Herbal Supplements To Increase Sperm Count, Motility, and Volume
Herbal supplements are increasingly being used to improve sperm count, motility, and volume in men. While medications and other methods are available for male fertility treatments, herbal supplements offer natural options that can be utilised without a prescription.
Supplements for male fertility could provide an effective and non-invasive solution to those seeking help enhancing their fertility. When couples struggle to conceive, this is usually due to male infertility in about 50% of cases.
By combining lifestyle changes with the proper nutrients and vitamins, herbal supplements may provide a viable option for couples looking to increase their chances of conception.
Let’s take a look at some of the common supplements for male fertility, particularly, herbal supplements to increase sperm count, motility and volume.
Male Infertility: What you should be looking for
A complete semen analysis performed by your doctor should show :
- Morphology: This looks at the size and shape of the sperm. Read more about Morphology here.
- LowCount: When looking at sperm count, keep in mind that 20 million sperm per mL or more is a healthy sperm count. Less than that is considered a low sperm count. Read more about low sperm count here.
- Azoospermia: is a condition where no sperm is present in a man’s ejaculate. This condition differs from having a low sperm count where some sperm is produced, just in insufficient quantities to induce a pregnancy naturally. Read more about Azoospermia here.
- Motility: Motility will look at the whip of the tail, movement of the sperm, which is an important part of the sperm being able to navigate and fertilize the egg.
Is It Necessary To Increase Sperm Count, Mobility, or Volume?
A man with low sperm volume can still get a woman pregnant, although history would show that the chances are very low. It is not always necessary to increase sperm count, motility, or volume to improve one’s chance of pregnancy. It is normal for these parameters to fluctuate over time and sometimes even without any external intervention.
However, if the sperm count is low, the motility or volume is considerably diminished, or if other fertility issues are present, then increasing these parameters can be beneficial in helping couples achieve pregnancy.
There are supplements to increase sperm count that can help to naturally enhance sperm count and quality without resorting to medical interventions.
What Is the Best Way To Produce Healthy Sperm?
Research has shown that the best way to produce healthy sperm is to maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. In addition, avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is also crucial to ensure fertility potential.
Reducing stress levels, participating in regular physical activity, and taking certain supplements may also help optimize male fertility. Speaking with a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement program is always advisable.
1. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for achieving optimal reproductive health. Research has shown that being overweight or obese can cause a decrease in testosterone, which can lead to reduced sperm production.
Being overweight has been linked to infertility. If your doctor believes that your weight may be affecting your ability to conceive, bring up losing weight as one of your health objectives.
Excessive fat may also elevate the body’s levels of aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. This can further disrupt hormone balance and inhibit fertility potential.
Incorporating regular exercise and eating a balanced diet will help men stay at a healthy weight and improve their chances of producing healthy sperm.
2. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet is essential for male fertility. Consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the necessary nutrients for sperm production. It is also important to limit unhealthy processed foods and refined sugars, which can interfere with reproductive hormones.
A study in 2012 demonstrated that walnuts added to a Western-style diet improved sperm vitality, motility, and morphology.
Increased consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium, and vitamin C has been linked to improved sperm count and motility. Eating a balanced diet full of these essential nutrients can help men optimize their reproductive health.
A study in 2008 showed that Isoflavones, which are abundant in soy and linked to worse semen quality.
3. Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections
Regarding male fertility, preventing sexually transmitted infections is essential for producing healthy sperm. In addition, using condoms correctly with every sexual encounter and limiting the number of sexual partners can help reduce the risk of exposure to STIs.
A study in 2020 estimated that STDs, which interfere with the physiology of the male reproductive system and may impair semen in parameters such as motility, concentration, morphology and number, cause 15% of male infertility cases.
It is also essential for men to get tested for STIs regularly, even if they do not experience any symptoms. If an infection does occur, it is vital to seek medical care as soon as possible to prevent any long-term damage that may affect fertility potential.
4. Manage Stress
Managing stress is an integral part of achieving good reproductive health. For example, stress has been known to cause a decrease in testosterone levels, resulting in reduced sperm production and motility.
