Approximately one in eight couples will face challenges in conceiving a baby. Creating a new life is a beautiful thing, but if the male partner struggles to produce healthy sperm, it can ruin the sexual mood, disrupt the conception process, and cause unnecessary stress.
There are many ways to strengthen your sperm, including male fertility supplements. While researchers and doctors are studying the effectiveness of these supplements, there are many options for you to explore.
This article highlights what male fertility supplements are, how they can help, and the top male fertility supplements on the market.
What Are Male Fertility Supplements?
Male fertility supplements are pills or tablets that enhance a man’s ability to reproduce.
These types of supplements for male fertility differ from standard dietary supplements in the amounts and types of active components.
The typical ingredients of men’s fertility supplements include arginine, selenium, coenzyme Q, folic acid, and zinc.
What Do Male Fertility Vitamins Do?
The primary goal of men’s fertility vitamins is to conceive a baby with a female partner.
While it is essential for women to take prenatal vitamins, the man must do his part to increase the chances of conception. Here is a quick breakdown of what vitamins for male fertility accomplish:
Boost Sperm Count
When a man is deficient in nutrients, it can cause a lower sperm count or concentration.
Supplements for male fertility ensure that the man receives the optimal nutrition needed for high sperm counts.
When there are more sperm, there is a more significant chance one will reach the egg for proper conception.
Facilitate Sperm Maturity
Men create millions of sperm daily. The challenge is to keep the tiny sperm cells healthy and durable for the long run.
Male fertility supplements deliver the necessary nutrients to keep the sperm high quality and mature.
When it is time to conceive, the sperm needs to be in the ideal condition to swim to the egg.
Raise Sperm Quality
The chances of getting pregnant are a direct correlation with sperm quality. For the sperm cell to fertilize the egg, it needs to have all the necessary nutrients and health conditions to succeed.
Male fertility supplements deliver the essential nourishment to increase the chances of conception.
Elevate Overall Health and Well-Being
Male fertility supplements claim to do more than improve sperm quality. Men’s overall health is another beneficiary of sperm vitamins.
Males who take these supplements are more likely to receive boosted energy and experience better sleep.
When Are Sperm Supplements Necessary?
Infertility occurs when the male has a low chance of impregnating his female partner.
The issue usually arises from weak or poor sperm cells. Therefore, it is valid to consider if vitamins to help sperm are effective.
Due to the ineffectiveness of most sperm vitamin ingredients, these supplements are not always necessary. Here are several other healthy alternatives to vitamins for men’s sperm health:
- Exercise consistently: Regular physical activity improves many aspects of men’s health, but it can also increase testosterone and enhance fertility. Exercising too much could have an adverse effect by decreasing testosterone levels, but sufficient zinc consumption can fix this.
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Reduce and manage stress: It is difficult to perform sexually when you experience stress. High stress can also diminish your mood and motivation for sex, which can negatively impact fertility.
When you take steps to reduce stress by meditating, taking walks, and exercising, it can reduce cortisol levels and boost fertility. - Tribulus Terrestris: Tribulus Terrestris is a medicinal herb that helps raise male fertility. It is also referred to as puncture vine. Based on a medical study, men took six grams of this root twice per day for two months, and it successfully improved libido and erectile function.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin is influential in both female and male fertility. Not only does Vitamin D increase levels of testosterone, but it also boosts sperm motility.
Do Fertility Supplements for Men Really Work?
So, the question remains: are sperm supplements necessary to solve this issue? According to a study published in Urology within the National Library of Medicine, only 17% of the 90 total ingredients in the most popular fertility vitamins for men improve sperm quality.
Doctors analyzed 17 of the top men’s fertility vitamins available via online retail.
Based on the study, the top five most effective ingredients included the following:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- L-Carnitine
- Zinc
- CoQ10
While male fertility supplements will work for some men, they are not a guarantee for conception success.
Due to the lack of consistent concrete evidence, it is best to do your research and consult with a male fertility specialist.
