Cancer Treatment and Male Fertility in Young Men

October 16, 2020 by Brett Jones

Childhood Cancer and Fertility Options for Young Men

Many men who survived childhood cancer would like to start families of their own, but cancer treatment can take a toll on their fertility.

Fortunately, they may have options. The journal Current Opinion in Urology recently published a review of fertility preservation studies, focusing on male childhood cancer survivors. Adolescents and young adults may bank their sperm before cancer treatment. The cells can then be frozen and stored for in vitro fertilization (IVF) later. Options for prepubescent boys are more limited. Scientists are experimenting with the preservation of testicular tissue before cancer treatment.

More childhood cancer patients are surviving into adulthood nowadays, and many of those patients would like to start families. Scientists have been exploring ways to preserve fertility before cancer treatment starts.

A recent paper in Current Opinion in Urology discusses some of the options for boys. Some methods are available now, while others are in the experimental stages.

Dr. Richard N. Yu of Boston Children’s Hospital examined articles published between January 2017 and April 2019 for this review.

Doctors and families should discuss fertility preservation before treatment begins, as sperm cells can be damaged during therapy, Dr. Yu said.

Sperm preservation is an option.

For adolescents and young adults, sperm banking is the “gold standard” option. Sperm cells may be collected through masturbation or removed from testicular tissue in a sperm extraction procedure. Testicular biopsy and electro-ejaculation (ejaculation with the help of electrical stimulation) are other methods.

Once the sperm is obtained, it can be cryopreserved – carefully frozen and stored so that the cells can be used to create embryos at a later time.

Options for boys who have not yet reached puberty are more limited. For these patients, testicular tissue or cells may be removed in a biopsy procedure and be cryopreserved. This surgery might be combined with other cancer-treating surgeries.

However, preserving testicular tissue from prepubertal boys is still in the experimental stages, and there have been no clinical studies on its effectiveness in humans. But some animal studies have had encouraging results. For example, scientists have collected testicular tissue from prepubertal rhesus macaques (a type of monkey that is anatomically similar to humans), frozen it for later use, fertilized egg cells, and created a healthy baby monkey.

Further research is needed in this area, Dr. Yu noted. He added that there can be ethical concerns with this type of preservation and that the advantages and disadvantages must be carefully considered.

For more information about cancer and fertility, please see these links:

Preserving Sex Life and Fertility for Cancer Patients

Sex and Fertility Issues May Continue Two Years After Testicular Cancer Diagnosis

Pre-Treatment Sex and Fertility Counseling

Fertility Options for Men with Cancer

Resources

Current Opinion in Urology via Medscape

Yu, Richard N.

“Fertility Preservation in the Pediatric Cancer Patient”

(Full-text. September 2019)

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/919213

Fish Oil For Male Fertility

June 11, 2020 by Brett Jones

Fish Oil Might Improve Testicular Function

Is fish oil good for the testicles? It might be, according a recent study in JAMA Network Open.

Researchers studied the testicular health of almost 1,700 young Danish men. They discovered that men who took fish oil supplements had larger testicles and ejaculated more semen than men who didn’t. Fish oil might also boost fertility, the authors noted.

Numerous studies have found that they can be good for a person’s heart and can help lower cholesterol. Due to its positive health effects, fish oil supplements high in omega-3 fatty acids have become one of the most common supplement types on the market.

While many studies have shown the benefits of Fish Oil for men’s health – this is the first time that it’s been discovered that Fish Oil might help your balls!

Fish Oil and Male Fertility?

birth control for men

Taking fish oil supplements might improve testicular function in younger men, according to a recent study in JAMA Network Open.

Such improvements might also improve fertility, the researchers suggested.

The study involved 1,679 young Danish men who were having military physicals. They answered questions about their fish oil intake. They also provided semen and blood samples.

Overall, about 6% of the men said that they had taken fish oil supplements during the previous three months. Of these, 54% reported taking fish oil on 60 or more days during that time period.

The researchers discovered that in general, men who took fish oil supplements within the previous three months ejaculated higher amounts of semen, had higher total sperm counts, and had larger testes (testicles) than men who did not use the supplements.

The amount of time taking fish oil also seemed to make a difference. Men who took fish oil for 60 or more days during those three months had higher semen volumes, higher total sperm counts, and larger testes compared to men who took supplements for less than 60 days.

Taking other supplements, such as multivitamins, did not seem to affect the results.

Fish oil ingredients might improve the way sperm cells function, the authors explained. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil enriches the sperm cell’s membrane, which could improve its form and swimming ability.

The findings need to be confirmed in larger studies, the authors said.

Men who are considering taking fish oil for fertility should check with their doctor first.

Medical Resources

JAMA Network Open

Jensen, Tina Kold, PhD, et al.

“Associations of Fish Oil Supplement Use With Testicular Function in Young Men”

(Full-text. January 17, 2020)

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2758861

Reuters Health

Carroll, Linda

“Fish oil supplements tied to improved male fertility”

(January 17, 2020)

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-testicals-fish-oil/fish-oil-supplements-tied-to-improved-male-fertility-idUSKBN1ZG2H1

Birth Control Pills For Men

February 13, 2020 by Tony Gunderson

Birth Control Pills For Men?

“Can guys take birth control pills?” That is a question we hear from guys more often than you would think.

For most of the last century, birth control options for men have been pretty limited. Basically you had the choice between getting a vasectomy – and wearing a condom. Advancements in medicine and science have made it possible that in the future, men could instead take a birth control pill to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

Though birth control pills have been available to women for nearly 60 years, there’s nothing equivalent on the pharmacy shelves for men. But that may change soon. Recently a team of scientists announced that its unique take on a male birth control pill passed human safety tests in a 28-day trial without any participants dropping out from side effects — a problem that has stymied other male birth control attempts.

The fact that a birth control pill for men has passed initial human safety tests is a major breakthrough, experts at a leading medical conference have heard. The once-daily pill contains hormones designed to stop sperm production. It would be a welcome addition to condoms or vasectomy – the only options currently available to men.

How Would A Birth Control Pill For Men Work?

The researchers attribute their successful trial to the active agent in the pill, which is two hormones in one. Part progestin and part modified testosterone, the hybrid molecule means that the consumer always has matching levels of the hormones in the body.

The coordination of these two hormones can help dodge low sex drive or other health problems that modified hormone levels can create, said Dr. Christina Wang, the associate director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute at Los Angeles Biomed Research Institute (LA BioMed). Wang worked on the trial with researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.

When the two hormones are separate, the body processes identical doses at different speeds, Wang told Live Science. Progestin stops sperm production, but it also decreases natural testosterone levels; and if testosterone drops too low, the odds of blood clots, depression and other problems rise.

How Soon Could “The Pill” For Men Be Available?

A final product may still be years in the making, but researchers have deemed the medications safe and tolerable for healthy men.

The results of one study were presented at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in March 2019.

