When the time rolls around to start trying to have a baby, you want to do everything in your power to increase the likelihood of getting pregnant. Regardless of whether you have a baby “naturally” or by way of IVF, there are two things that must be present in order to have a baby: sperm and egg.
Let’s flip the script here for a minute and talk about men’s health. Yes, here at Rescripted, we might be focused primarily on women, but we can’t leave men out of the equation when talking about reproduction.
A study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem showed that sperm counts dropped by 50 to 60 percent in men from North America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia between 1973 and 2011. That’s a significant decrease that can have a major impact on fertility rates and outcomes.
While you’ll want to check with your doctor about potential causes and treatments, there is an at-home option that you may want to consider — a sperm health supplement.
Which supplement is best for male fertility?
Popstar Labs is home to Fertility for Men, an all-natural doctor-formulated supplement that promotes sperm health, count, and motility to keep his swimmers strong.
“It is actually not purely focused on larger ejaculate loads, but more on higher sperm counts for fertility,” says Dr. Brian Steixner, co-founder and CEO of Popstar Labs. “Healthy young men often use this prior to trying to conceive naturally, and men undergoing IVF use it to maximize sperm before getting started.”
Popstar Labs also offers a volume and taste enhancer supplement, which can also be used to help increase semen volume.
Key ingredients in male fertility supplements
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Some key ingredients in Popstar Lab’s third-party tested Fertility for Men supplement include folic acid, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and Coenzyme Q10 — all of which have been shown to aid in better sperm health.
Folic acid
Recent studies have suggested that folic acid may also have a significant impact on male fertility, particularly on sperm health.
“Several pieces of research have linked low levels of folic acid in men to poor sperm quality, including reduced sperm count, decreased sperm motility (movement), and abnormal sperm morphology (shape),” says Steixner.
Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that plays a vital role in many bodily functions from skin health to sperm production and motility. Research has shown that zinc supplementation can improve sperm quality, making it an essential nutrient for men considering sperm banking, according to Steixner.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Not only is vitamin C important for immune health, but studies have shown that higher levels may contribute to better sperm quality.
Vitamin E
By reducing oxidative stress, Vitamin E can help improve sperm quality, including sperm count, motility, and shape. “Additionally, Vitamin E has been shown to enhance the ability of sperm cells to fertilize an egg by preserving their membrane integrity and DNA quality,” Steixner adds.
Coenzyme Q10
Aside from being helpful for high blood pressure and migraines, research has shown that CoQ10 may improve sperm count, motility, and morphology, thereby enhancing overall sperm quality.
Should men take supplements when trying to conceive?
The answer to this question will vary based on an individual's circumstances and needs, however, it can be helpful to know that options are available like those from Popstar Labs. Learn more about Fertility For Men, and use code RESCRIPTED to save 20%!
As always, it's important to consult with your doctor before starting any new supplement, whether it’s being used more recreationally to enhance orgasms or for fertility reasons. And remember: there’s no shame in needing a little extra support, especially if it means helping you achieve your goal of growing your family.
Casey Clark is a freelance writer from New York City who specializes in beauty, food, and lifestyle content in the commerce sector. Her work has been featured in Women’s Health, Allure, Cosmopolitan, SELF and more. When she’s not writing, you can find her swatching the latest lipsticks or out to brunch with her girlfriends.