Infertility is often defined as the inability to conceive following a year or more of regular sexual activity around the time of ovulation. There are many possible causes of infertility among both men and women. Lifestyle factors are a common and alterable cause of infertility in many men. If you are a man considering herbal treatments to improve your fertility, first talk with a qualified health care professional about your treatment options and their associated risks.
Infertility
The list of possible causes of male infertility is long and includes environmental toxins, genetic anomalies, heavy use of illicit substances and alcohol, advanced age, radiation exposure, long-term smoking, obesity, surgery or trauma and certain sexually transmitted diseases. In most cases, an infertile male either has a low sperm count, poor sperm motility or sperm that is somehow blocked from release. MayoClinic.com states that being over 35 years of age, smoking tobacco and taking certain medications are risk factors for infertility in males.
Herbal Treatments
There are numerous herbal treatments that have been used for male infertility. According to Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," commonly used herbs for male infertility include astragalus, damiana, ginseng, sarsaparilla, saw palmetto, yohimbe, green oat and horny goatweed. Some of these herbs improve sperm motility, some enhance sexual function in men and some increase sperm count, semen density and your ability to maintain an erection.
An Effective Herb
Yohimbe is one of the most effective herbs in treating male infertility. Balch notes that yohimbe increases your libido and improves blood flow to your erectile tissue. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic doctor, herbal medicine expert and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that yohimbe contains a substance called yohimbine that has been used to help treat male erectile dysfunction, orthostatic hypotension and narcolepsy. Yohimbe should be taken under the supervision of your physician.
Disclaimer
Infertility is a complex condition that can be caused by many factors. A health care professional specializing in reproductive health can assess your condition and help determine its cause. A qualified health care provider can also suggest relevant treatment options for you and your partner. The use of herbal treatments for male fertility may improve your chances of conceiving, although the use of herbs does not guarantee a beneficial result. Herbs for infertility should always be used under the guidance of a trained health care professional.
References
- MedlinePlus: Infertility
- MayoClinic.com: Male infertility
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