10 Best Male Fertility Supplements for Men in 2021
The list below makes up the best vitamins for male fertility because they all boost sperm count, elevate sperm quality, and facilitate sperm motility.
When deciding on the best vitamins for healthy sperm, it is wise to seek a second opinion from a doctor or medical expert.
When we compiled the list of best supplements for men’s fertility, we analyzed the top medical and review websites for critical insights.
1. Shilajit
Shilajit is designed to specifically support male fertility by boosting sperm count, quality, motility, and overall growth.
Shilajit is said to raise sperm numbers by approximately 60% while also facilitating balance, cognitive function, and energy.
How Does It Help?
Shilajit delivers an optimal combination of nutrients that elevate conception success and seeks to optimize the sperm’s penetration into the egg.
It also enables the male’s sperm to swim quicker. Not only does it safeguard the growth of sperm, but it enhances its overall shape and long-term health.
2. Natalist CoQ10
CoQ10 is an antioxidant that provides support for metabolism. This supplement is backed by research to safeguard cells from long-term damage.
As you shop online or in the store for CoQ10, it will typically come in two different variations: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Ubiquinone provides a fat-soluble option, which can make it more challenging to absorb.
The ubiquinol makes up the water-soluble option for better absorption.
How Does It Help?
Natalist CoQ10’s goal is to transform sperm health and egg quality. Studies also show that the CoQ10 elevates sperm motility, sperm count, and sperm concentration for males with azoospermia and varicocele issues.
Stress from oxidation can hinder sperm’s motility, which is where CoQ10 provides the much-needed assistance.
CoQ10 aids men's fertility and has a proven track record for increasing fertility for females.
Therefore, this is a supplement you can share with your partner if the need arises.
3. Selenium
Selenium serves as an essential trace mineral and antioxidant for male fertility supplements.
You only need a tiny amount to receive its antioxidant benefits. When combined with various vitamins, this supplement can eliminate free radical damage and optimize sperm quality for men.
How Does It Help?
Selenium is a consistent solution for fertility supplements because it improves motility, morphology, and sperm count.
You can also receive enhanced effects when you combine selenium with vitamin E, vitamin C, or folate.
The nutrient also provides critical assistance with reproductive health and metabolism. Selenium also boosts MDA levels, a key metric for oxidative stress.
4. Folate
Folate is a B-vitamin that is instrumental in a variety of bodily functions. It transforms carbohydrates into energy, which produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and eventually RNA and DNA.
Folate also guides a healthy pregnancy by developing the baby’s nervous system and brain.
As a male supplement for fertility, it helps mature and create sperm for smooth conception.
How Does It Help?
Folate is a reliable solution for reproduction as it aids the maturation, development, and creation of sperm.
This B-vitamin also boosts sperm concentration to elevate the overall chance of conception.
Studies show that lower folate qualities lead to below-average sperm quality. Without optimal levels of folate, the genetic makeup of the sperm could get damaged.
5. Vitamin C
Because vitamin C is a reliable antioxidant, it can efficiently protect sperm from different sources of damage. Low levels of vitamin C in sperm mean poorer morphology.
Men who begin taking vitamin C supplements tend to experience higher sperm motility too.
Vitamin C and E also play a pivotal role in reducing DNA fragmentation within sperm and raising the chances of conception.
How Does It Help?
Vitamin C’s main job is to act against reactive oxygen species (ROS), also referred to as “free radicals.” A healthy body keeps these ROS levels low.
Poor life choices, pollutants, diseases, and other stress factors can lead to a spike in ROS.
When your body experiences high amounts of ROS, it will go into oxidative stress, which leads to inflammation, chronic diseases, and sperm damage.
6. Vitamin E
Much like its antioxidant partner vitamin C, vitamin E helps safeguard sperm from free radical threats.
Vitamin E usually pairs with other supplement alternatives. This antioxidant has a proven history of enhanced morphology, motility, and overall genetic health.
Researchers also concluded that vitamins E and C combined could effectively eliminate fragmentation within sperm DNA.