The drug, 11-beta-MNTDC, may reduce the production of sperm without decreasing a man’s libido. The drug behaves like testosterone, the hormone that drives sexual desire and gives men some of their masculine characteristics. But it does not trigger sperm production in the testes.

Forty healthy men participated in the 28-day study. Each day, 14 men took 200 mg of the 11-beta-MNTDC drug, and 16 men took 400 mg. The remaining 10 men took a placebo pill.

Circulating testosterone levels were reduced in men who took 11-beta-MNTDC, but no severe side effects were reported. The most common side effects were fatigue, acne, headache, small decreases in sex drive, and mild erectile dysfunction. However, none of the side effects stopped men from having sex, and none of the men dropped out of the study because of side effects.

Men who took the drug also had lower levels of hormones needed for sperm production. After treatment, effects were reversed. In other words, after stopping the drug, these hormonal levels returned to normal.

Birth Control For Men – What The Future Holds

While the results are encouraging, it is much too early to expect male birth control pills at the local pharmacy. So far, trials have determined that the drug is safe, but longer trials are needed to investigate how effective it is.

“Safe, reversible hormonal male contraception should be available in about 10 years,” said Dr. Christina Wang, a co-senior investigator, in a press release.

11-beta-MNTDC isn’t the only prospective male birth control pill currently under study. In September 2018, the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism published a study on dimethandrolone undecanoate (DMAU). Researchers found that DMAU was well-tolerated in a 28-day study of 82 healthy men. They suggested further research to see whether DMAU would suppress sperm production.

“The goal is to find the compound that has the fewest side effects and is the most effective,” said co-senior-investigator Dr. Stephanie Page.

“We are developing two oral drugs in parallel in an attempt to move the [contraceptive medicine] field forward,” Dr. Page added.

Birth Control Pills For Men – Why Should You Care?

A hormonal contraceptive for men would provide a dramatic new option for men around the world. And the potential reasons for men to be interested are many. For single men, it could mean taking more control and autonomy over their sex life. For couples, it offers new options to share responsibility.

“There are lots of men who feel like they want to be part of it. They want to be a contributor. They want to share the burden of contraception. So, lots of men are up for it, so to speak,” Page said.

Male contraception also offers a practical solution to a problem that’s shown no signs of going away: unintended pregnancy. In the United States, almost half of pregnancies are unplanned.

“This is the real issue in the U.S. and around the world,” Singer said.

“Despite the fact that there are a number of options available to women… we still have a problem. Unplanned pregnancy has an enormous health, emotional, and economic burden for the globe. There’s clearly an unmet need,” Page said.

Still, options for men are likely years away. Before any of the current drugs go to market, they would first have to undergo large-scale rigorous testing. Contraceptives also have a longer timeline than some other drugs because they have to work continually. That means these drugs need to be used for a year or two before they can be proven effective. In any event, the option of a birth control pill for men should be exciting news for the many guys who don’t like condoms – but aren’t yet ready to consider a vasectomy.

Medical Resources

BusinessTech.co.za

“A male birth control pill has just passed human safety tests”

(March 26, 2019)

https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/307016/a-male-birth-control-pill-has-passed-human-safety-tests/

The Endocrine Society

“Second potential male birth control pill passes human safety tests”

(March 25, 2019)

https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2019/endo-2019–second-potential-male-birth-control-pill-passes-human-safety-tests

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism

Thirumalai, Arthi

“Effects of 28 Days of Oral Dimethandrolone Undecanoate in Healthy Men: A Prototype Male Pill”

(Full-text. Published: September 24, 2018)

https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/104/2/423/5105935

TechnologyNetworks.com

Lansdowne, Laura Elizabeth

“Developing a Male Birth Control Pill”

(June 10, 2019)

https://www.technologynetworks.com/drug-discovery/articles/male-birth-control-development-of-a-hormonal-contraceptive-pill-320339

UT Southwestern Medical Center

Bakare, Tolulope, MD

“‘The pill’ for guys: Male birth control option passes safety tests”

(April 30, 2019)

https://utswmed.org/medblog/pill-guys-male-birth-control-option-passes-safety-tests/

Sperm Lifespan Inside the Female Body

October 30, 2019 by Tracy Jensen

Sperm Lifespan Inside the Female Body.

How long can the male sperm actually live inside the female body? This is a question that many men have asked themselves – some in a higher state of panic than others!

When sperm are inside a woman’s body, they generally live for about 5 days.

In some cases, sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to 7 days. If you’re a man and you have sex even a few days before your partner ovulates, there’s chance she may get pregnant.

The fluid in a woman’s reproductive tract has all of the nutrients that sperm need for their survival during that time.

Once inside the female reproductive tract, the sperm cells must swim through the cervix and into the uterus to reach the fallopian tubes and female egg. It is a very long journey for sperm cells to make and very few survive.

How long does sperm live for?

Many people know surprisingly little about sperm, which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise considering they are invisible to the naked eye. One of the most common questions we hear about sperm is: “how long does sperm live?”

This question has two different answers, depending on if you’re talking about how long sperm lives inside the man’s testicles – or how long sperm can live outside of the body. On a dry surface, such as clothing or bedding, sperm usually are dead by the time the semen has dried. In water, such as a warm bath or hot tub, they’ll likely live longer because they thrive in warm, wet places.

Inside the man’s body, sperm can live for several months. It is generally known that most men produce millions of new sperm every day. However, you might not know that these new sperm take about 2 ½ to 3 months to fully mature. You might not also realize that when sperm are initially formed within the testicles, they lack the ability to swim forward or fertilize an egg until they make their way through the reproductive tract.

Overall, the sperm “regeneration cycle” takes about 74 days.

How long can sperm survive inside a woman and get her pregnant?

Seeing as how sperm can live up to a week inside the female body, a woman can get pregnant for about 7 days after intercourse. For pregnancy to happen, the egg must be fertilized by a sperm within this time. Sperm can live for up to 7 days inside a woman’s body. So if you’ve had sex in the days before ovulation, the sperm will have had time to travel up the Fallopian tubes to “wait” for the egg to be released.

It takes just one sperm to fertilize a woman’s egg. Keep in mind, though, for each sperm that reaches the egg, there are millions that don’t.

On average, each time a man ejaculates he releases nearly 100 million sperm. Why are so many sperm released if it takes only one to make a baby? The mortality rate of sperm is extraordinarily high – and only a select few will ever survive the arduous journey to have a chance to fertilize the egg.

To meet the waiting egg, semen must travel from the vagina to the Fallopian tubes, a tough journey that few sperm survive. Experts believe this process may be nature’s way of allowing only the healthiest sperm to fertilize the egg, to provide the best chances of having a healthy baby.

Does the “Withdrawal Method” work for birth control?

