Infertility is a heart-breaking condition, which affects about 15% of the population of those who are trying to conceive. Though the statistics vary, between 30-50 percent of these cases of fertility are due to the male. This can be because of damaged sperm, low semen volume, or difficulty maintaining an erection. Though infertility is more common in older males, it can happen to men of younger ages too. Many couples become so desperate to have a child that they turn to in-vitro fertilization after a year or more of trying with no success. This is very expensive though. A much less costly option is to try fertility supplements instead. Some of the most popular ones to take are the following:
L-Arginine
This amino acid has numerous health benefits because of its ability to improve blood flow and relax constricted blood vessels. Many heart patients take it to help prevent another heart attack from occurring if they have previously had one before. Just as it helps increase heart flow through the heart, it can do the same for a man who is struggling with maintaining an erection. More blood flow to the genitals also increases a person’s libido, and the more a couple has sex, the more likely conception can take place. L-Arginine also has a positive effect on sperm quality and production. When taken by a man who has intercourse with his partner on a regular basis, conception can often take place within a matter of weeks to months.
Coconut Oil
This supplement works in a proactive way towards a man’s overall health. Not only does it improve their immune system, but it also reduces obesity, which is a major contributor to infertility. The fatty acids within coconut oil balance a man’s hormone levels too. This is especially important for those who have low testosterone or androgen, which could be affecting their sexual health. Coconut oil should be taken only as a supplement internally if one wishes to increase fertility though. If it is applied externally to the genital area during sex, it can reduce sperm count and the likeliness of conception.
Maca Root
Maca root is dried and ground into a powder to take in a capsule form usually. It benefits the fertility of both men and women because of its positive effects on the endocrine system. When taking it, people have increased energy and balanced hormone levels. Some naturopaths also prescribe it especially for adrenal fatigue. Most importantly though, it increases a man’s sperm production and causes sperm to become more mobile. Sluggish sperm often cannot reach the egg, and this is a contributing factor to infertility. So, the more that sperm move, the more likely conception occurs.
Flaxseed Oil
This super-food is really helpful to keeping sperm healthy. It has essential fatty acids that aid in increasing blood flow to a man’s genitalia and reproductive organs. It also increases sperm production and causes sperm to have less defects. Flaxseed oil works best when it is taken with a zinc supplement. Zinc increases testosterone, which is crucial to a man’s reproductive health.
Goji Berries
This supplement works by reversing heat damage in a man’s seminiferous tubules that is often responsible for low sperm production. It is also known to be an effective cure for premature ejaculation that can lead to a lack of conception as well. It is important to note that besides taking a goji berry supplement, a man should keep his genitals cool by wearing boxers instead of briefs to avoid further heat damage.
Pine Bark Extract
Numerous clinical trials have proven this antioxidant helps to shield sperm from damaging free radicals. It also significantly raises the amount of semen and healthy sperm that are produced. The effects are not permanent though. As soon as a man stops taking it, the infertile condition usually returns within a short time. Pine bark extract is the most effective when it is taken with L-Arginine.