How Does It Help?
Vitamin E serves as a critical facilitator for male fertility because of its ability to lower oxidative stress, much like vitamin C.
It usually facilitates reproductive health as a solo supplement, but it can also combine well with CoQ10 and selenium.
When you mix vitamin E with selenium for a few months, the oxidative stress marker (MDA) will typically decrease to a healthy level.
7. Zinc
Zinc is another top solution for men’s reproductive health. These supplements typically lead to boosts in motility, sperm volume, and standard morphology.
Zinc plays a part in numerous reproductive functions, such as sperm stability, testosterone production, and spermatogenesis.
When there are deficient levels of zinc in the body, men typically experience various sperm irregularities.
How Does It Help?
Zinc helps with male fertility by immediately increasing semen volume, sperm morphology, and motility.
In addition to reproductive enhancements, zinc coordinates critical activity for over 300 enzymes in the body.
When you contain high zinc levels, you experience healthy digestion, metabolism, nerve function, and overall reproductive success.
8. D-Aspartic Acid (D-AA)
D-aspartic acid (D-AA) is an amino acid that lives in some of the body’s cells as tissues, such as sperm cells and testicles.
There is not a long history of D-AA as a male fertility supplement. However, research shows that D-AA levels in semen were much smaller in infertile men.
D-AA’s impact on motility is a big reason for this. D-AA is known to raise motility by at least 50% over several months of supplementation.
How Does It Help?
D-AA serves as a vital regulator in the testosterone release process. Many men who embark on a D-AA supplement plan for a couple of months will notice spikes in motility and sperm concentration.
D-AA shows the ability to monitor the synthesis and release of testosterone. When testosterone is circulated efficiently through the body, it drastically elevates men’s overall reproductive health.
9. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a common herb found in many standard kitchens. Not only does it have powerful medicinal functions, but it is also a critical component for men’s fertility supplements.
Its origins belong to fenugreek seeds, which have substantial impacts on reproductive health and hormone regulation.
How Does It Help?
Furosap, which includes fenugreek seeds, has monumental impacts on sperm makeup and testosterone levels.
Studies indicated that when males took 500 milligrams daily for three months, there was almost a 50% boost in free testosterone levels.
Men also saw a drastic improvement in sperm morphology and overall count. Testofen, which also comes from fenugreek, also elevates sexual function for all ages. Consistent supplementation showed a reliable increase in the male’s libido.
10. Maca Root Powder
Maca root powder serves as a natural aphrodisiac. However, it showcases the ability to impact male fertility as a supplement.
This plant, which comes from Peru, has a successful track record for medicinal and culinary use.
How Does It Help?
Results indicate that maca root powder elevates motility and sperm concentration after three months of consistent supplementation.
Males have always consumed maca root powder for its nutritional benefits and capabilities to improve libido. Maca root powder is also an essential solution for sperm health.
When males consumed 1.75 grams of maca for three months, results indicated that motility and sperm concentration gradually increased throughout the period.
There were also no substantial changes in hormone levels.
How to Choose the Best Supplements for Male Fertility
As you search for the best men’s multivitamin for fertility, there are four critical areas to consider:
- Boosting sperm fertility, motility, and count
- Reducing sperm oxidation
- Providing hormone support, especially testosterone
- Improving libido and erectile function
Sperm Count and Motility
One of the most important factors to consider in a male fertility supplement is how well it addresses motility, sperm count, and morphology.
Fertilization has the highest probability when the male's sperm moves in an accurate direction, maintains the proper shape, and brings a large number of sperm cells.
Nutrients like copper, selenium manganese, zinc, CoQ10, L-carnitine, and Vitamin C help facilitate this.
Sperm Oxidation Reduction
The best male fertility supplements do an excellent job of providing antioxidant support. DNA is prone to oxidative damage, which disrupts the fertilization process and harms the development post-fertilization.
According to medical studies, lower levels of selenium are highly associated with male infertility. Oxidative stress also reduces sperm motility, lowers sperm accounts, and causes irregular sperm shape.