The ‘withdrawal method’, or when the male “pulls out” of the female before ejaculation, is notoriously unreliable. Before ejaculation occurs, a small amount of semen, also known as “pre-cum,” leaves the penis. There is some debate as to whether this fluid contains sperm cells. Until researchers are sure, it is best to assume that pregnancy is possible if this fluid comes into contact with a woman’s vagina.

According to Planned Parenthood, if the withdrawal method is performed correctly 100 percent of the time, it is about 96 percent effective. However, most people are not able to perform it correctly every time, making the actual effectiveness somewhere around 78 percent. This means that each year, 22 out of 100 women using this method will get pregnant, or around 1 in 5.

Withdrawal is more effective when combined with other methods of contraception, such as male or female condoms or spermicide.

When using this method, it is also essential to make sure that ejaculation occurs away from the vaginal opening. It is still possible for pregnancy to happen if the sperm spills onto the vagina or vulva.

Can you make your sperm healthier?

Many men aren’t sure if there is anything you can do to improve the health of your sperm. In fact, there are many steps men can take to improve their sperm health. Many of the things you can do to improve your overall health will also make your sperm healthier as well. Improving sperm health is a must for any couples experiencing problems conceiving a child.

Luckily there are several things men can do to improve their overall sperm health.

6 Tips for Sperm Health

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese can directly impact sperm production and the hormones needed to support the process.
Quit Smoking: Smoking cigarettes has been associated with a lower sperm count when compared with men who do not smoke.
Reduce Alcohol Use: Alcohol use can impact testosterone levels, which will, in turn, decrease sperm count.
Take a Sperm Supplement/Vitamin: Taking a sperm supplement can provide the body with the perfect combination of vitamins and minerals needed for optimal semen production and sperm health
Stop Using Drugs: Anabolic steroids, marijuana, and cocaine have all been linked with decreased sperm production.
Keep the Testicles Cool: Spending time in saunas or hot tubs, wearing tight underwear or pants, and placing a laptop computer directly on the lap may all increase the temperature of the scrotum and reduce sperm production.

Healthy sperm is a cornerstone of male fertility and vital for impregnating your partner if you’re trying to conceive. Taking steps to having healthier sperm will result in several spin-off benefits to both your sexual function and your overall health.

Keep in mind that sperm take about 2-3 months to reach maturity. This means that the things you do to improve your health may not be fully reflected in your sperm for a couple of months or more. For example, once a lifestyle change has been made—such as quitting smoking—it takes about 2 ½ to 3 months for those healthier sperm to appear in the ejaculate.

Improving your sperm health and male fertility is not a complex situation. Generally, a “heart-healthy” lifestyle is also a “sperm-friendly” lifestyle: eating a good diet, exercising regularly and moderately to maintain a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco use, and consuming alcohol and caffeine in moderation are wise choices.

If you need to improve your sperm health as quickly as possible, we recommend taking a specially formulated sperm supplement which will go a long way to restoring your body’s levels of crucial vitamins, minerals, proteins, and amino acids.

We hope this article answers your questions about sperm and how long they can live under various circumstances. If you have more questions regarding semen or sperm just let us know as we’re always on the lookout for new sperm topics to write about!

Marijuana and Male Fertility

June 11, 2019 by Brett Jones

Does Marijuana Reduce Male Fertility?

(Marijuana reduces sperm count and concentration. Source: National Institutes of Health – https://www.Nih.gov)

Marijuana is rapidly becoming more accepted in mainstream society, and is now legal in many states. Some countries such as Canada have now enacted federal legislation making marijuana legal throughout the entire nation. Now that smoking week has become socially acceptable, there is also much more research being done on both the benefits and potential problems associated with smoking marijuana.

One big question we hear often from guys concerns the fear that marijuana could make them infertile. Does smoking marijuana impact male fertility?

If you’re a guy who likes marijuana and you’re trying to conceive, you might not be happy with the following information. Unfortunately, recent studies show that smoking marijuana does affect male fertility, and could reduce your chances of fathering a child.

marijuana negatively affects male fertility — Man holding joint

The prevalence of marijuana use among males of reproductive age has never been higher, while male factor infertility is also on the increase. Researchers believe that the spread of legal medical and recreational marijuana use in the U.S. may be a contributing factor in the increase in male infertility.

Marijuana contains the cannabinoid drug THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), its primary psychoactive chemical, as well as other cannabinoids. Several studies have linked marijuana usage and male infertility but how the use of the drug affects infertility has been attributed to a variety of reasons.

One study found that men who smoke marijuana frequently have significantly less seminal fluid, a lower total sperm count and their sperm behave abnormally. All of these factors could adversely affect fertility.

The University at Buffalo study was the first to exam marijuana’s effects on the specific swimming behavior of sperm from marijuana smokers and to compare the results with sperm from men with confirmed fertility.

Research confirms depression reduces male fertility.

New research suggests men in their child-bearing years should consider how THC could impact their sperm and possibly the children they conceive during periods when they’ve been using the drug. Much like previous research that has shown tobacco smoke, pesticides, flame retardants and even obesity can alter sperm, the new research shows THC also affects epigenetics, triggering structural and regulatory changes in the DNA of users’ sperm.

(Source: Science Daily)

The study defined regular users as those who smoked marijuana at least weekly for the previous six months. Their sperm were compared to those who had not used marijuana in the past six months and not more than 10 times in their lifetimes.

The higher the concentration of THC in the men’s urine, the more pronounced the genetic changes to their sperm were, the authors found.

Different Study – Same Conclusion:

Another study has come to the same conclusion. While researchers are still unsure of the exact reasons for these effects, the results of studies clearly reveal that the active ingredients found in marijuana impact sperm and negatively impact fertility, according to Lani J. Burkman, Ph.D., lead author on the study.

“We don’t know exactly what is happening to change sperm functioning,” said Burkman, “but we think it is one of two things: THC may be causing the improper timing of sperm function by direct stimulation, or it may be bypassing natural inhibition mechanisms.”

The Buffalo study also discovered in the andrology laboratory showed that human sperm exposed to high levels of THC displayed abnormal changes in the sperm enzyme cap, called the acrosome.

When the investigators tested synthetic anandamide equivalents — an essential fatty acid neurotransmitter — on human sperm, the normal vigorous swimming patterns were changed and the sperm showed reduced ability to attach to the egg before fertilization.

What does this mean for male fertility?

It’s already been well established in tons of research that men in Western countries are facing a fertility crisis. Sperm count in males of reproductive age more than halved between 1973 and 2011.

According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, approximately 9 percent of men in the United States have faced infertility.

Because of this huge drop in male fertility, researchers have been looking at how different modifiable factors, such as lifestyle choices, might affect male fertility.

In a new study, a team of investigators from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA, has focused on the effects that smoking marijuana has on markers of male fertility. The researchers’ findings, which they report in a study paper that features in the journal Human Reproduction, ran counter to the hypothesis that they established at the beginning of the study.

