When you and your partner are trying to get pregnant, sperm quality matters. Your sperm must have the ability to move and the stamina to move for long periods of time in order to reach your partner's egg for fertilization. MayoClinic.com indicates that you increase your chances of conception if at least half your sperm are actively moving. There are supplements you can take to help improve the motility of your sperm, but be sure to consult your physician before taking any supplements.
Vitamin A
Taking vitamin A supplements may help you increase the motility of your sperm. The Not Getting Pregnant website points to sluggish sperm from vitamin A deficiencies as a potential cause of infertility and recommends getting more vitamin A to improve motility. Research published in the January 2004 issue of the journal "Cell and Tissue Research" indicates that vitamin A can mitigate damage to sperm motility in animal studies. More research is needed to determine vitamin A's true role in helping improve sperm motility. MedlinePlus reports that you can take vitamin A at a dosage of 900mcg on a daily basis.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenyme Q10, also known as CoQ10, plays a vital role in a number of functions in your body like contributing toward the production of energy for your cells. It also may prove beneficial for improving sperm motility. Evidence published in the July 2009 edition of "The Journal of Neurology" reveals that study participants taking 300mg of CoQ10 for a period of 26 weeks experienced significant improvements in the motility of their sperm, although researchers note that more studies are need to prove what effect this has on fertility. Avoid including CoQ10 supplements in your daily nutrition routine if you take certain blood thinners, blood pressure medications or chemotherapy medications. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that you can safely take CoQ10 at a dosage of 30 to 200mg per day.
Selenium
Consider adding selenium supplements to your diet for improved sperm motility. Selenium, an antioxidant that prevents damage to your body's tissues from free radicals, helps in the formation of proteins found in sperm, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Research published in the January 2009 issue of "The Journal of Neurology" recommends selenium for use in male infertility, noting that taking 200mcg of selenium for a period of 26 weeks improved all problems study participants had with their semen quality, including motility. The University of Maryland Medical Center reveals that a safe dosage of selenium for men ranges from 55 to 200mcg on a daily basis, although you should avoid taking it if you're taking certain chemotherapy drugs, anticoagulants or barbiturates.
References
- PubMed.gov: Efficacy of coenzyme Q10 on semen parameters, sperm function and reproductive hormones in infertile men
- PubMed.gov: Efficacy of selenium and/or N-acetyl-cysteine for improving semen parameters in infertile men: a double-blind, placebo controlled, randomized study
- PubMed.gov: Relief effect of vitamin A on the decreased motility of sperm and the increased incidence of malformed sperm in mice exposed neonatally to bisphenol A
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin A
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Coenzyme Q10
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Selenium
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