Male Fertility Supplements: What Is It, Beneficial Ingredients

Unlike female infertility, which usually receives more attention, male infertility is often overlooked or underestimated. This is due to the misconception that infertility stems from issues within the female reproductive system.

According to a 2023 study [1.], in approximately 20% of infertility cases, the male partner is solely responsible. Fortunately, there may be a solution for this.

Male fertility supplements are formulated to help with semen quality, increase sperm count, and improve overall fertility. These supplements may be the golden ticket to supporting male reproductive health.

Understanding Male Fertility

Lifestyle factors (i.e. smoking, drug use, excess alcohol, obesity, stress levels, etc.) are among known contributors to Male Infertility.

Male infertility describes a man's inability to impregnate a fertile female partner, despite having consistent unprotected sexual intercourse for an entire year. This is also known as male factor infertility, which arises specifically due to problems with the male reproductive system.

According to research, infertility has been ranked as one of the top most stressful circumstances individuals face, comparable to divorce and even the loss of a loved one. It affects 186 million individuals across the globe.

Causes of Male Infertility

There are numerous causes of male infertility. While some are irreversible conditions, such as genetic disorders (i.e. sperm DNA fragmentation), surgical procedures (i.e. vasectomy), or congenital abnormalities, many are reversible and likely able to improve with the right intervention.

Some of the most common causes of male infertility include:

• Low sperm count (oligospermia)
• Poor sperm motility (asthenospermia)
• Abnormal sperm shape or morphology
• Sexual dysfunction (i.e. premature ejaculation, infrequent sexual intercourse, or erectile dysfunction)
• Enlarged veins within the scrotum
• Hormonal imbalances (i.e. abnormally low testosterone)
• Obstruction or blockage of the ejaculatory ducts
• Testicular injury or trauma
• Infection of the reproductive tract (i.e. sexually transmitted infections)
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Certain medications or treatments (i.e anabolic steroids or chemotherapy)
• Lifestyle factors (i.e. smoking, drug use, excess alcohol, obesity, stress levels, etc.)

The good news is nearly 50% of male factor infertility cases can be treated or reversed.

Before turning to more invasive treatments, such as surgical techniques to retrieve sperm or in-vitro fertilization (IVF), consider male fertility supplements.

What are Male Fertility Supplements?

Alongside supporting semen volume, quality, and functionality, some male fertility supplements can help enhance physical capacity and endurance, such as boosting muscle performance.

Male fertility supplements are dietary supplements formulated to support and improve male reproductive health and fertility. They contain vitamins, minerals, herbs, biomolecules, and other nutrients curated to support male reproductive health.

Most of the micronutrients and natural compounds found in male fertility supplements help to:

• Increase sperm count
• Improve sperm motility
• Support testosterone levels
• Enhance sperm morphology
• Support DNA integrity within sperm
• Boost male fertility

Alongside supporting semen volume, quality, and functionality, some male fertility supplements can help enhance physical capacity and endurance, such as boosting muscle performance.

It is possible to use supplements to enhance sexual stamina, libido, and energy while also increasing the likelihood of conception.

Male Fertility Supplements: Beneficial Ingredients To Look For

Specific ingredients can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a male fertility supplement.

Since no two supplements are formulated the same, you must familiarize yourself with some ingredients that can help improve male fertility.

Here is a list of ingredients to look for:

• Zinc: as a common compound found in seminal fluid, zinc supplementation can help with spermatogenesis (sperm production) and motility, along with maintaining healthy levels of testosterone
• Coenzyme Q10 (coQ10): this compound increases sperm volume and performs as a powerful antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress
• Folic Acid: also known as vitamin B9, folic acid plays a role in DNA synthesis and repair of sperm cells, helping promote healthy sperm development
• Vitamin C: as another antioxidant, vitamin C helps neutralize free radicals and protect cells from damage
• Vitamin D: also known as "the sunshine vitamin", vitamin D can help improve sperm quality and testosterone levels and may also be linked to improved sperm motility and morphology
• Selenium: this trace mineral plays a role in improving sperm count while also preventing DNA damage in sperm cells
• Ashawanga: this adaptogenic herb is an important dietary supplement that relieves stress and helps increase fertility in men
• Ginseng: this compound acts directly on sperm cells via steroid receptors to enhance sexual performance and improve male fertility by modifying neuronal and hormonal systems
• Tribulus Terrestris: this ingredient supports male libido and may positively affect sperm count
• Lepidium meyenii (Maca): this plant derivative helps support male fertility by increasing sperm formation

Being mindful of these ingredients can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a male fertility supplement.