To ensure your sperm receive optimal antioxidant assistance, it is best to look out for supplements with nutrients like selenium, vitamin C, and lycopene.
Hormone Production
Testosterone is the primary hormone for sperm manufacturing within the body. You should search diligently for a supplement with nutrients that aid in testosterone production.
Many men have low testosterone levels, which makes it vital to choose a supplement with helpful nutrients and herbs like zinc, aspartic acid, Tribulus, and fenugreek.
Supplements That Improve Libido and Erectile Function
Erectile function and libido are both sensitive to stressors like relationships, work, anxiety, or depression. The pressure of trying to make a baby can also diminish sexual drive and fun.
Therefore, herbal aphrodisiacs and vitamins like maca, ginseng, damiana, L-arginine, and B vitamins help elevate libido and erectile function.
Herbal supplements and remedies positively impact the nervous system by facilitating blood flow to sexual organs and boosting energy.
B vitamins are essential in the metabolism of energy. L-Arginine is also a proven influencer for optimal erectile function.
Final Points About Sperm Booster Vitamins
As you choose the best sperm booster vitamins and supplements for your needs, it is essential to perform diligent research, talk to the experts, and incorporate a supplement that accommodates your reproductive goals.
All supplements listed in this article are proven to be more efficient, cost-effective, and natural.
Before you start taking sperm boost vitamins, here are some key takeaways to remember:
- The process of creating sperm (spermatogenesis) will take anywhere between two to three months. Depending on which supplement you select, you may need to consume it consistently for 12 weeks before you notice results.
- Before you begin a supplementation program, make sure to understand your fertility health situation properly. You can do this by performing an at-home test or semen analysis at the doctor's office.
- Before you take any new male fertility supplement, it would be best to meet with your doctor to ensure you do not have any pre-existing health conditions that could cause complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that we’ve covered the best male fertility supplements let’s go over a few frequently asked questions.
Does Masturbation Reduce Sperm Count?
No, masturbation does not reduce sperm count. High frequency in masturbation still will not affect a male’s sperm count or ability to conceive with a woman.
Masturbation has numerous mental and physical health benefits:
- Releases physical tension and stress (masturbation can help people fall asleep or relax)
- Lowers the possibility of getting prostate cancer
- Orgasms (whether the orgasm comes from sex with a partner or masturbation can serve as a painkiller)
How Can a Man Tell If He Is Fertile?
If you are a male and are struggling with conception, there are several ways to test your fertility.
You can get a medical evaluation, conduct sperm and semen analysis, get a physical exam, or receive a hormone evaluation.
- Evaluation: when you visit the urologist, he or she will perform a physical examination and inquire about the medication you currently take, past surgeries, workout habits, and drug usage. You will most likely need to supply semen for analysis.
- Sperm and Semen Analysis: a trained expert or doctor will evaluate your sperm shape, movement, count, and other components. If you have high amounts of standard-shaped sperm, your fertility is higher.
- Physical Exam: physical exams can locate varicoceles, which are irregular vein formations above your testicles. If this test finds an abnormality, you can get it rectified with proper surgery.
- Hormone Evaluation: because testosterone plays a significant factor in male fertility, an evaluation can communicate the effectiveness of this hormone.
How Can I Check My Sperm Count at Home?
Yes, you can perform a home sperm test. This evaluation provides an accurate measure of your sperm count following a semen ejaculation post-orgasm.
These home tests involve you ejaculating semen into a collection cup. This test delivers almost immediate results, and you should know within a couple of minutes.
The home sperm test will tell if the concentration of your sperm is positive (high) or negative (low). If you receive a negative test, it would be wise to consult a doctor for a more comprehensive fertility analysis.
A positive sperm count result does not always guarantee healthy fertility, however. The home sperm test only tests for concentration. It may miss critical factors such as:
- Total number of sperm
- Semen quality and volume
- Vitality
- Motility
- Shape