Research has shown that increased levels of cortisol have a significant negative effect on circulating testosterone.
Stress can also interfere with the hormones involved in reproduction, so practicing healthy coping strategies such as exercise, yoga, and mindfulness is important. Taking time for relaxation and self-care can help reduce stress levels and improve fertility potential.
5. Get Moving
Regular exercise is beneficial for ensuring reproductive wellness and is essential for overall health and well-being. In addition, exercise helps to regulate hormone levels, which can improve sperm production and motility.
According to studies, active men had greater testosterone levels and higher-quality sperm than inactive males. It should also be noted that, excessive exercise should be avoided since it could have the opposite impact and perhaps lower testosterone levels.
In addition, exercise can reduce stress levels and promote healthy blood circulation, which is essential for optimal fertility. Therefore, aim for moderate-intensity physical activity at least three days a week to reap the benefits of getting moving in regards to producing healthy sperm.
6. Supplements for Male fertility
Taking certain supplements can be beneficial for producing healthy sperm. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are believed to help improve fertility by increasing sperm count and motility.
Additionally, some research suggests that herbal supplements may be effective in improving male reproductive health. However, it is always best to consult a doctor before taking these supplements to ensure optimal safety and effectiveness.
Recommended supplements for male fertility
Certain supplements are believed to help improve fertility and sperm production in men.
CoQ10
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may be helpful for men looking to improve fertility. Studies suggest that CoQ10 helps to increase sperm motility, morphology, and fertilization rates, as well as sperm concentration. Additionally, CoQ10 is an antioxidant that can protect cells from damage which could potentially reduce oxidative stress.
Ashwagandha
Research suggests that Ashwagandha, an ancient Ayurvedic herb, can positively impact male reproductive health by increasing sperm quality and quantity. It is believed to increase fertility by increasing sperm concentration and motility; these improvements may, in turn, lead to increased fertilization rates.
Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)
Dong Quai, also known as Angelica Sinensis, is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for various conditions for centuries. It may have the potential to increase fertility and improve the quality of sperm. It is believed to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology and promote fertilization rates. Dong Quai contains the antioxidant ferulic acid, which has been demonstrated to enhance the quality of sperm.
Dong Quai is available in supplements form and great supplements to increase sperm count to your boost male fertility.
Dodder Seeds (Semen Cuscutae)
Dodder Seeds, also known as Semen Cuscutae, are a traditional Chinese herb that has recently been studied for their potential to increase fertility and improve the quality of sperm.
A study observed the effects of Semen Cuscutae (SC) on human sperm motility and showed that regular intake of Dodder Seeds can help reverse the reduction of testosterone levels, increase sperm count, motility and morphology, as well as improve fertilization rates.
Dodder seeds are available in supplements form and great supplements for sperm motility to boost male fertility.
Tips for Taking Supplements for Male Fertility
Taking male fertility supplements is an important step for those wanting to improve their reproductive health.
- When taking male fertility supplements, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine appropriate dosages and verify safety. We offer free consultation if you are unsure which supplement is best for you and offer personalised advice. Free consultation is available here.
- Additionally, it is important to follow dosage instructions exactly as recommended in order to achieve the desired results.
- Furthermore, taking male fertility supplements consistently over time is crucial for best results. Therefore, it is essential not to miss doses or take them on an irregular schedule for maximum effectiveness.
- Finally, combining male fertility supplements with other healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise, stress management techniques, and a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is advisable.
When Should I Seek Help?
It is advisable to seek help as soon as possible if the sperm count is low, the motility or volume is considerably diminished, or if other fertility issues are present.
Consulting with a healthcare professional can help couples determine if and how to best improve their chances of achieving pregnancy.
Conclusion
Herbal supplements for male fertility can be an effective way to address male fertility issues and increase sperm count, motility, and volume.
Combining the right herbal supplement with lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet may provide couples with the best chance of conception.
However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any herbal supplements to ensure safety and optimal results.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help to increase sperm count, motility, and volume, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
