Male fertility is a critical, yet unacknowledged, part of reproductive health. Although women are often the focus of discussion regarding family planning and conceiving difficulties, nearly 40–50 per cent of couples experiencing infertility problems are men. Perhaps the most important predictor of male fertility is sperm health, which includes sperm number, shape, movement, and quality.
The question is that ‘How do I increase the production of my sperm?’ is a typical question faced by men struggling with fertility issues. There are ways to boost sperm health and, in a way, drugs and supplements help with this. But it’s not a magic pill, and you need to know what’s wrong with sperm before resorting to drugs or herbs. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the medications, supplements, and lifestyle modifications that might work to increase sperm health.
Understanding Sperm Health and How It is Influenced.
Sperm Quality Indicators:
Semen is measured in a way that indicates:
Sperm Count: The number of sperm present in one ejaculate. A normal count would be at least 15 million sperm per millilitre.
Sperm Mobility: The ability of sperm to swim quickly toward the egg. It is essential that 40% of the sperm be moved in a manner that is functional.
Sperm Morphology: Shape and form of sperm that affects its ability to fertilize the egg.
What Will Impact Sperm Health:
Multiple factors contribute to decreased sperm production or quantity. These can include:
Hormonal Unbalances: Testosterone and the balance of the reproductive hormones are essential for sperm production.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, drinking, chronic stress and poor posture all compromise sperm health.
Diet & Nutrition: A poor diet low in vitamins and antioxidants results in oxidative stress which causes damage to sperm DNA.
Diseases: Varicocele (larger veins in the crotum), infections, or even genes can directly interfere with sperm production.
It is vitally important to understand the underlying reasons behind sperm problems before we can know how to treat them.
Prescription Drugs to Boost Sperm Production and Quality
Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid):
Clomiphene citrate is used to treat men with sperm counts that are low or hormonally unbalanced. Originally created as a fertility drug for women, Clomid increases levels of gonadotropins such as luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones cause the testicles to release more testosterone, directly increasing sperm production.
Anastrozole (Arimidex):
Anastrozole, like Clomid, is commonly prescribed for hormone disorders – that is, in men with low testosterone and high estrogen. Anastrozole prevents testosterone from converting into oestrogen, which boosts testosterone levels and sperm production.
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG):
hCG is an injectable hormone that acts just like LH and drives testosterone production in the testicles. It is most beneficial in men with hypogonadism (a lack of testosterone from the testicles) or low sperm counts due to hormonal imbalance.
Aromatase Inhibitors:
They work similarly to Anastrozole by inhibiting testosterone’s conversion to estradiol. Men have the highest estrogen concentration, which results in low sperm count, so cutting down on estrogen can help balance hormones.
Antioxidant Therapies:
Some antioxidant drugs, including pentoxifylline, can assist sperm movement and mitigate oxidative stress.
Corticosteroids:
When male infertility results from a hyperactive immune system attacking the sperm (a syndrome called sperm antibodies), corticosteroids may suppress immune activity.
Antibiotics or Antifungal Medications:
If a male genital infection is detected, antibiotics or antifungals are prescribed to cure the problem and normalise sperm function.
Note: All prescription drugs should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. These medications are toxic when used improperly or in excess, which can result in further hormonal disruptions or liver damage.
Over-the-Counter Supplements for Sperm Health
Men searching for herbal supplements often see many marketed as boosting sperm health. These are not really “drugs” but they can help improve the quality of sperm by alleviating oxidative stress and nutritional deficiencies.
Zinc:
Zinc is necessary for testosterone production and spermatogenesis (the creation of sperm). In men with low testosterone, researchers have found that zinc supplements can increase sperm count and motility.
Folic Acid & Vitamin B12:
B vitamins assist in the creation of DNA, healing shattered sperm, and raising overall sperm counts. Folic acid and zinc can both improve male fertility.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10):
An antioxidant called CoQ10 reduces oxidative stress in sperm. It has been demonstrated to enhance sperm motility and number in infertile men.
Vitamin C and E:
These potent antioxidants are effective at fighting off free radicals that may corrode sperm DNA. Regular supplementation can increase sperm count, mobility, and structure.
L-Carnitine:
L-carnitine is an amino acid that supports the creation of energy, which has been proven to boost sperm circulation and enhance fertility.
Selenium:
This trace mineral helps sperm grow by serving as an antioxidant and promoting sperm mobility.
Ashwagandha:
Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, reduces stress, raises testosterone, and boosts sperm counts and movement.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids support normal sperm growth and enhance the fatty acid content of cell membranes that are responsible for sperm movement.
Lifestyle Options In Addition To Medication or Supplementation
Meds and supplements do help to promote good sperm health, but they’re best taken in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. A couple lifestyle changes to consider:
Beware of heat to the testicles: Hot tubs, saunas, laptops cradled in your lap can destroy sperm development because the testicles must stay cooler than the rest of the body.
Training – Maintain moderate levels of exercise: Moderate activity increases testosterone production, blood flow, and overall sperm quality. But try to keep your exercises under control because it affects fertility.
Stop smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking and drinking massively reduces the amount and quality of sperm.
Keep your weight within the normal range: Obesity leads to hormonal disorders and compromised sperm health, and obesity can affect fertility.
Manage stress: As long-term stress damages reproductive hormones, you might want to try some methods of meditation, yoga, or therapy.
When to See a Specialist
If you’ve changed your lifestyle and tried supplements or medications and haven’t seen an increase in sperm health within 6–12 months, you need to get into the office of a fertility doctor. Tests can pick up on problems like varicocele, inherited disease, or hormonal imbalances that need specific treatment.
Conclusion: What Drugs Can I Take To Boost My Sperm?
Stimulating sperm health often requires a multipronged approach. Whether it is prescription medications such as Clomiphene or hCG or over-the-counter products such as zinc, CoQ10 and omega-3s, there are many ways to maintain male fertility. But the most promising remedies involve fixing the underlying causes of bad sperm. Be sure to always speak with a physician before taking any medication or supplements, since everybody’s needs vary. When done correctly, and if guided by medical professionals, sperm health can be restored for many men and you get closer to your family-building goals.
