Delays in conceiving a baby can lead to frustration and put stress on a couple's relationship, which can further compound fertility problems. There are a variety of things men can do to help improve their fertility, including adding herbs to a daily diet that give the sperm count and motility a boost. Men should consult their physicians before starting any herbal remedy.
Astralgus
Astralgus, an herb traditionally used in Chinese medicine to improve immune response, may prove beneficial for your fertility by affecting the motility of your sperm. The New York Times notes that 90 percent of male fertility problems stem from problems with sperm, including sperm motility. Research published in a 1992 issue of "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine" notes that exposure to astralgus promoted sperm motility in a laboratory setting, and more recently evidence published in the January 2004 issue of the "National Journal of Andrology" confirmed this finding in animal testing. Research is needed to determine this herb's effectiveness for increasing sperm motility when taken by human men, although the Urology Channel website notes that astralgus is already in use as a treatment to boost fertility by increasing sperm motility. The University of Maryland Medical Center website reports that you can take a dosage of one to 25 g of astralgus per day, but higher doses may harm your immune system.
Ginseng
Long in use as a Chinese herbal remedy for a range of health problems, ginseng may also find use as a treatment for low sperm motility. Research published in the September 2010 issue of "The Italian Journal of Urology and Nephrology" indicates that sperm motility is positively impacted by treatment with ginseng in combination with other supplements. Additionally, ginseng can boost sperm count. Evidence in the December 2005 issue of "Sexuality and Disability" suggests that ginseng helps protect sperm count. The BabyHopes website notes that low sperm count is the leading cause of infertility, a condition that can result from stress, sexual dysfunction, impotence, premature ejaculation, psychological problems and use of some lubricants. Medline Plus reveals that ginseng may also find use to help with erectile dysfunction and recommends that you take ginseng for this purpose at a dose of 900 mg three times every day.
Maca
Maca, a Peruvian plant, may impact your fertility by boosting both sperm count and sperm motility. Research in the December 2001 issue of "Asian Journal of Andrology" indicates that taking 1,500 to 3,000 mg of maca every day for a period of four months improved sperm count and motility as well as seminal volume. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that taking maca may also play a role in your libido and sexual performance, which may also improve your chances of getting your partner pregnant. The Drugs.com website reports that you should not take maca if you have a thyroid condition as compounds in this herbal remedy when taken in excess with a low-iodine diet can result in developing goiter. The website recommends a dosage of 450 mg of maca three times daily taken with food.
References
- PubMed: Astragalus membranaceus stimulates human sperm motility in vitro
- PubMed: Effects of astragalus membranaceus injection on sperm abnormality in Cd-induced rats
- SpringerLink: In Vitro Effect of Ginseng Extract on Sperm Count
- PubMed: Treatment with carnitine, acetyl carnitine, l-arginine and ginseng improves sperm motility
- PubMed: Lepidium meyenii (Maca) improved semen parameters in adult men
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Astalgus
