Herbs to Improve Male Fertility
Male sperm counts are plummeting. Over the past 50 years, they’ve dropped by more than 40%. Today, factors such as stress, diet, heavy metal toxicity, and chemical exposure are causing many men to face fertility issues at younger ages.
Fertility experts warn that by 2045, most men could lose their ability to reproduce due to frequent exposure to hormone-altering chemicals. Conventional medicine offers limited solutions for male infertility. IVF (in vitro fertilisation), the most common treatment, doesn’t address underlying male reproductive health issues. Synthetic hormone therapies for men, while sometimes effective, have success rates ranging from just 20% to 50%. These therapies also pose significant health risks, including cardiovascular disease, strokes, heart attacks, cancers and mood swings.
When there are no physical barriers to conception, infertility may stem from poor nutrition, exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, underlying infections or compromised mental and spiritual wellbeing. Processed foods, for instance, can elevate oestrogen levels, further impacting fertility.
To address these issues, a holistic approach is needed – one that targets multiple aspects of health. Naturopathic medicine, with its long history of using plants and herbs for healing, offers a comprehensive strategy for improving fertility and overall male health.
In this article, we’ll delve into some of the herbs commonly used to enhance fertility and their benefits for men’s health.
Understanding fertility
Conception is a complex process involving an intricate mix of physiological, biological, genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Typically, sperm production and conception occur naturally without much conscious effort. However, various factors can disrupt this process, including nutritional deficiencies, excess weight, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, weakened immunity, poor testicular or prostate health and stress.
While male fertility is often easier to diagnose because sperm can be readily assessed, addressing the underlying causes can be just as challenging as in female infertility.
Environmental factors, which can be difficult to manage, play a significant role in male infertility. Exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals in plastics, electronics, food packaging, pesticides, antidepressants and personal care products is directly linked to reduced sperm counts. These toxins can also lead to malformed sperm and decreased libido. Furthermore, rising rates of testicular and prostate cancers in younger men, as well as an unprecedented increase in breast cancers among men, have been associated with these hormonal disruptions.
By tackling environmental toxins and incorporating herbal remedies, men can improve sperm count, rebalance testosterone levels, and enhance sperm structure and motility.
Herbs for Male Fertility
Herbal remedies address not only the underlying causes of infertility but also support the body’s natural reproductive processes. Rather than just alleviating infertility symptoms, these herbs enhance libido, creating more opportunities for conception.
They also improve mood and reduce stress, which supports sperm production and helps balance hormonal levels.
The following herbs have been shown to significantly boost male fertility and overall reproductive health.
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens):
Saw palmetto is renowned for supporting prostate health and regulating male hormonal levels, including dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can influence semen volume and viscosity. It also helps reduce inflammation and boost immune function without affecting sperm’s ability to penetrate eggs – a concern with some other herbs like echinacea. This makes saw palmetto an excellent choice for men looking to enhance fertility while also improving overall immune health.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is a powerful adaptogenic herb that reduces stress, boosts libido, and increases the chances of conception. Studies reveal that ashwagandha significantly enhances sperm count, motility and morphology. It also helps regulate male hormone levels, supporting overall reproductive health.
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia):
This herb boosts testosterone production, increases sperm count, and improves sperm motility. It has been proven to enhance sperm volume and motility in men aged 30 – 55, extending the fertility window for couples. It also offers anti-cancer benefits, including support for prostate cancer treatment.
Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris):
Commonly regarded as a weed, tribulus originates from Eurasia and Africa and has spread to North America and Australia. It contains a compound called protodioscin, which supports sperm development. Research shows that tribulus improves sperm motility and boosts active testosterone levels in men. It may also alleviate symptoms of angina, though more research is needed in this area.
Men using testosterone-boosting herbs should regularly monitor their testosterone levels to ensure they remain within a normal range, particularly if they have hyperthyroidism or adrenal gland disorders.
Incorporating Herbs in Your Fertility Enhancing Routine
A naturopathic approach to infertility often requires six to nine months to see noticeable changes, as sperm takes up to three months to develop and mature. Improving sperm quality may involve two to three cycles of redevelopment.
With consistent use and a targeted naturopathic plan, herbs can significantly enhance fertility and address various reproductive disorders, including reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Here are some tips for incorporating herbs into your fertility regimen:
- Choose high-quality, organic herbs from reputable sources. Consulting a naturopathic herbalist can help you select the right herbs, formulations and dosages.
- Be consistent with your herbal regimen and understand that reproductive repair is a gradual process that happens over several months or years, not days or weeks.
- Combine herbs with a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep for the best results.
Herbs are a powerful tool in naturopathy and can be effectively combined with acupuncture, homeopathy, nutritional therapy, tissue salts, hydrotherapy and other modalities to restore optimal health.
For thousands of years, herbs have naturally supported reproductive health. By adopting a holistic approach and incorporating fertility-enhancing herbs, you can harness nature’s remedies to support your journey towards reproductive wellness and the joy of parenthood.
If you’re interested in developing your own skills as a naturopathic herbalist, taking a whole-body approach to fertility, consider studying for a Naturopathic Diploma in Herbal Medicine at CNM.
References
Schaart, E. (2021) No more babies? the hormone-altering chemicals threatening human procreation, POLITICO. Available at: https://www.politico.eu/article/no-more-babies-expert-warns-that-hormone-altering-chemicals-threaten-human-procreation/#:~:text=Sperm%20counts%20are%20set%20to,leading%20scholar%20Shanna%20Swan%20says.&text=There’s%20a%20looming%20solution%20to,leading%20scholar%20of%20reproductive%20health. (Accessed: 17 May 2024).
Salgado, R M et al. “Effect of oral administration of Tribulus terrestris extract on semen quality and body fat index of infertile men.” Andrologia vol. 49,5 (2017): 10.1111/and.12655. doi:10.1111/and.12655
Ambiye, V. R., Langade, D., Dongre, S., Aptikar, P., Kulkarni, M., & Dongre, A. (2013). Clinical Evaluation of the Spermatogenic Activity of the Root Extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Oligospermic Males: A Pilot Study. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 571420. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/571420
Jothi, Shankar, et al. “Eurycoma Longifolia: An Overview on the Pharmacological Properties for the Treatment of Common Cancer.” Journal of Public Health in Africa, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 16 Mar. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10365645/. Accessed 18 May 2024.
An Alternative Medicine Study of Herbal Effects on the Penetration of Zona-Free Hamster Oocytes and the Integrity of Sperm Deoxyribonucleic Acid – Sciencedirect, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0015028298004762. Accessed 18 May 2024.