“The unexpected findings highlight how little we know about the reproductive health effects of marijuana and, in fact, of the health effects of marijuana in general,” notes study author Jorge Chavarro.

“Our results need to be interpreted with caution, and they highlight the need to further study the health effects of marijuana use,” he emphasizes.

Questions around male fertility

The World Health Organization estimates that one in every four couples of reproductive age in developing countries experiences childlessness despite five years of attempting pregnancy.

A separate study estimated that more than 45 million couples, or about 15% of all couples worldwide, were infertile in 2010, while another unrelated study suggested that men were solely responsible for up to 30% and contribute up to 50% of cases overall.

Meanwhile, a recent analysis published in the journal Human Reproduction Update found that sperm counts of men in North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand are plunging. Researchers recorded a 52% decline in sperm concentration and a 59% decline in total sperm count over a nearly 40-year period ending in 2011.

Marijuana might raise sperm count – while reducing sperm quality.

It should be noted that research into marijuana use and male fertility is relatively new, and many studies are ongoing. However, there seems to be clear evidence that marijuana use can have a negative impact on semen production as well as sperm health and motility.

Smoking marijuana does not guarantee you will be infertile, but if you smoke marijuana and you are having trouble conceiving – then there is a good chance that quitting marijuana may boost your chances.

Psychological effects of male infertility

Feelings of stress, depression, guilt, or anxiety in infertile men can cause psychogenic impotence, which heightens the feelings of inadequacy that already accompany infertility.

The psychological stress of infertility has been shown to affect sperm parameters in significant and demonstrable ways that may further contribute to difficulties with erectile potency; emotional reactions to the infertility may alter or even undermine a previous consolidation of a sense of self as sexually adequate. Infertility weighs on many males’ minds; this creates mental instability, which often results in impotence.

10 Ways You Can Improve Male Fertility

Take D-Aspartic Acid Supplements
Excercise Regularly
Get Enough Vitamin C
Relax – and Minimize Stress
Take Vitamin D
Try Tribulus Terrestris
Fenugreek Supplements
Get enough Zinc
Get more sleep
Take a semen supplement

You can improve your own fertility

Men should be aware that they often hold the key to their own fertility. First of all, you should keep in mind that fertility and libido usually go hand in hand with your general health. If you are eating well, exercising regularly, and making smart lifestyle choices (eg. avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol intake) – you will go a long way to keeping your reproductive system functioning and optimal capacity.

Numerous strategies can help improve your fertility, although this depends on its cause. Just remember that anything that improves your overall health is likely to boost your fertility at the same time. We encourage you to explore this site as we have a wealth of information on how you can increase semen production, boost sperm health and motility, and improve several aspects of your sexual performance and function!

Medical Sources

PubMed.gov – Cannabis and Male Fertility

Medical News Today – “How Does Smoking Marijuana Affect Sperm”

Time – “Pot Smokers May Have Higher Sperm Counts…..BUT”

“Fertility and Sterility”

“Stress linked to male fertility – Medical News Today”
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277543.php

“Male depression may lower pregnancy chances among infertile couples”
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/male-depression-may-lower-pregnancy-chances-among-infertile-couples-nih-study-suggests

Depression And Male Fertility

January 31, 2019 by Brett Jones

Research confirms depression reduces male fertility.

(Source: National Institutes of Health – https://www.Nih.gov)

If you’re a man suffering from depression and you’re trying to conceive, your depression could re impacting your chances of fathering a child.

Depression in male partners has been found to reduce your chances of getting pregnant. A study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility looked at data from 1,650 women and 1,608 men with unexplained infertility who were screened for depression and questioned about anti-depressant use.

Among couples being treated for infertility, depression in the male partner was linked to lower pregnancy chances, while depression in the female partner was not found to influence the rate of live birth, according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health.

The study also uncovered a link between anti-depressants, specifically non- SSRIs (non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to miscarriage in women.

What does this mean for male fertility?

The bottom line is that depression in the male partner can have a significant impact on a couples chances of conceiving a child. In fact, couples in which the male partner had major depression were 60 percent less likely to conceive and have a live birth than those in which the male partner did not have major depression.

The study, which appears in Fertility and Sterility, also linked a class of antidepressants known as non-selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (non-SSRIs) to a higher risk of early pregnancy loss among females being treated for infertility. SSRIs, another class of antidepressants, were not linked to pregnancy loss. Neither depression in the female partner nor use of any other class of antidepressant were linked to lower pregnancy rates.

“Our study provides infertility patients and their physicians with new information to consider when making treatment decisions,” said study author Esther Eisenberg, M.D., of the Fertility and Infertility Branch at NIH’s Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), which funded the study.

Citing previous studies, the authors noted that 41 percent of women seeking fertility treatments have symptoms of depression. In addition, a study of men seeking IVF treatments found that nearly 50 percent experienced depression. The authors conducted the current study to evaluate the potential influence of depression in couples seeking non-IVF treatments.

The researchers combined data from two previous studies funded by NICHD’s Reproductive Medicine Network. One study compared the effectiveness of two ovulation-inducing drugs for establishment of pregnancy and live birth in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. The other study compared the effectiveness of three ovulation-inducing drugs at achieving pregnancy and live birth in couples with unexplained infertility. In each study, men and women responded to a questionnaire designed to screen for depression. Only the women were asked whether they were taking any antidepressants.

From the two studies, the researchers analyzed data for 1,650 women and 1,608 men. Among the women, 5.96 percent were rated as having active major depression, compared to 2.28 percent of the men.

Women using non-SSRIs were roughly 3.5 times as likely to have a first trimester pregnancy loss, compared to those not using antidepressants.

Questions around male fertility

The World Health Organization estimates that one in every four couples of reproductive age in developing countries experiences childlessness despite five years of attempting pregnancy.

Stress reduces sperm count and semen quality

Depression in men is just one of many factors that can seriously reduce male fertility. Another key ingredient in male infertility is stress. Now, a new study suggests stress can reduce sperm and semen quality, which could have implications for male fertility. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, in around 40% of infertile couples the male partner is the sole cause or contributing cause of infertility.

The main cause of male infertility is sperm abnormalities, including low sperm production or misshapen or immobile sperm. Medical conditions – such as undescended testicles or ejaculation problems – can lead to sperm abnormalities, as well as health and lifestyle factors.

In this latest study – published in the journal Fertility and Sterility and led by researchers from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York, NY, and Rutgers School of Public Health in Piscataway, NJ – the team investigated whether stress may affect sperm and semen quality.

The researchers found that men who experienced two or more stressful life events in the past year had a lower percentage of sperm motility and a lower percentage of sperm of normal morphology, compared with men who did not experience any stressful life events. They note this finding remained even after accounting for other factors that may influence semen quality, such as age, other health problems and history of reproductive health problems.

Although workplace stress did not directly affect semen quality in the men, the researchers found that those who experienced job strains had lower levels of the hormone testosterone in their semen, which could affect reproductive health.

