If you’re a male that struggles with infertility, you might have been tempted to try one of the many male fertility supplements that are available on the market. But you may ask yourself – do they really help increase sperm count and mobility, or are they completely ineffective?
A lot of research has been done to study the effectiveness of fertility supplements, but evidence is still limited because of the variations in dosage and questions about the cause of infertility in patients.
Supplements for Male Infertility
Though the effectiveness of supplements is questionable, there are a few supplements that have shown promise for increasing sperm count and mobility:
- Zinc and Folate Supplements – Folate is known as a vitamin that’s used for healthy pregnancies, but it can also increase sperm count and motility when used in combination with zinc supplements.
- Vitamins A, C, and E – These antioxidant vitamins might help increase fertility because they can potentially reduce oxidative stress. Stress is known to reduce sperm count.
- Coenzyme Q-10 – Similar to vitamins A, C, and E, coenzyme Q-10 has been known to protect cells from oxidative stress, which can be beneficial for damaged sperm.
- Carnitine – Carnitine is an amino acid that helps your body turn fat to energy. According to recent studies, it can also help sperm cells generate the energy they need to function optimally.
- Selenium – Selenium has been shown to increase sperm count and motility when taken with other vitamins, especially if a man has low selenium levels.
Treating Male Infertility in Lafayette
Sperm cells are sensitive, and they require good nutrition and antioxidants to perform properly. In order to come up with the best treatment for male infertility, it’s important to consult the urologists at Southern Urology before trying any supplements. In order to get to the root of the problem, a urologist will typically perform at least one of the following tests:
- Sperm and semen analysis
- Physical exam
- Hormone evaluation
- Testicular biopsy
If you’re struggling with male infertility and are ready to get answers, call one of our urology offices. Our urologists will give you the care you need to effectively treat infertility.
