1. Use Vitamins B6 and B12 to Improve Fertility
Both men and women can benefit from over-the-counter fertility supplements of the B vitamins. For women who have a luteal phase (the time between ovulation and the start of the next menstrual cycle) shorter than 10 days in length (known as a luteal phase defect), vitamin B6 can help improve their fertility. Taking B6 consistently throughout a woman's cycle can lengthen her luteal phase, thereby increasing her chances of conceiving. Women can take between 50 and 200 mg of vitamin B6 per day. Men can take a supplement of vitamin B12 (up to 50 mcg per day) to increase their sperm count, improve sperm motility and balance their hormones, all of which can improve male fertility.
2. Boost Fertility With Vitamin C
Women who find that they don't have any or enough fertile cervical fluid can take a fertility supplement of vitamin C. In women, vitamin C can make cervical fluid more watery, thereby making it more fertile. Plentiful fertile cervical fluid increases the chances of conception. Males can also use vitamin C to improve their fertility. Vitamin C supplements inhibit the agglutination (clumping) of sperm in the semen. This increases sperm motility and progression, which leads to increased fertility. Vitamin C can also improve the overall function of sperm, especially in smokers.
3. Increase Sperm Count and Quality With Vitamin E
A deficiency in vitamin E can lead to a low sperm count in men. Taking 15 mg per day of vitamin E can increase sperm count in men with less-than-optimal sperm counts. Vitamin E can also help improve sperm motility, thereby increasing male fertility and the chances of conceiving.
4. Take Selenium to Boost Male Fertility
Selenium is another fertility supplement that can improve male fertility by improving the quality of the sperm and by increasing sperm count. The recommended dosage of selenium for men is up to 100 mcg per day.
5. Get Plenty of Amino Acids
Amino acids can also work to improve male and female fertility and increase the chances of conception. Amino acids, such as L-arginine, can increase circulation to the female reproductive organs, which can make conception more likely. Men can take a supplement of L-carnitine to improve sperm count, increase sperm motility and improve overall sperm quality, all of which can improve male fertility.
