What Are The Risks & Benefits Of A Testosterone Supplement?

Boosting Male Fertility: Understanding the Role of Supplements in Sperm Quality and Hormonal Balance

It is very common for men to purchase different types of supplements in order to boost their sperm count and boost testosterone. There are many benefits and few risks to testosterone supplements that both combat male infertility as well as fight andropause symptoms.

Many male infertility statistics show that out of all infertility cases, male factor infertility is responsible for 40-50% of cases, with 2% of men worldwide experiencing less than ideal sperm behavior. Male fertility supplements can help improve both the quality of a man’s sperm as well as reduce hormonal imbalances, therefore improving a man’s fertility.

There are many different types of male fertility and reproductive health supplements out there, but what exactly are in these vitamins and supplements? When looking at male fertility supplements it’s important to establish first what it is that you are wanting to accomplish. Some supplements support hormone imbalances, while others focus on sperm quality. 

Benefits of Testosterone Supplement Ingredients

There are many benefits of testosterone supplements and reproductive supplements for men. These benefits can help men on their fertility journey, or they can be used to subside male menopause (andropause) symptoms.  

A great supplement specifically made to improve male fertility is Elan Healthcare’s MedFertil for Men, which is a male fertility supplement that is made to:

• Improves sperm motility
• Increases overall sperm count
• Enhances sperm DNA integrity

Here is a list of some of the different ingredients that make up Elan Healthcare’s MedFertily male fertility supplement. All ingredients have been backed by science to aid male fertility and help to resolve hormonal imbalances.

Enhancing Sperm Motility with L-Carnitine

L-Carnite is a chemical that is naturally made in our brain, liver and kidneys. It increases sperm motility by changing fatty acid metabolism. This helps a man’s sperm swim better, helping them reach the egg faster increasing the chance of conception.

Vitamins C, B12 & E: Key Nutrients for Sperm Count and DNA Integrity

• Vitamin C has been shown to increase sperm motility by 92% and boosts sperm count by more than 100% according to male infertility statistics.
• Another study showed that vitamin B12 positively affects semen quality and primarily boosts sperm count, secondarily improving sperm motility. 
• Meanwhile, vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and protects cells against free radicals. This improves DNA's integrity.

Zinc's Crucial Role in Testicular Development and Sperm Maturation:

According to the WHO zinc deficiency is present in almost one-third of the world’s population. This lack of zinc could begin affecting testicular development and sperm maturation.  Zinc deficiency is also linked to male hypogonadism and the incomplete development of sex characteristics.

Folate and Zinc: A Powerful Combo for Boosting Sperm Count

Many studies have concluded that folate or folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) combined with zinc can be beneficial to male fertility. One study saw 74% of participants seeing an increase in sperm count in just 6 months. Another study saw daily folate and zinc significantly increase sperm concentration as well as higher quality sperm compared to participants taking a placebo.

Selenium: The Antioxidant Boost for Improved Sperm Motility

Selenium is a mineral that acts as an antioxidant lowering inflammation and protecting cells from free radicals. Selenium has been shown to improve sperm motility when combined with vitamin E. 

Coenzyme Q10: A Six-Month Study Reveals Fertility Enhancements

A 6-month CoQ10 therapy study with 60 men resulted in 12 spontaneous pregnancies in 2016. The concentration of CoQ10 was directly linked to the improvement of sperm motility, sperm count, sperm morphology and density. These results are backed up by many other studies that confirm the improvement of sperm movement in infertile men.

Elan Healthcare also offers a testosterone supplement called MedTesto. This product enhances a male’s fertility while reducing male menopause symptoms. The specific benefits of this testosterone supplement include: 

• Improves sexual interest & performance
• Supports and promotes testosterone production
• Reduces mental and cognitive stress 
• Supports peripheral circulation
• Promotes health estrogen metabolism

This supplement is able to do this does by being packed full of beneficial, and natural, ingredients, such as:

Tribulus Extract: A Natural Enhancer for Sperm Motility and Viability

Studies have shown that extract from the Tribulus plant can significantly enhance sperm motility, the amount of mobile sperm, and increase sperm’s viability. Taking a Tribulus in a supplement can also aid in the success of in vitro fertilization process.

Tongkat Ali: Herbal Mood Enhancer with Testosterone Boosting Effects

Made from the Southeast Asian Eurycoma longifolia shrub, Tongkat Ali is used as herbal medicine. It has been shown to positively affect a man’s mood, reducing anger, stress, and confusion. This same study also found a significant increase in cortisol exposure as well as increased testosterone.

