Infertility in men is usually defined by a low sperm count or low sperm motility (“swimming” ability). This does not include when the man is unable to achieve or maintain an erection or is unable to achieve ejaculation. While these disorders can contribute to infertility, sperm quality, motility and delivery are all influenced by essential nutritional and lifestyle factors. Let's explore the male reproductive system and male infertility support tips.

Understanding The Male Reproductive System

Sperm and Seminal Fluid

Men pass DNA to their children through sperm cells called spermatozoa. Each sperm carries DNA in its head. It uses a tail powered by a motor-like structure for movement. Men release 20 to 40 million sperm during ejaculation. Only one of these can successfully swim to meet the woman’s egg inside her body and fertilize it to make the beginning of a baby. Each sperm cell is manufactured and matured in the testes located inside the scrotum. This process requires a number of nutritional factors, as well as strict temperature control. Sperm matrure and travel through small tubes to the seminal vesicles. They then pass through the prostate. During orgasm, glands add fluids to sperm. This mixture forms semen, the ejaculated seminal fluid.

Causes of Male Infertility

Much like female fertility, male fertility requires many of our body systems to be working in harmony with one another. Healthy fertility requires optimal nutrition, proper temperature control, healthy hormone levels, and a balanced body. Taking care of your health, eating a nutritionally rich diet, avoiding tobacco smoke, exercising and avoiding recreational drugs (particularly marijuana) are all great ways to give you a better chance at optimal fertility. Infertility is often complicated and can be caused by many different factors. See below for potential nutrient deficiencies. Stress can also significantly impact fertility and deplete the body’s resources. Several factors can contribute to male infertility. These include undescended testicles, infections, smoking, and drug use. Frequent intercourse, impotence, heat exposure, and tight underwear also increase risk.

Male Infertility Support Supplements & Lifestyle Modifications

Zinc

A deficiency in the mineral zinc can result in a low sperm count. Zinc supports healthy sperm production. The prostate also uses zinc to produce seminal fluid. This fluid helps transport sperm during ejaculation. Insufficient production of seminal fluid leaves sperm exposed to the harsh acidic environment of the vagina. This can often pose as much of a challenge to a man’s fertility as low sperm count. As a bonus, zinc can also help to prevent future prostate conditions. Since it can be difficult to get sufficient zinc from food these days (due to soil depletion), supplementation is often a good idea for men looking to impregnate their partner.

Arginine

Sufficient protein intake is very important to the healthy production of sperm. It provides important amino acids, such as arginine, which plays many roles in male fertility. Arginine is necessary for the production of healthy sperm cells, maintaining sperm motility, and for the production of seminal fluid. It can also help to optimize testosterone production, the main male hormone, and to promote healthy blood flow to help with erections.

Hormone Balance

Hormonal fluctuations in men may also have an impact on fertility. Sufficient levels of the hormone testosterone are required for healthy sexual organ function. Some pollutants from the environment, especially those from plastics and petrochemicals, can have an estrogen-like effect in the body. These estrogen analogs work against the natural testosterone in your body, reducing its potency. This can have an effect on fertility as well as sexual desire and sexual function. Reduce your exposure to these pollutants by drinking clean water and avoiding the use of plastic containers and wrap, especially in the microwave. Your healthcare practitioner can perform lab tests to evaluate your toxic exposure.

Detoxification

If you believe previous exposure to toxins may be affecting your fertility already, there are a number of options available for detoxification. Use the nutritional supplement glucarate to help your liver break down these harmful pollutants more quickly. You can also use milk thistle and Alpha Lipoic Acid to support the liver in its cleansing functions.

Stress Reduction

Stress redirects nutrients away from reproductive organs. They body prioritizes survival systems like the heart and muscles. Taking the time to relax and do deep breathing exercises, or yoga or meditation classes, can make a big impact on stress levels and help the body relax and focus on fertility once again.

Timing of Intercourse

How often you have sex can also impact your fertility. Having sex too often actually depletes the semen reserves and forces the body to expel sperm that have not yet achieved full maturity, or to release a smaller number. When hoping to conceive, a man should ejaculate no more than every two days to allow the sperm time to replenish in number and quality. You should also avoid hot tubs, saunas and tight underwear because these all increase testicular temperature and can damage developing sperm.

Diet and Supplementation

As with everything else health related, we are what we eat, and the generation of healthy sperm and semen requires proper nutrition. Eating a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and ensuring adequate water intake, can help supply your reproductive needs. Eating fish or other sources of healthy Omega 3 fats can help to provide the building blocks required for proper sperm and hormone synthesis in the body. Interestingly, cholesterol is required for testosterone synthesis, so make sure you are getting enough in your diet (without going overboard). Eating eggs (with the yolk) is a great way to get healthy cholesterol. When your diet just can’t meet your nutritional needs, consider supplementing with a Greens supplement and some of the essential nutrients listed above to help support your body’s natural function.

Herbal Fertility Support

When you have managed all of the above details, but are still having difficulty with your sperm count or motility, there are always herbal options to help things get running smoothly again. Some herbs, like saw palmetto can help to support the health of your prostate, while others, like Tribulus can help to optimize testosterone production. Your healthcare practitioner can help you determine which herbs would best suit your particular needs.