In addition, they found that regardless of the levels of stress experienced, men who were unemployed had lower semen quality than those who were employed.

Psychological effects of male infertility

Feelings of stress, depression, guilt, or anxiety in infertile men can cause psychogenic impotence, which heightens the feelings of inadequacy that already accompany infertility.

Psychological causes of impotency may include:

Clinical depression
Medications
Fatigue
Stress
Relationship issues
social interaction

All of the listed issues above can arise as a result of psychological effects of infertility in men.

Psychological treatment for male infertility

The most prevalent psychological treatment is counseling and marriage therapy. A lot of men believe that there are numerous disincentives to psychological treatment despite its potential benefits, especially for those forms of infertility most linked to psychological and behavioral factors. Men are much less likely to seek out psychological help than women.

Men who acknowledge infertility, articulate the sources of their anxiety, express their loss of confidence in sexual adequacy, deal openly with their wives’ disappointment and anger, and consciously redefine their male and marital roles show improved sperm counts and may even be more successful at impregnating their wives. There is an important role of psychoanalytic treatment when dealing with male infertility.

10 Ways You Can Improve Male Fertility

Take D-Aspartic Acid Supplements
Excercise Regularly
Get Enough Vitamin C
Relax – and Minimize Stress
Take Vitamin D
Try Tribulus Terrestris
Fenugreek Supplements
Get enough Zinc
Get more sleep
Take a semen supplement

You can improve your own fertility

Men should be aware that they often hold the key to their own fertility. First of all, you should keep in mind that fertility and libido usually go hand in hand with your general health. If you are eating well, exercising regularly, and making smart lifestyle choices (eg. avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol intake) – you will go a long way to keeping your reproductive system functioning and optimal capacity.

Sources

“Stress linked to male fertility – Medical News Today”
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277543.php

“Fertility and Sterility“

5 Tips for Healthy Sperm.

January 25, 2019 by Brett Jones

How To Make Sure You Have Healthy Sperm.

Many men are concerned about their fertility, especially as it pertains to the health of their sperm.

Healthy sperm, and producing enough sperm – are the two key components in male fertility. If you’re not making enough sperm – or if your sperm aren’t healthy – then your chances of conceiving a child are drastically reduced.

The good news is that you can positively affect both the health AND quantity of your sperm.

As we get older – men tend to produce both less sperm AND less semen. Some of this is just the natural progression of aging. Some of it is lifestyle or nutritional choices which aren’t great for our health or semen production. However, there are things you can do to quite easily increase seminal fluid production and improve sperm health and motility at the same time.

Sperm and male fertility:

Most people probably don’t give much thought to sperm regeneration until perhaps conception appears that it’s taking longer than it should. The good news, there are some very tangible lifestyle changes that men can make to improve their sperm health and overall fertility.

It is generally known that most men produce millions of new sperm every day. However, you might not know that these new sperm take about 2 ½ to 3 months to fully mature. You might not also realize that when sperm are initially formed within the testicles, they lack the ability to swim forward or fertilize an egg until they make their way through the reproductive tract.

How can I keep my sperm healthy?

Sperm are living cells within the male body and are subject to whatever conditions the rest of the body is exposed to throughout their development cycle. Extreme temperatures, smoking, drug use, and poor diet can all impact the quality of sperm.

For this reason, men looking to increase the chances of conception should consider making healthful lifestyle changes. Most fertility doctors would tell their male patients that a “heart-healthy” lifestyle is a “sperm-friendly” lifestyle: eating a good diet, exercising regularly and moderately to maintain a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco use, and consuming alcohol and caffeine in moderation are all good choices that will improve your sperm’s overall health.

Men should be aware that making positive lifestyle and/or nutritional changes may take a bit of time to fully kick in. Because of the life cycle of sperm production, once a lifestyle change has been made—such as quitting smoking—it takes about 2 ½ to 3 months for those healthier sperm to appear in the ejaculate.

5 Tips for keeping your sperm happy and healthy.

There are many things that any guy can do to boost both sperm production and especially sperm health. Here are 5 quick tips to increasing the volume of your ejaculations:

Heat = Bad. It’s important to note that too much heat on or near the testicles can be dangerous. Sperm counts and quality can be adversely affected by hot baths, hot tubs, and long trips to the sauna or steam room.
Watch the laptop. Be mindful to not rest laptops directly on the lap but instead place a pillow or book in between. (See above)
Lifestyle Changes. Exercising and especially quitting smoking will both help your ejaculate volume
Hydrate! Drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating drinks like caffeinated beverages and alcohol
Supplements. Consider using a specialized sperm supplement

Hydration – As many of us hear quite often – hydration is very important for overall health, and nowhere is this more true than in the production of seminal fluid in men. You’ll note that seminal fluid includes the term “fluid” – and the more water you have in your system, the easier it is for your body to produce seminal fluid.

Supplements – Many modern supplements are actually formulated with the express purpose of increasing your semen and sperm health. They contain a number of vitamins, minerals, and compounds necessary for the proper production of seminal fluid. Make sure you choose a sperm supplement with high quality natural ingredients for quicker results – and to see the most noticeable improvement in your seminal fluid production.

Lifestyle Changes – Okay, many guys won’t like hearing this – but many of our everyday lifestyle choices such as drinking, smoking, and recreational drug use – can all have a very negative effect on your sperm health. Reducing or eliminating these factors will not only have a dramatic effect on your sperm – it will noticeably improve your overall health as well!

As you can see – there are many methods that men can use to improve the health of their sperm. Of course, certain things will make more of a difference than others.

Drinking 8 or more glasses of water a day should provide a fairly quick boost to the amount of semen you’re producing.

A specially formulated sperm pill will always be one of the quickest and easiest ways to improve your sperm, and that’s because they contain a number of key ingredients which have all been found to boost semen and sperm production.

We review and discuss several good semen boosters on this site, so make sure you compare the best ones before you decide to go with one of these supplements.

If you do consider using a sperm pill, as many men do – make sure you purchase one that contains zinc.

Zinc is absolutely essential to healthy sperm and optimal semen production, and will make an immediate impact. Take zinc together with folic acid if possible. Zinc is an essential mineral that is instrumental in several factors of cellular metabolism. In combination with folic acid, zinc was found to increase sperm count by 74% in men who had fertility problems, according to one study.

Another dietary consideration is to make sure you’re getting certain amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. These organic compounds, taken regularly, are reputed to boost levels of semen, and are another consideration when considering a semen supplement.

Scientists believe that sperm benefit from amino acids because certain amino acids are found in large quantities in the heads of sperm. Look out for the following amino acids to increase semen:

3 Important Amino Acids for health sperm:

L-Arginine
L-Lysine
L-Carnitine

VIDEO – 5 Tips to Ensure Healthy Sperm

Improving sperm health – the hard way.