Maca Root: The Libido and Fertility Superfood for Men

Maca is an awesome ingredient for male reproductive supplements as it is known to both enhance libido as well as fertility. While maca does not affect hormones, studies have shown it to slightly improve self-reported erectile dysfunction, sexual well-being as well as boost sperm count and sperm motility.

Ginseng: The Traditional Herb for Male Sexual Health and Fertility

Ginseng has been proven to enhance males’ sexual performance, as well as improve their fertility by balancing the neuronal and hormonal systems promoting the development of spermatozoa. Ginseng is also widely used in Chinese medicine to enhance sexual performance while improving a male’s sperm motility and membrane integrity. 

These ingredients are just some of the many different vitamins and minerals that can improve male fertility. Many male infertility statistics offer the same information proving the benefits of these ingredients time and time again. The benefits of testosterone supplements include many things from hormone regulation, sperm quality improvement, libido and overall mood and health improvements. A male reproductive or testosterone supplement can be beneficial for most men.

Testosterone Support Supplements Vs Testosterone Treatments

With any supplement, medication, or treatment, it is important to know exactly what it is that you are putting into your body. While none of our male fertility and testosterone support supplements are dangerous to your health, we always recommend discussing the potential risks and benefits with a health care provider. MedTesto is a testosterone support supplement that helps the body naturally make testosterone, and does not add testosterone directly into the body.

A testosterone treatment (often referred to as TRT therapy) is something more invasive and requires a prescription. The therapy can be administered by injection or gel to restore normal levels of the manly hormone. While this is an option that might be beneficial for some men it is important to be aware of potential health risks. Some older men on testosterone replacement therapy could face higher cardiac risks. Testosterone therapy can also lead to worsening sleep apnea or risk the growth of already existing prostate cancer. Always speak to a doctor before beginning any testosterone therapies.

Elan Healthcare’s owner is a medical doctor that is more than happy to discuss your needs and which supplement might work best for you! Elan Healthcare produces supplements for both men and women focusing on their reproductive health. Feel free to get in touch.

 

References:

1 - Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: A review of literature. By Kumar N, Singh AK. Published Oct 2015.

2 - Improvement in human semen quality after oral supplementation of vitamin C. By Akmal M, Qadri JQ, Al-Waili NS, Thangal S, Haq A, Saloom KY. Published in 2006.

3 - Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence based review. By Ahmadi S, Bashiri R, Ghadiri-Anari A, Nadjarzadeh A. Published Dec 2016.

4 - Male hypogonadism: Symptoms and treatment. By Kumar P, Kumar N, Thakur DS, Patidar A. Published Sept 2010. 

5 - Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Wong WY, Merkus HM, Thomas CM, Menkveld R, Zielhuis GA, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Published March 2002.

6 - The Effect of Folate and Folate Plus Zinc Supplementation on Endocrine Parameters and Sperm Characteristics in Sub-Fertile Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. By Irani M, Amirian M, Sadeghi R, Lez JL, Latifnejad Roudsari R. Published Aug 2017.

7 - Selenium–vitamin E supplementation in infertile men: effects on semen parameters and pregnancy rate. By  Moslemi MK, Tavanbakhsh S. Published Jan 2011.

8 - Antioxidant supplements and semen parameters: An evidence based review. By Ahmadi S, Bashiri R, Ghadiri-Anari A, Nadjarzadeh A. Published Dec 2016.

9 - How Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) Affects Sperm Count and Motility. Reviewed by Dr. Alan Copperman. Published date unknown.

10 - Tribulus terrestris Extract Improves Human Sperm Parameters In Vitro. By Khaleghi S, Bakhtiari M, Asadmobini A, Esmaeili F. Published Sept 2016.

11 - Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. By Talbott SM, Talbott JA, George A, Pugh M. Published May 2013.

12 - Subjective effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) extract on well-being and sexual performances in patients with mild erectile dysfunction: a randomised, double-blind clinical trial. By Zenico T, Cicero AF, Valmorri L, Mercuriali M, Bercovich E. Published Apr 2009.

13 - Effect of Lepidium meyenii Walp. on Semen Parameters and Serum Hormone Levels in Healthy Adult Men: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study. By Melnikovova I, Fait T, Kolarova M, Fernandez EC, Milella L. Published Sept 2015.

14 - Ginseng and male reproductive function. By Leung KW, Wong AS. Published Sept 2013.

15 - Is testosterone therapy safe? Take a breath before you take the plunge. Author unknown. Published August 2020.