Male Fertility Herbs
There's often a lot of focus placed on supplements for the woman while trying to conceive – but male fertility herbs greatly benefit the man. They increase your man's health, his fertility, and possibly even the health of your future child.
People tend to overlook or minimize the role a man actually plays in the conception of a baby. They think he helps one time, then it's all up to the woman. But scientific studies have shown conclusively that the health of the sperm cell has a huge impact on the health of a child. In fact, animal studies have shown that birth defects can be present in newborn animals born to a very well-nourished, healthy mother – but the father was malnourished and unhealthy.
Careful attention to diet and careful choice of male fertility herbs benefit the father's sperm and the future child's health. It takes about 3 months – anywhere from around 42 to 76 days for sperm to form and be released during ejaculation. So three months is an ideal window to focus on fertility supplements.
So where do you start? First, start with diet. All the information given on this site about the woman's diet applies to the man, as well. After you're focused on diet, take a look at the male fertility herbs.
Balancing Hormones
It's important for men to have balanced hormones. Though men do not “cycle” as women do, they do need hormone levels to be at correct levels for optimal fertility. Many men today have high levels of estrogens in their bodies. This comes from soy foods, pesticides, and hormones in dairy and meats. It's best for men to avoid soy foods (and get your meat and dairy from sources that do not use hormones).
Focus on these male fertility herbs:
Maca – a root vegetable that was traditionally used to increase the fertility of both men and women. This is a potent, food-based fertility supplement that has been proven to increase sperm health. It also increases libido and sexual performance.
Tribulus – this herb hails from south Asia and has been used as a fertility herb for centuries. Recent scientific research has shown it effective as a male fertility herb, especially if sperm antibodies are a problem for the man. It's also useful for improving sex drive, increasing sperm count, improving sperm motility, and promoting the viability of sperm.
Panax Ginseng – Panax ginseng is also known as “Asian ginseng” and has many health benefits. It's an immune stimulant and it helps improve mental health (including improving the memory). It's also reputed to slow the aging process. Studies show that it helps men hoping to become fathers by increasing sperm counts, as well as the quality of sperm.
In addition to the herbs, these nutrients are very important to male fertility:
L-Carnitine – This is a necessary nutrient for sperm cells. Without enough l-carnitine sperm motility (the ability of sperm to move correctly) is ineffective. It's available naturally in red meats as well as eggs and dairy products. It can also be taken in supplement form.
CoQ10 – Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxident in the body. It helps provide energy to the body and enhances the reproductive system. It helps protect sperm cells (and other cells) in the body from damage. The journal Fertility and Sterility reports a study showing evidence that CoQ10 improves sperm motility. Organ meats are rich in CoQ10. It's also available as a supplement.
Vitamin A – Vitamin A is the true “infection preventer” of the vitamin world. It's also one of the most import nutrients for men (and women) of childbearing age. Fathers deficient in Vitamin A are much more likely to father children with birth defects. True vitamin A comes from animal sources such as organ meats and cod liver oil. Plant sources of “Vitamin A” are actually sources of beta carotene, which the body may not be able to convert to vitamin A. Cod liver oil is the best supplement source of A – avoid synthetic supplements!
Take the time to learn about the herbs that benefit men – it's just as important to have your man be well-nourished as it is for you. The father does influence the health of his baby!
(NOTE: Want the Top Easy Steps to Boosting Your Fertility? Use these 5 simple, evidence-based steps to get pregnant and carry your healthy baby to term. Get them here.)
