Infertility in Men

Reviewed By: Dr. Veena

Published: January 30 2024

Infertility refers to the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. This often causes significant psychological distress for couples. Infertility affects around 1 in 7 couples of reproductive age. In men, infertility can result from low sperm count as well as various conditions such as anatomical problems, genetic defects, and more. Let’s discuss the different causes of male infertility.

Causes:

Reduced sperm quality
Varicocele: A varicose enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord, producing a soft compressible tumor mass in the scrotum.
Obesity
Smoking
Excessive alcohol intake
Tobacco use
Advanced age
Diabetes
Sperm defects: Oligozoospermia and substandard semen quality.
Hypothalamic hypogonadism
Hyperthyroidism
Tubular dysfunction
Infections: Specific infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and inflammation of the prostate can affect sperm production.
Previous vasectomy
Retrograde ejaculation: Semen enters the bladder during orgasm.
Tubal damage: The tubes carrying sperm may be damaged by injury or illness.
Poor nutrition
Underweight
Erectile dysfunction
Heavy metal exposure: Such as lead.
Excessive bicycle riding

Hormonal Disorders Causing Male Infertility:

Hyperprolactinemia: Abnormally high concentration of prolactin in the blood.
Hypothyroidism: Characterized by a lowered metabolic rate and general loss of vigor.
Panhypopituitarism: Generalized deficiency of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A collection of genetic conditions that limit the adrenal glands' ability to make certain vital hormones, particularly cortisol.

Symptoms:

Pain and swelling in the testicle area
Respiratory infections
Inability to conceive
Difficulty in ejaculation

Rate of Infertility (Source: World Health Organization):

10 to 20 percent of all men have low sperm counts.
2 to 3 percent of all men are completely infertile, producing no sperm at all.
Infertility affects at least 15 percent of the reproductive age population, with roughly 40 percent of cases attributable to men.
85 percent are treated with conventional medications (synthetic hormones) or surgery to repair diseased reproductive organs.
Less than 5 percent of infertile couples attempt in vitro fertilization, which has a 10 to 20 percent success rate at a cost of $10,000 per attempt.

Herbs Useful for Treating Male Infertility

Gotu Kola
Maca
Tribulus
Saw Palmetto
Damiana
Yohimbe
Cayenne
Pumpkin Seed
Horny Goat Weed
Fo-Ti
Ginseng

Myristica fragrans (Nutmeg/Jaiphal):

Used in many sex tonics for treating debility, impotence, and spermatorrhea. Acts as a stimulant, carminative, and aphrodisiac.

Mucuna prurita (Konch):

Aphrodisiac and spermatogenetic, useful for treating impotence, spermatorrhea, and sexual debility. Also has antidepressant effects in patients with depressive neurosis (Ref: Singh R.H. and Tripathi R.K., 1982, Jour Res Edn Ind Med 1 (1), 23-28).

Sida cordifolia (Bala):

Rejuvenative and spermatogenetic, indicated for nocturnal emissions and spermatorrhea. The seeds are considered aphrodisiac (Ref: Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants).

Panax Ginseng:

Useful for treating erectile dysfunction, especially red ginseng, often called "Herbal Viagra." However, it can cause side effects like insomnia.

Yohimbe:

Found in the bark of an African tree, promising results for erectile dysfunction, but may cause side effects like kidney failure and heart attack. Only given by prescription.

Saw Palmetto:

Used for erectile dysfunction due to enlarged prostate, but clinical trials show it is not effective for this purpose.

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): Helps to increase sperm count.

Gokshur: Used for sexual problems like spermatorrhea, erectile dysfunction, and to improve sexual desire.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamin C: Enhances fertility. Sources: oranges, broccoli, lemon.

Zinc: Supplements help increase testosterone levels. Sources: wheat germ, turkey, oysters, legumes, nuts, meat, tuna, salmon, crimini mushrooms.

Vitamin E:

Improves sperm health and motility. Sources: almonds, sunflower seeds, evening primrose oil.

Folic Acid:

Important for the development of DNA within sperm. Sources: asparagus, spinach, black beans, kidney beans.

COQ10: Found in seafood.

Natural Home Remedies

Eat organic food.
Consume foods rich in antioxidants.
Pumpkin seeds, rich in zinc, help maintain a healthy reproductive system.
Eat small quantities of organic meat.
Use clarified butter or coconut butter while cooking.
Chew 2 to 3 cloves of garlic daily to treat male infertility.
Take Amla juice daily.
Consume one teaspoon of flaxseed oil daily.
A combination of Ashwagandha and Brahmi is advisable to relieve stress and strain.
Black gram with onion juice once a day is advisable.
Dried dates have aphrodisiac properties.
Add a pinch of saffron to a cup of hot milk and drink before bed.
Take pomegranate juice twice daily.

L-Arginine: An amino acid found in dairy products and fish that helps expand blood vessels. Side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Contraindicated for people taking Viagra or blood pressure medication.

For Erectile Dysfunction:

Take 2 to 3 crushed garlic cloves with honey, three times a day. Garlic increases the production of hydrogen sulfide, which helps relax blood vessels. Allicin in garlic stimulates blood flow. Boil 5 to 6 de-skinned cloves of garlic in a cup of milk, add sugar, and drink twice daily.

Papaya (Carica papaya):

Advisable as it contains arginine. Concentrated arginine is present in Viagra.

Avoid

Excessive exercise
Prolonged sitting
Tight clothing
Synthetic deodorants
Smoking
Excessive alcohol intake
Pesticides, bisphenols, formaldehyde, organic solvents
Caffeine
Stress and strain

Granthokta Preparations for Male Infertility:

Manmath Ras
Pushpadhanwa Ras

Though quantities of some ingredients in the natural home remedies are mentioned, it is advisable to consult an Ayurvedic physician before use.