Most guys won’t like this part – but there are several habits or “lifestyle” decisions that we make everyday that can have a very negative impact on our sperm. Things like drinking alcohol, smoking, drug use, and lack of exercise all have a hand in reducing our sperm health and motility as we get older.

The longer your body has to battle these habits, the more you’ll notice the result – not only in your sperm production – but also aspects like erectile function and sexual performance. So – the “hard way” of improving your sperm health involves changing your lifestyle and leading a healthier, more active life. The good news is that your body will benefit in many ways – not just the ability to produce healthier semen and sperm.

You don’t have to change a bunch of your lifestyle choices all at once – but making gradual and permanent changes to some of your ‘bad’ habits will have a noticeable effect on your sperm health and semen production. Try adding a few more fruits and veggies to your diet, drink more water, and reduce your alcohol and tobacco use, and your sperm health will undoubtedly improve over time.

Improving sperm health – the easy way.

We know that some men will be resistant to making ANY changes to their lifestyle – and we totally get it. Guys are pretty stubborn, and we do tend to enjoy some habits which don’t necessarily work to the benefit of our health. Many guys won’t consider implementing most (or any) of the “hard” choices we’ve listed above.

While we still strongly advocate these changes because they’ll add years to your life and improve your health immensely, we are happy to tell you that there are “quick and easy” ways to help improve sperm health and motility.

We’ve already touched on the recent developments of new sperm supplements which have become extremely popular – and with good reason. A well designed semen supplement can boost your ejaculate volume by as much as 500%, and create healthier and happier sperm in the process.

Top 3 supplements to improve sperm health and motility:

Semenax – See our full Semenax review

Volumaxx – See our full Volumaxx pills review

Volume Pills – See our full Volume Pills review

As we said before – stay away from any semen pill that doesn’t contain zinc, as it’s so essential to proper semen production. If you can, try and find a product that contains L-Arginine as well, as it is vital for amino acids involved in reproduction health.

If you’re not sure which semen supplement is best for your – we’ve made it even easier! Check out our homepage for our semen pill survey tool that will help down the search by asking 7 simple questions to help you pick the perfect supplement to boost seminal fluid!

We encourage you to explore this website for many resources and tips on improving both your overall sexual health and especially your semen production and sperm health. There are many things you can do to help increase your seminal fluid – and shoot more semen. You’ll ejaculate harder and farther, and enjoy more intense orgasms as a bonus!

Ibuprofen and male fertility

September 25, 2018 by Brett Jones

Is Ibuprofen damaging male fertility?

(Source: Susan Scutti, CNN)

Most men have probably used Ibuprofen in their lifetimes, and some men have probably taken it hundreds of times. As an inflammatory drug that helps treat minor aches and pains – it’s used all the time and thought to be perfectly safe.

However, a recent study shows that Ibuprofen has a negative effect on the testicles of young males, and could be linked to male fertility problems. The study was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

When taking ibuprofen in doses commonly used by athletes, a small sample of young men developed a hormonal condition that typically begins, if at all, during middle age. This condition is linked to reduced fertility.

Advil and Motrin are two brand names for ibuprofen, an over-the-counter pain reliever. CNN has contacted Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, the makers of both brands, for comment.

The Consumer Healthcare Products Association, a trade group that represents manufacturers of over-the-counter medications and supplements, “supports and encourages continued research and promotes ongoing consumer education to help ensure safe use of OTC medicines,” said Mike Tringale, a spokesman for the association. “The safety and efficacy of active ingredients in these products has been well documented and supported by decades of scientific study and real-world use.”

The new study is a continuation of research that began with pregnant women, explained Bernard Jégou, co-author and director of the Institute of Research in Environmental and Occupational Health in France.

Jégou and a team of French and Danish researchers had been exploring the health effects when a mother-to-be took any one of three mild pain relievers found in medicine chests around the globe: aspirin, acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol and sold under the brand name Tylenol) and ibuprofen.

Their early experiments, published in several papers, showed that when taken during pregnancy, all three of these mild medicines affected the testicles of male babies.

Testicles and Testosterone

Testicles not only produce sperm, they secrete testosterone, the primary male sex hormone.

All three drugs then are “anti-androgenic,” meaning they disrupt male hormones, explained David M. Kristensen, study co-author and a senior scientist in the Department of Neurology at Copenhagen University Hospital.

The three drugs even increased the likelihood that male babies would be born with congenital malformations, Kristensen noted.

Tringale noted that pregnant and nursing women should always ask a health professional before using medicines.

Knowing this, “we wondered what would happen in the adult,” he said. They focused their investigation on ibuprofen, which had the strongest effects.

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen is often taken by athletes, including Olympians and professional soccer players for example, before an event to prevent pain, Jégou said. Are there health consequences for the athletes who routinely use this NSAID?

The research team recruited 31 male volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35. Of these, 14 were given a daily dosage of ibuprofen that many professional and amateur athletes take: 600 milligrams twice a day, explained Jégou. (This 1200-mg-per-day dose is the maximum limit as directed by the labels of generic ibuprofen products.) The remaining 17 volunteers were given a placebo.

For the men taking ibuprofen, within 14 days, their luteinizing hormones — which are secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulate the testicles to produce testosterone — became coordinated with the level of ibuprofen circulating in their blood. At the same time, the ratio of testosterone to luteinizing hormones decreased, a sign of dysfunctional testicles.

This hormonal imbalance produced compensated hypogonadism, a condition associated with impaired fertility, depression and increased risk for cardiovascular events, including heart failure and stroke.

For the small group of young study participants who used ibuprofen for only a short time, “it is sure that these effects are reversible,” Jégou said. However, it’s unknown whether the health effects of long-term ibuprofen use are reversible, he said.

After this randomized, controlled clinical trial, the research team experimented with “little bits of human testes” provided by organ donors and then conducted test tube experiments on the endocrine cells, called Leydig and Sertoli cells, which produce testosterone, explained Jégou.

Questions around male fertility

The World Health Organization estimates that one in every four couples of reproductive age in developing countries experiences childlessness despite five years of attempting pregnancy.

Erma Z. Drobnis, an associate professional practice professor of reproductive medicine and fertility at the University of Missouri, Columbia, noted that most drugs are not evaluated for their effects on human male fertility before marketing. Drobnis, who was not involved in the new study, has done extensive research into sperm biology and fertility.

There is evidence that some medications are particularly harmful to the male reproductive system, including testosterone, opioids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, immune modulators and even the over-the-counter antacid cimetidine (Tagamet),” she said. “However, prescribing providers rarely mention these adverse effects with patients when prescribing these medications.

She believes the new study, though small, is “important” because ibuprofen is among the most commonly used medications.

Though the new research indicates that ibuprofen disrupts the reproductive hormones in healthy young men, she thinks it’s possible there’s an even greater negative effect in men with low fertility. The other OTC drugs concerning for potential fathers are cimetidine and acetaminophen. She recommends that men who are planning to father a child avoid drugs for several months.

