Infertility is not just related to problems for women, but there are many problems in men too. The finding of a low sperm count is a common in couples who are having difficulty in becoming pregnant, but in 30% of men with a low count. no cause is found.
Low sperm count in men can be an incredibly frustrating diagnosis since treatments lack solid scientific evidence for success. To date, there is research to suggest that sperm damage may be caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the body’s production of chemicals called ‘free radicals’ that are harmful to cells and tissues, and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify the effects of free radicals via antioxidants.
The body’s natural antioxidant defences may reduce this type of injury and we can improve the antioxidant process through diet and lifestyle. For men deficient in antioxidants, supplements may increase the chance of conceiving in couples undergoing fertility treatment. A rise of up to 4x the pregnancy rate are reported in men taking antioxidant supplementation. Discuss with your fertility specialist the use of antioxidants to improve your chances.
Some anti-oxidants include Vitamin E, Vitamin C, carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, zinc, high-protein diets, selenium, Vitamin-B12, folic acid, beta-carotene.