Infertility is defined as an inability to conceive for a couple even after one year of unprotected sex. It can be caused either due to male or female factors. When it is caused due to male factors it is known as male infertility. It has become more common these days with approximately 30% cases of male disorders contributing to total infertility cases. It is however important to investigate both the partners together as sometimes both male and female factors may coexist.
Home Remedies For Male Infertility
Male infertility has become a common problem these days and although it is not always completely treatable but certain home remedies can help improve male infertility. A healthy diet, ample intake of nutrients and supplements are known to improve fertility in men. The main factors affecting male infertility are libido/sex drive, erectile dysfunction where a man is unable to develop or maintain erection, low sperm count, decreased sperm motility and low levels of testosterone hormone.
Home remedies to boost sperm count and increase male fertility are intake of D-Aspartic acid (D-AA) supplements that is naturally known to be present in glands of testicles, semen and sperm cells. Research has shown that levels of D-AA are significantly lower in infertile men as compared to fertile men. Taking supplements of D-AA for a time period of 3 months has shown an increase in testosterone levels by 30% and sperm motility and count by 60%. It has however shown improvement and benefits only where testosterone levels are low and not in people with high or normal levels of testosterone.
Regular exercise is a good home remedy for male infertility. It not only increases testosterone levels it also improves confidence and physical performance. Studies have shown men who exercise regularly have higher levels of testosterone than those who are inactive. Along with exercise adequate levels of vitamin c are also required to reduce the oxidative stress in the body. High oxidative stress in the body promotes tissue injury and inflammation and also increases the risk of chronic diseases especially in old people and people who have an unhealthy lifestyle. Vitamin C being an antioxidant helps counteract these harmful effects and it is also known to improve the quality of semen. Daily intake of 1000 mg of vitamin C for a period of 2-3 months has shown to increase sperm motility by 92% and sperm count by more than 100%. It also protects against the damage done to the DNA of sperm cells by oxidation that might lead to deformity of the sperm cells.
Stress is another factor that might lead to male infertility by raising levels of cortisol in the body. With the rise of cortisol in the body the levels of testosterone in the body go down. Stress can be managed by meditation, yoga, a simple walk outside and spending time with friends. Getting enough vitamin D also helps in boosting levels of testosterone. An intake of 3000 IU of vitamin D3 every day for a period of one year increases testosterone levels by 25%. They also help in increasing sperm motility.
Tribulus terrestris is a herb known to increase libido in men by increasing testosterone levels. Fenugreek supplements are home remedies which have shown the same effect by improving sexual performance and strength in men.
Zinc levels also affect the sperm quality, count and testosterone levels. Ashwagandha is a medicinal herb that treats male infertility by increasing testosterone levels and is a good home remedy. An intake of 675 mg of ashwagandha root daily for three months has shown to increase sperm count and motility by 55%.
Causes Of Male Infertility
The common causes of male infertility include abnormal size, shape, number and motility of the sperm, enlarged veins of the scrotum/varicocele, retrograde ejaculation, undescended testes, hormonal imbalance, blockage in the vas deferens, chromosomal abnormalities, difficulty in erection, kidney diseases, testicular cancer, childhood mumps, excessive use of drugs along with tobacco and alcohol abuse. Stress, obesity, radiation exposure, chemotherapy all lead to male infertility.
It is diagnosed on the basis of medical history, physical examination and additional tests that include semen analysis, transrectal ultrasound of the prostrate, testicular biopsy and anti-sperm antibodies test.
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