Health tips

7 natural ways to maintain male fertility

Фертилитет

Approximately 60-80 million couples worldwide face fertility issues. Male fertility difficulties have been found to contribute to about 40% of cases. Male fertility difficulties are defined as the inability to conceive after at least one year of trying. These problems can be determined by a variety of factors and affect both sperm quality and libido.

Factors related to sperm quality include low sperm count or limited motility. On the other hand, factors related to libido include sexual dysfunction such as erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction, as well as endocrinological causes such as low testosterone levels.

Fertility difficulties in men are often strictly individual, and it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach that will be effective in all men. In this article, we will look at seven natural approaches that have a positive impact on male fertility and can improve overall health in men.

Effective methods for maintaining male fertility

Zinc

Zinc is an important mineral present in the human body that plays a key role in supporting the immune system in fighting infections. This mineral is essential for the synthesis of proteins and deoxynucleic acid (DNA), the genetic material contained in all the cells of our body.

Zinc is particularly important for male fertility as it helps protect the genetic material in sperm. Reduced levels of zinc in the body may be associated with a reduced ability of the sperm to fertilise the egg. To maintain optimal health, men typically need an intake of approximately 11 mg of zinc per day. This mineral plays a key role in multiple aspects of human health, providing important support in the biological processes associated with reproduction.

Vitamin C and E

Vitamin C is important for the production of collagen, the body’s structural protein. It can be found in high concentrations in semen. As an antioxidant, vitamin C protects DNA from free radicals that can damage sperm. Free radicals can cause damage to the mitochondria and sperm membrane, which in turn can impair their ability to fertilize the egg.

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that helps protect cell membranes from damage. It also helps dilate blood vessels, which is important for maintaining an erection when conceiving. Combined with vitamin C, vitamin E reduces DNA damage in sperm during procedures such as IVF. In addition, vitamin E can improve sperm motility and morphology in men who take it regularly.

Tribulus Terrestris extract

Tribulus Terrestris is a plant used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to stimulate sexual function. Intake of the extract has been associated with positive effects on libido and sperm motility. Minerals such as zinc and calcium, as well as antioxidants such as vitamin C, are thought to enhance the action of Tribulus Terrestris extract. The herb also shows relaxing properties, aiding erections and sexual desire.

Grape seed extract

Grape seed extract has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Among the many antioxidants it contains are vitamin C and vitamin E. Intake of this extract helps to increase sperm motility and also protects sperm DNA from damage. In addition to maintaining male fertility, this extract helps blood circulation in the small vessels in the erectile tissue of the penis.

L-Arginine

L-Arginine is an amino acid that plays an important role in erectile dysfunction difficulties and can improve fertility. Studies have shown that L-arginine helps relax tissues in the penis, increasing blood flow and maintaining a sustained erection. This amino acid is converted into nitric oxide in the body, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow, providing more oxygen and nutrients. Supplements with L-arginine can also improve stamina and have a positive impact on fertility.

Reducing alcohol

Alcohol consumption has a negative impact on reproductive health in both women and men. In men, increased alcohol consumption can lead to decreased gonadotropin release, testicular shrinkage, low testosterone levels, and increased estrogen levels. This process can cause sexual dysfunctions – erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction. The negative effects are less pronounced with moderate alcohol consumption.

Healthy diet and exercise

Diet and lifestyle play a key role in reproductive function in both men and women. Obesity and the consumption of processed foods can impair sperm quality in men as they increase levels of harmful free radicals and reduce sperm motility. Instead, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and chicken can improve sperm quality. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to decreased testosterone levels and reduced sperm production. It has been found that moderate exercise such as resistance training can improve reproductive markers and semen quality.

In conclusion

There are many factors that influence male fertility. Fortunately, there are also many natural approaches that help increase male fertility. What works for some men may not work for others, but remember that fertility and libido are a general indicator of the body’s overall health. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but many of the approaches mentioned here are aimed not only at increasing fertility, but also at helping you lead a healthier lifestyle.

Resources: 

  1. Adewoyin M, Ibrahim M, Roszaman R, et al. Male Infertility: The Effect of Natural Antioxidants and Phytocompounds on Seminal Oxidative Stress. Diseases. 2017;5(1):9. Published 2017 Mar 1. doi:10.3390/diseases5010009
  2. Ahmadi S, Bashiri R, Ghadiri-Anari A, Nadjarzadeh A. Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence-based review. Int J Reprod Biomed. 2016;14(12):729-736.
  3. Ebisch IM, Thomas CM, Peters WH, Braat DD, Steegers-Theunissen RP. The importance of folate, zinc and antioxidants in the pathogenesis and prevention of subfertility. Hum Reprod Update. 2007;13(2):163-174. doi:10.1093/humupd/dml054
  4. Erectile dysfunction. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/erectile-dysfunction/symptoms-causes/syc-20355776. Published December 3, 2021.
  5. a systematic review covering 2 decades. Nutr Rev. 2016;74(2):118-130. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuv059
  6. Gur S, Kadowitz PJ, Trost L, Hellstrom WJ. Optimizing nitric oxide production by time dependent L-arginine administration in isolated human corpus cavernosum. J Urol. 2007;178(4 Pt 1):1543-1548. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2007.05.121
  7. Hadwan MH, Almashhedy LA, Alsalman AR. Oral zinc supplementation restores high molecular weight seminal zinc binding protein to normal value in Iraqi infertile men. BMC Urol. 2012;12:32. Published 2012 Nov 13. doi:10.1186/1471-2490-12-32
  8. Hajizadeh Maleki B, Tartibian B. Resistance exercise modulates male factor infertility through anti-inflammatory and antioxidative mechanisms in infertile men: A RCT. Life Sci. 2018;203:150-160. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2018.04.039
  9. Khaleghi S, Bakhtiari M, Asadmobini A, Esmaeili F. Tribulus terrestris Extract Improves Human Sperm Parameters In Vitro. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017;22(3):407-412. doi:10.1177/2156587216668110

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *