Male Infertility
In about 40% of infertile couples, the cause of the infertility lies with the males. If you're a couple trying to conceive and haven't been able to for 6 months, it only makes sense to have an evaluation done on the males fertility health.
Quick Facts:
- It takes approximately 72 to 90 days to produce mature sperm.
- Sperm is produced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are many factors that can decrease or cease sperm production. Here are a few:
- Illness
- Excessive Caffeine
- Stress
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Street and certain Prescription Drugs
- Some over the counter medications
- Injury to the testicles
- Blockage in the Vas Deferens
- Excessive Heat to the testicles
- Vitamin Deficiencies
- Varicocele:a varicose enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord that may cause infertility through a significant decrease in the quality and quantity of the sperm.
L-Carnitine and Other Supplemental Aid
Carnitine: What is it?
Carnitine, derived from an amino acid, is found in nearly all cells of the body. Its name is derived from the Latin carnus or flesh, as the compound was isolated from meat. Carnitine is the generic term for a number of compounds that include L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, and propionyl-L-carnitine.
L-Carnitine is a natural treatment widely recommended for male infertility. The carnitine content of seminal fluid is directly related to sperm count and motility, suggesting that the compound might be of value in treating male infertility. What is known is that L-carnitine is found in much greater amounts in sperm tissues than other cells. Studies suggest that L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine may be able to stimulate sperm motility in certain situations.
Several studies indicate that carnitine supplementation can improve sperm quality. One randomized, double-blind crossover trial found that 2 grams a day of carnitine taken for 2 months by 100 infertile men increased the concentration and both total and forward motility of their sperm. The reported benefits may relate to increased mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation (providing more energy for sperm) and reduced cell death in the testes. Larger and more carefully designed studies are needed to evaluate carnitine's potential value as an infertility therapy.
Note: carnitine is NOT advised for anyone with seizure disorders.
What foods provide carnitine?
Animal products like meat, fish, poultry, and milk are the best sources. In general, the redder the meat, the higher its carnitine content. Dairy products contain carnitine primarily in the whey fraction. The carnitine content of several foods:
- Beef steak, cooked, 4 ounces: 56-162mg
- Ground beef, cooked, 4 ounces: 87-99 mg
- Milk, whole, 1 cup: 8mg
- Codfish, cooked, 4 ounces: 4-7mg
- Chicken breast, cooked, 4 ounces: 3-5mg
- Ice cream, 1/2 cup: 3mg
- Cheese, cheddar, 2 ounces: 2mg
- Whole-wheat bread, 2 slices: 0.2mg
- Asparagus, cooked, 1/2 cup: 0.1 mg
The following supplements have also been shown to increase sperm count and/or motility. Allow 3 to 4 months for the supplements to work.
- Arginine/L-Arginine: Studies indicate that this amino acid improves sperm motility.
- Coenzyme Q10: Take 10 mg daily. Increases sperm count and motility.
- Flaxseed oil: Take 1 tablespoon daily. Is a source of essential fatty acids.
- Multivitamin: Buy a high-quality product and take one serving size (differs from brand to brand).
- Selenium: Take 200 mcg daily. Improves sperm motility.
- Vitamin B-12: Take 1000 mcg daily. A B-12 deficiency reduces sperm motility and sperm count. Even if no deficiency exists, B-12 supplementation may help men with a sperm count of less than 20 million per milliliter or a motility rate of less than 50%
- Vitamin C: Take 500 mg 2 times daily. Is an antioxidant.
- Vitamin E: Take 400 IUs 2 times daily. Is an antioxidant and improves sperms' ability to impregnate.
- Zinc. Zinc is an essential nutrient for proper sperm production. A deficiency may result in lowered testosterone levels.. The usual recommended dosage of zinc is about 15 to 30 mg daily, coupled with 1 mg of copper for balance. Too much zinc can be toxic. Do not exceed a dose of 15 to 30 mg daily. Zinc is a mineral is found in great amounts in the outer layer of sperm and plays an important role in the production of the hormone testosterone.
And of course, don't forget to follow a safe penis exercise program!
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