Male Fertility Supplements & Tests

Male fertility describes the ability of a man to conceive a child. For a man to be fertile, he must be producing sperm that has the correct physical formation, and be generating an adequate concentration of sperm. Ejaculation must also not be prevented by a medical or physical condition, and the tubes must be unobstructed to allow free passage of the sperm.

If conception does not occur, or a man already knows that he is unable to conceive a child, then this is known as male infertility. Male infertility is equally as common as female infertility, and has many causes.

Male infertility can be caused by abnormalities in the semen including a low sperm count or low motility, a condition that is caused by the sperm not moving properly. Damage to the testicles, testicular infection, problems ejaculating and hormonal imbalances can also hinder sperm formation. Some medications can affect male fertility including drugs taken for Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis, as can chemotherapy. The abuse of anabolic steroids for athletic performance can reduce sperm quality, too.

If you have been having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse with your female partner for a few months, but she has not become pregnant, a man may start to wonder if they are fertile. 

If you are concerned, it is possible to complete male fertility testing at home. The Babystart FertilCount male home fertility test detects sperm concentration. This will indicate whether you have a sperm count that is normal, or a little on the low side. Many men feel that this is a great first step in learning more about their sperm quality, without requiring a visit to the doctor. It is advisable that both partners complete fertility testing, as this will give you a clearer picture of your overall fertility as a couple. The Babystart FertilCheck female fertility tests are an ideal choice for women wishing to check their fertility.

If your test indicates a low sperm concentration, you should visit your GP to request a more detailed assessment of your fertility. 

If the test appears to be normal but conception still does not occur, it is advisable to seek specialist advice via your GP or a fertility clinic. In this situation, you may be offered a full fertility check including more detailed semen analysis.

Even if your sperm count is normal, there are steps a male can take to improve their fertility. 

The first place to start is your diet. Eating plenty of protein, green leafy vegetables, and adding a selenium and zinc supplement will give emerging sperm cells the nutrients they need to develop. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight when trying to conceive, as this can improve sperm quality and increase production rates.

Smoking can have a detrimental impact on sperm production. Quitting smoking is therefore one of the most effective ways to boost your fertility. 

Sperm needs to be kept cooler to remain healthy, which is why the testicles are situated outside of the abdomen. You can help sperm to remain cool by wearing loose fitting underwear, avoiding hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms, and minimising high impact and temperature-raising exercise such as running, cycling or boxing.

Making lifestyle changes, and adding a supplement tailored to men wishing to conceive, can positively impact your chance of a pregnancy occurring.