Lifestyle Factors and Complementary Approaches

Sticking to moderate levels of exercise, such as 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each day, can be beneficial. Even regular sexual activity counts as a bit of exercise!

While many male fertility supplements play a central role in enhancing reproductive health, it is essential to recognize that lifestyle factors can significantly contribute to optimizing fertility and overall well-being.

Here are 5 lifestyle factors and complementary approaches that can help boost the effectiveness of male fertility supplements.

1. Diet Modifications

A well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins is a great way to promote better reproductive health.

Since the nutrients in male fertility supplements are similar to those in a healthy diet, using both can improve reproductive health.

For example, poultry, seafood, beans, and nuts are rich in zinc, while leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains are important sources of folic acid.

2. Daily Exercise

Engaging in regular exercise is shown to support semen quality and functionality.

However, a 2017 study reports that duration, intensity, and load can all play a role in influencing semen quality. For instance, too high of intensity may adversely affect testosterone levels and contribute to reduced sperm quality.

Sticking to moderate levels of exercise, such as 30-60 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each day, can be beneficial. This can include biking, running, swimming, weight lifting, or participating in recreational sports.

Even regular sexual activity counts as a bit of exercise!

3. Stress Management

For many men, stress can be a common culprit to their infertility issues.

This 2018 study found that stress in men can negatively impact infertility by increasing adrenergic activation, which can cause vasoconstriction in the testicles. This activity can lead to lower testosterone levels and reduced sperm formation.

Practicing stress-reduction techniques, such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga and maintaining healthy support networks with friends, family, or a partner can be beneficial in lowering stress and improving fertility.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep is another central part of men's sexual health and well-being.

According to this 2017 study, both short and long sleep durations were associated with significantly lower sperm counts and survival rates compared to optimal sleep durations.

Men's average, optimal sleep time frame is roughly 7-8 hours.

5. Avoid Harmful Substances

Finally, limiting exposure to harmful substances, such as tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs, is a protective factor in maintaining sperm quality.

A 2017 study found that heavy alcohol use has been reported to lower sperm concentration and testosterone volume in men.

FAQs

How do I increase my fertility as a male?

Some of the best ways to increase male fertility involve taking supplements containing a blend of beneficial vitamins and minerals and making lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and managing stress.

What age is men's sperm the most fertile?

Men are most fertile between ages 20 and 35, and fertility gradually decreases. From age 30, men's serum total testosterone declines by 1-2% every year, which may contribute to reduced fertility.

How can a man tell if he is fertile?

Fertility can be assessed through a semen analysis test, which evaluates sperm count, morphology, and motility.

What does it mean to be sterile?

Being sterile is defined as being unable to conceive a child naturally due to irreversible reproductive issues, such as congenital absence of the vas deferens, azoospermia (blockage, failure, or abscess of sperm), or certain types of genetic disorders.

Do male fertility supplements actually work?

Yes. However, it helps to familiarize yourself with key ingredients that make up an effective male fertility supplement, such as zinc, folic acid, vitamins C and D, selenium, folic acid, ginseng, etc.

Understanding these components can help you choose the right supplement tailored to your needs and improve your chances of boosting fertility.

The Steady Freddy Team

We create this content to help couples and individuals better understand sexual wellness, with a focus on premature ejaculation, one of the most common male sexual dysfunctions. To address this issue, we've developed a medically formulated delay spray designed to help men last longer and perform better during sex. Learn how to use delay spray to maximize its effectiveness. Our articles are thoroughly researched, backed by data and studies, and medically reviewed for accuracy to provide reliable and insightful information.