“Larger clinical trials are warranted,” she said. “This is timely work that should raise awareness of medication effects on men and potentially their offspring.”

Jégou agrees that more study is needed to answer many questions, including whether ibuprofen’s effects on male hormones are seen at low doses and whether long-term effects are reversible.

“But the alarm has been raised now,” he said. “if this serves to remind people that we are really dealing with medical drugs — not with things which are not dangerous — this would be a good thing.”

How Long Does Sperm Live?

September 7, 2018 by Brett Jones

How long does sperm actually live for?

Many people know surprisingly little about sperm, which shouldn’t come as a huge surprise considering they are invisible to the naked eye. One of the most common question we hear about sperm is: “how long does sperm live?”

This question has two different answers, depending on if you’re talking about how long sperm lives inside the man’s testicles – or how long sperm can live outside of the body. On a dry surface, such as clothing or bedding, sperm are dead by the time the semen has dried. In water, such as a warm bath or hot tub, they’ll likely live longer because they thrive in warm, wet places.

Inside the man’s body, sperm can live for several months. It is generally known that most men produce millions of new sperm every day. However, you might not know that these new sperm take about 2 ½ to 3 months to fully mature. You also might not realize that when sperm are initially formed within the testicles, they lack the ability to swim forward or fertilize an egg until they make their way through the reproductive tract.

Overall, the sperm “regeneration cycle” takes about 74 days.

How long does sperm live inside a woman?

When sperm are inside a woman’s body, they generally live for about 5 days. In some cases, sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to 7 days. If you’re a man and you have sex even a few days before your partner ovulates – there’s chance she may get pregnant.

The fluid in a woman’s reproductive tract has all of the nutrients that sperm need for their survival during that time.

Once inside the female reproductive tract, the sperm cells must swim through the cervix and into the uterus to reach the Fallopian tubes and female egg. It is a very long journey for sperm cells to make and very few survive.

How long does sperm live inside you to get pregnant?

About 7 Days. Seeing as how sperm can live up to a week inside a woman, you can get pregnant for about 7 days after intercourse. For pregnancy to happen, the egg must be fertilized by a sperm within this time. Sperm can live for up to 7 days inside a woman’s body. So if you’ve had sex in the days before ovulation, the sperm will have had time to travel up the Fallopian tubes to “wait” for the egg to be released.

It takes just one sperm to fertilize a woman’s egg. Keep in mind, though, for each sperm that reaches the egg, there are millions that don’t.

On average, each time a man ejaculates he releases nearly 100 million sperm. Why are so many sperm released if it takes only one to make a baby? The mortality rate of sperm is extraordinarily high – and only a select few will ever survive the arduous journey to have a chance to fertilize the egg.

How long does sperm last in a hot tub?

For some strange reason, we get quite a few e-mails wondering how long sperm lives in a hot tub. We’re not sure why this is – but it seems like at least a few guys are getting busy in the comfort of their hot tubs!

In the hot tub, sperm cells can not live for very long at all. In most cases, sperm cannot survive for longer than a few seconds after being exposed to the chemicals and hot water. Pregnancy from someone ejaculating into a hot tub and then entering the vagina, would be very rare and likely not even possible.

In a warm bath that was not too hot, sperm cells could likely survive for a few minutes. However, it is very unlikely that sperm would be able to find their way through the tub water and into the vagina of a female. Pregnancy occurring in this manner would also be very difficult, if not impossible.

However, if a couple were having intercourse in the water, pregnancy would be just as likely because the sperm would enter directly into the female reproductive tract. The outside temperature and physical environment would not have any impact on sperm survival.

You may have heard that in some cases, a woman can get pregnant when no vaginal penetration has occurred. This is in fact true – and pregnancy can happen even if you’ve never had intercourse. This is however, extremely rare – and would only happen if the man and woman’s genitals were exposed, and the man ejaculated in the immediate area of the vagina. While not likely – it is technically possible for some of the semen to seep into the vagina and enter the woman’s body. For this reason, the male should avoid ejaculating near the woman’s vagina, as there is a remote chance that pregnancy could occur.

How can you make your sperm healthier?

5 Tips for Healthier Sperm

Don’t smoke or use illicit drugs (especially anabolic steroids)
Limit your alcohol consumption
Avoid contact with toxins like pesticides or heavy metals
Keep your scrotum cool – avoid hot baths, briefs, and tight pants
Use a daily semen/sperm boosting supplement

Healthy sperm is a cornerstone of male fertility and vital for impregnating your partner if you’re trying to conceive. Taking steps to improve your sperm health will have several spin-off benefits to both your sexual function and your overall health.

Keep in mind that sperm take about 2-3 months to reach maturity. This means that the things you do to improve your health may not be fully reflected in your sperm for a couple of months or more. For example, once a lifestyle change has been made—such as quitting smoking—it takes about 2 ½ to 3 months for those healthier sperm to appear in the ejaculate.

Improving your sperm health and male fertility is not a complex situation. Generally, a “heart-healthy” lifestyle is also a “sperm-friendly” lifestyle: eating a good diet, exercising regularly and moderately to maintain a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco use, and consuming alcohol and caffeine in moderation are wise choices.

How To Increase Sperm Count

November 30, 2017 by Brett Jones

How to increase sperm count and enjoy healthier sperm.

Are you a man with a low sperm count or some other male fertility problem? Are you noticing that you’re producing less semen and your ejaculations have decreased in load size?

Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Most guys will see their semen and sperm production decline as they get older. This is usually a natural occurrence – although some men may have medical issues causing their low sperm count.

Either way – there are several things you can do to both increase your sperm count and also create healthier, more mobile sperm. This article will show you how you can increase sperm count and restore your semen load. Millions of men suffer from low sperm count and this can cause many fertility issues when trying to conceive a child.

While in some cases infertility is not always easily treatable – the fact is that there are many ways to naturally increase your sperm count. These methods can include a healthy diet. lifestyle changes, and a sperm/semen supplement to boost your semen production.

Quick tips to increase sperm count.

There are many things that any guy can do to boost their sperm count and increase ejaculate right away. Here are some quick tips to increasing the volume of your ejaculations:

Sperm Supplements. There are several doctor formulated supplements which can increase semen and boost sperm counts.
Exercise. Getting regular exercise can boost male testosterone levels and improve your fertility.
Vitamin C. Adequate intake of antioxidants like Vitamin C are believed to reduce stress and improve semen quality.
Wear boxers. Tight underwear has a negative impact on semen and sperm production.
Minimize Stress. High levels of stress impair fertility and reduce sperm counts, as well as sexual satisfaction.
Tribulus Terrestris. A key medicinal herb used for centuries to enhance male fertility. Tribulus can improve low sperm counts and sperm motility.
Zinc. Zinc is an essential mineral and is essential for proper semen production. Zinc supplements naturally increase testosterone levels and sperm count for men.
Lifestyle check. Low sperm counts and unhealthy sperm are associated with men who are heavy drinkers (more than 2 alcoholic drinks daily), are tobacco or marijauna users, and those who use illegal drugs including cocaine and anabolic steroids.
Environmental Exposure. Excessive exposure to metals, solvents, pesticides, paint strippers, and degreasers have all been linked to low sperm count and producing unhealthy or defective sperm.
Check your bike. Cycling has been linked to low sperm count in men. Bicycling more than 5 hours per week is associated with lower sperm concentration.

