Let’s discuss male fertility and the whole herbs one can use to support men’s reproductive health, naturally.
Today, twenty million U.S. men are characterized as semen infertile. Millions more are described as semen sub-fertile. Poor sperm motility (rather than low sperm count) affects about 10% of infertile men. Further, while age does not impact male fertility to the extent that it does female fertility, a gradual lessening of semen quality does occur for men each decade after age 40.
Testosterone levels also start to decline around age 40, falling up to 10% each decade.
Even with these changes, advances in fertility technologies mean men who are producing any sperm at all have a very good chance of having a biological child. In addition, numerous herbs support male reproductive health for healthy conception, without the side effects of hormone treatments or the discomfort of medical procedures. Herbs also support healthy libido and endurance for a man’s well-being at any age.
Healthy Whole Herb Choices for Male Fertility
Ginkgo biloba is a key herb to revitalize circulation and improve erectile function. When a man’s circulation is normalized, well-being is increased, and healthy sexuality and fertility are enhanced.
Wild Green Oats (Avena sativa): The green milky seeds of oats are a fabulous nervous system tonic and evidence from the Institute for Advanced Study of Human Sexuality suggests they can boost a man’s libido and improve erections. Oats are rich in B-complex, magnesium, and potassium for nutritional support, too.
Ginseng species nourish and tone the male reproductive system. As adaptogens, ginseng species help the body resist the effects of stress, increasing energy and decreasing fatigue. There is evidence that suggests Asian Panax ginseng supports normal sperm count. I like working with ginseng-based combinations like Chinese red ginseng and American ginseng for optimum male fertility.
Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii), often called “the herbal Viagra,” is excellent as an endurance and libido enhancer. Modern Maca research reveals animals with low testosterone given maca experience a significant improvement in sexual activity. Early tests show good results for men’s fertility, too.
Ayurvedic Tribulus terrestris strengthens the male reproductive system, and may improve both sperm count and motility. Additionally, early Bulgarian research shows Tribulus may be a helpful herb for recovery from varicocele (varicose vein within spermatic cord), a common cause of male infertility.
Male Performance caps include whole herbs like American ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, Tribulus, and Maca that nourish the entire male system, offering long term sexual energy and performance support, naturally.
Nutritional & Lifestyle Factors That Reduce Male Fertility
In addition to whole herbs, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is at the forefront of a fertility program for men. Include plenty of vitamin C-rich fruits and vitamin E from nuts and seeds for protective antioxidants for sperm health. Further, stress is a fertility blocker for men. Try to relax more, but definitely avoid excess alcohol, drugs, and smoking for healthy male fertility.
- Meletis, Chris, N.D. & Liz Brown. (2004) Enhancing Fertility. Basic Health Publications.
- Leung, K. W., & Wong, A. S. (2013). Ginseng and male reproductive function. Spermatogenesis, 3(3). doi:10.4161/spmg.26391. Retrieved from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.4161/spmg.26391
- Fertility Tests for Men: How to Check Fertility in Men. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/guide/male-fertility-tests#1
- Tierra, Michael, L.Ac., OMD, A.H.G. and Leslie Tierra, L.Ac., A.H.G. (1998) Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine, Vol. 1 & 2, Lotus Press.
- Protich, M., D. Tsvetkov, B. Nalbanski, R. Stanislavov, M. Katsarova. (1981) Clinical trial of Tribestan on infertile males. Scientific-technical Report, Akush Ginekol (Sofiia). 1983;22(4):326-9
- Malviya, N., Jain, S., Gupta, V., & Vyas, S. (2011). Recent studies on aphrodisiac herbs for the management of male sexual dysfunction–a review. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica Drug Research, 68(1), 3-8. Retrieved from: http://ptfarm.pl/pub/File/Acta_Poloniae/2011/1/003.pdf
Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She’s the Co-Author of “Healthy Healing” with over 1 million copies sold, a Certified Herbalist, and a health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies program at East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from St. Mary’s College. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.
