Although most couples pursue medical help for fertility issues, many also find themselves looking for other ways to boost their fertility, and supplements are a popular way to do this. Here, we are going to take a look at one popular male infertility supplement, FertilAid For Men, which is manufactured by Fairhaven Health). Read about it to determine whether it is a good choice for you and your family to try on your fertility journey.
What to Know About Male Infertility and Supplements
Men are just as likely to be the cause of fertility issues in a couple as women are. About one-third of cases of infertility can be traced to males and one-third to females. The other third of cases are due to factors in both male and females or factors with unknown origins. In fact, it’s usually males who are tested first when a couple undergoes fertility testing, because testing a male’s sperm health is much less invasive than testing a woman’s reproductive system. When men have issues with their fertility, it’s usually because of an issue in their testicles, where sperm is manufactured and stored. In addition to issues with how the testicles work, hormonal imbalances and blockage in the male sex organs are common causes of male infertility. Stats reveal that 40% of males with infertility have a varicocele, an enlarged vein on the testicle; and 50% of cases of male infertility are of unknown origin. Issues in male infertility can be broken down into three main components. These can include:
Low sperm count (normal ranges for this are at minimum 20 million per milliliter) Low motility (refers to active movement of person; normal levels are 60-80% actively moving) Poor sperm morphology (refers to the normal shape of sperm; 70-90% of sperm should be of normal shape and size)
Do Supplements Help with Male Infertility?
Some men turn to supplements as a way to support their fertility journey. Most of these supplements can be purchased at drug stores or online. Moreover, many of them may not be as effective as they claim to be. For example, a review of common male fertility supplement ingredients, published in Urology, found that only a small percentage of the ingredients in male fertility products were effective. The researchers looked at the 17 of most popular male fertility supplements in the U.S., examining a total of 90 different ingredients. Of these ingredients, they found that only 17% of ingredients had a positive effect on male fertility. 5 ingredients in particular had clear evidence of effectiveness:
L-CarnitineVitamin EVitamin CCoQ10Zinc
What Are the Ingredients of FertilAid For Men?
FertilAid For Men is a supplement manufactured by Fairhaven Health. The company claims to have been manufacturing the product since 2003, and calls it, a “2-in-1 powerful male fertility pill” that can also be used as a “male prenatal vitamin.” They say that their supplement is a “[p]atented formula to support male reproductive health and fertility,” and that it can help with all three components of sperm health: count, motility, and morphology. FertilAid contains vitamins, including B-12, folate, vitamin D, vitamin K, riboflavin, and magnesium. It also offers other ingredients and herbs that the company claims will improve male fertility, such as L-Arginine, maca, ashwagandha, and Mucuna pruriens.
Is FertilAid For Men Effective at Enhancing Male Fertility?
Fairhaven Health purports that FertilAid For Men is effective in its ability to “support sperm health,” referring to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Andrology. As discussed in a 2016 analysis of male fertility supplements and therapies, this study, published in the Asian Journal of Andrology, looked at 14 males with “abnormal semen parameters.” These men were prescribed either a 90-day supply of FertilAid For Men or a placebo. Of the men who took FertilAid For Men, “total normal motile sperm improved,” according to the Asian Journal of Andrology. However, there were no enhancements in terms of sperm count, motility, or morphology. This led the authors of the analysis to conclude that “it is difficult to recommend this supplement.”
Should I Use FertilAid For Men?
The decision about whether to use a product like Fertiliad For Men is best made under the counsel of your doctor. Every male who deals with fertility issues is different, and has different needs. You can also discuss supplements and lifestyle choices your doctor thinks would make a difference for you. For example, avoiding nicotine, drugs like marijuana and cocaine, switching from boxer to briefs, and avoiding hot baths have all been shown to help with sperm production.
A Word from Verywell
Dealing with infertility can be a stressful and lonely experience. It can often feel like you are the only one dealing with a situation like this, but that’s not true. Infertility is, unfortunately, very common. The good news is that most couples find a way to start a family, whether through medical intervention, adoption, or surrogacy. As you look toward starting or growing your family, it makes sense to pursue all options, including supplements to enhance your fertility. Just make sure you do it smartly and mindfully, and with the advice of your medical team.
