to try these things without real evidence, but acupuncture seemed to be getting increased respect lately and damn, we really wanted to try everything. It also doesn’t hurt to show your wife how dedicated you are. I met with Yosef and we determined I would come in every Wednesday after work for an hour and he would… you know… stick needles in me (not THERE, mind you).

I can’t say I like acupuncture, stripping down to your underwear and getting jabbed and all that. I suppose if I walked in with some physical pain and walked out relieved, I would feel differently. For me, however, my desired results were not something I could see or feel. The sessions weren’t unpleasant usually and I would often fall asleep. At times (or often all at once) I had needles in my ears, head, abdomen, hands and feet. There were times of discomfort: very mild pain or even a big crazy twinge as a result of the needle hitting a nerve. In the end, these sessions were to cost $60 each with the understanding that I would undergo a ten-session treatment.