As you can see – there are many methods that men can implement almost immediately to help increase their sperm count. Of course, certain things will make more of a difference than others, and taking a sperm supplement will often produce some of the quicker and most noticeable improvements.

A doctor formulated sperm supplement will always be one of the quickest ways to restore your sperm count, and that’s because they contain a number of key ingredients which have all been found to both increase sperm production and improve sperm health. We review and discuss several good sperm pills on this site, so make sure you compare the best ones before you decide to go with one of these male fertility supplements.

If you do consider using a sperm pill, as many men do – make sure you purchase one that contains zinc.

Zinc is absolutely essential for healthy sperm health and proper semen production, and will make an immediate impact. Take zinc together with folic acid if possible. Zinc is an essential mineral that is instrumental in several factors of cellular metabolism. In combination with folic acid, zinc was found to increase sperm count by 74% in men who had fertility problems, according to one study.

Scientists believe that sperm benefit from amino acids because certain amino acids are found in large quantities in the heads of sperm. Look out for the following amino acids to boost your ejaculate.

3 Important Amino Acids to increase ejaculate:

L-Arginine
L-Lysine
L-Carnitine

Increase sperm count – the hard way.

Most guys won’t like this part – but there are several habits or “lifestyle” decisions that we make everyday that can have a very negative impact on our sperm count. Things like drinking alcohol, smoking, drug use, and lack of exercise all have a hand in reducing our sperm volume and health as we get older.

The longer your body has to battle these habits, the more you’ll notice the result – not only in your sperm production – but also aspects like erectile function and sexual performance. So – the “hard way” of increasing your sperm count involves changing your lifestyle and leading a healthier, more active life. The good news is that your body will benefit in many ways – not just the ability to produce more sperm and have better sperm motility.

Marijuana is known to lower both the male hormone testosterone – and sperm count. If you smoke marijuana regularly, there’s a good chance it’s reducing your sperm count – which is quite ironic since many men enjoy smoking marijuana before engaging in sexual activities.

We don’t advocate trying to change a number of your lifestyle choices all at once – but making gradual and permanent changes to some of your ‘bad’ habits will have a noticeable effect on your your sperm count and your semen load size. Try adding a few more fruits and veggies to your diet, get regular exercise, and reduce your drinking and smoking to see improved sperm counts and increased fertility.

Increase sperm count – the easy way.

We know that some men will be resistant to making ANY changes to their lifestyle – and we totally get it. Guys are pretty stubborn, and we do tend to enjoy some habits which don’t necessarily work to the benefit of our health. Many guys won’t consider implementing any of the “hard” choices we’ve listed above.

We’ve already touched on the recent developments of new semen supplements which have become extremely popular – and with good reason. A well designed semen supplement can boost your ejaculate volume by as much as 500%. This is quite a dramatic difference, and will be very noticeable by both you AND your partner.

When you consider this dramatic improvement in semen load size – imagine how much more sperm will be in your ejaculate when you shoot 500% more semen than before.

A fertile male human ejaculates between 2 and 5 milliliters(ml) of semen (on average about a teaspoon). In each ml there are normally about 100 million sperm. If the concentration falls below 20 million sperm per milliliter there is usually some trouble with fertility. If you start shooting 5 teaspoons of semen instead of 1 – you’ll be “depositing” millions and millions of extra sperm every time you have intercourse.

These sperm supplements have now become quite mainstream – and in fact are one of the best selling male enhancement products sold in this multi-billion dollar industry. Many millions of men use these supplements even though they don’t have fertility problems – just for the pleasure and enjoyment they get from shooting bigger semen loads – and the stronger orgasms that accompany them.

Sperm supplements are a great choice to quickly increase your sperm count and improve fertility. Natural sperm pills are very safe and also quite affordable – in fact – EXTREMELY affordable compared to the thousands of dollars couples usually spend on fertility treatments.

If you’re looking for a good, doctor recommended sperm supplement – there are many too choose from. Most work quite well – although a handful of products stand out above the rest.

Top 5 supplements to increase ejaculate:

As we said before – don’t buy any sperm pill that doesn’t contain at least SOME zinc, as it’s essential to proper semen production and sperm health. If you can, try and find a product that contains L-Arginine as well, as it is vital for amino acids involved in reproduction health.

If you’re not sure which sperm supplement is best for your – we’ve made it even easier! Check out our homepage for our sperm pill survey tool that will help down the search by asking 7 simple questions to help you pick the perfect sperm supplement!

We encourage you to explore this website for many resources and tips on improving both your overall sexual health and especially your sperm count and reproductive health. There are many things you can do to help increase your sperm count – and you’ll dramatically improve your sexual satisfaction and pleasure as a bonus!

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Medical Resources

Sperm Lifespan Inside the Female Body.

How long does sperm live for?

How long can sperm survive inside a woman and get her pregnant?

Does the “Withdrawal Method” work for birth control?

Can you make your sperm healthier?

6 Tips for Sperm Health

Does Marijuana Reduce Male Fertility?

Research confirms depression reduces male fertility.

Different Study – Same Conclusion:

What does this mean for male fertility?

Questions around male fertility

Marijuana might raise sperm count – while reducing sperm quality.

Psychological effects of male infertility

You can improve your own fertility

Medical Sources

Research confirms depression reduces male fertility.

What does this mean for male fertility?

Questions around male fertility

Stress reduces sperm count and semen quality

Psychological effects of male infertility

Psychological treatment for male infertility

You can improve your own fertility

Sources

How To Make Sure You Have Healthy Sperm.

Sperm and male fertility:

How can I keep my sperm healthy?

5 Tips for keeping your sperm happy and healthy.

3 Important Amino Acids for health sperm:

VIDEO – 5 Tips to Ensure Healthy Sperm

Improving sperm health – the hard way.

Improving sperm health – the easy way.

Top 3 supplements to improve sperm health and motility:

Is Ibuprofen damaging male fertility?

Testicles and Testosterone

Questions around male fertility

How long does sperm actually live for?

How long does sperm live inside a woman?

How long does sperm live inside you to get pregnant?

How long does sperm last in a hot tub?

How can you make your sperm healthier?

5 Tips for Healthier Sperm

How to increase sperm count and enjoy healthier sperm.

Quick tips to increase sperm count.

Increase sperm count – the hard way.

Increase sperm count – the easy way.

Top 5 supplements to increase ejaculate:

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