What is semen leakage?
To understand semen leakage, we first have to understand semen. When a man ejaculates, the whitish fluid that’s released from the penis is called semen. It’s made up primarily of seminal fluid, which is produced by the prostate and the seminal vesicles. Seminal vesicles are the small glands located behind the prostate. A small percentage of semen is made up of sperm.
Semen is generally thought to only leave the penis during sex or masturbation. But sometimes, semen can exit the end of a penis without the person being sexually aroused.
Semen leakage is a common occurrence during sexual activity. There are also conditions that may cause semen leakage. Some may have a direct cause that can be treated, while others don’t necessarily require any medical intervention at all.
Semen leakage or any other concerns related to your reproductive system should be discussed with your primary doctor or a urologist.
What causes semen leakage?
In addition to conscious sexual arousal, other common causes of semen leakage include:
- nocturnal emissions
- medication side effects
- prostate problems
- nerve injury
These conditions can also have other symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about the other symptoms and how to treat these underlying causes:
Sexual arousal
Leaking semen when aroused or simply having sexual thoughts is normal for many young men. It can be a little messy and uncomfortable, but it doesn’t indicate any sexual problems or other conditions on its own.
Some semen may also leak out just prior to ejaculation or right afterward.
Another type of fluid can also leak out during sexual arousal. It’s called pre-ejaculatory fluid, also known as “pre-cum.” This fluid often leaks out prior to ejaculation. Pre-cum is chemically different from semen and can act as a lubricant during intercourse. However, it
Since some active sperm can still be released when unexpected, practicing the withdrawal method — where you “pull out” your penis from your partner’s vagina prior to ejaculation — isn’t a highly effective birth control method. Using the withdrawal method without a condom can also expose you to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Treatment
Semen leakage or leakage of pre-ejaculatory fluid due to sexual arousal usually requires no treatment. In fact, this is both common and normal.
On the other hand, if you’re experiencing premature ejaculation, this is a different concern. Premature ejaculation involves ejaculating sooner than you and your partner would like, or being unable to delay your ejaculation during intercourse. This can occur due to an underlying condition, although most often it’s a psychological reason.
Treatments for premature or early ejaculation may include:
- Behavioral changes. Your doctor may suggest that you start masturbating an hour or two before having intercourse.
- Physical therapy and exercise. By doing pelvic therapy and practicing Kegels, you can help control your ability to start and stop. This may help delay ejaculation.
- Certain medications. You may use a topical desensitizing cream which will reduce stimulation and help to delay orgasm. Your doctor may also prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which can be effective, especially when used in combination with behavioral and physical therapy.
If erectile dysfunction (ED) is also an issue, additional medications may also help. These include:
- tadalafil (Cialis)
- sildenafil (Viagra)
If you believe you’re experiencing premature ejaculation or any type of ED, see your doctor. They can come up with the right treatment plan to meet your needs.
Nocturnal emissions
Nocturnal emissions, also known as “wet dreams,” are most common during adolescence and sometimes into a man’s 20s. Most men have nocturnal emissions at some point in their lives.
A nocturnal emission is an involuntary ejaculation of semen that occurs when you’re sleeping. It can happen if your genitals become stimulated from bedsheets or during a sexual dream. A wet dream may result in some semen leakage, rather than a full ejaculation.
In any event, nocturnal emissions are quite common once a boy hits puberty.
Treatment
Most men and boys don’t need any treatment for nocturnal emissions. They usually become less frequent as you move into your 20s. They may be more frequent, however, during periods in which you’re having less sexual intercourse or are masturbating less often.
Increased sexual activity may lead to a decrease in nocturnal emissions. If you have questions about nocturnal emissions, talk with your doctor.
Medication side effects
Medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and some hormone treatments may also cause semen leakage.
SSRIs, a group of antidepressants, can be associated with semen leakage and other sexual side effects. These other effects include:
- low libido (reduced sex drive)
- delayed ejaculation
- erectile dysfunction
These side effects will depend on the type of SSRI, its dosage, and its combination with other medications. If you’re on one of these medications, you should weigh the pros and cons of taking these drugs and their side effects.
Treatment
When it comes to treating depression, the current recommendations state that both psychotherapy and medication are effective choices. Between 30-40 percent of people may improve with just one of these treatments — either just psychotherapy, or just medication. However, a combination of both is believed to be most effective.
If these sexual side effects outweigh the benefits of your current antidepressant medication, you should talk with your doctor. In some cases, adjusting the dosage of a medication or switching to a different class of drug may be enough to resolve any side effects. You can also ask them about behavioral therapies that may help.
You should never stop taking an SSRI or other antidepressant without talking to your doctor first. If you have questions about the short- and long-term effects of a particular medication, bring up your concerns with your doctor and find out your options. You can also discuss any alternative treatments that may be possible for you.
Prostate problems
Your prostate is the gland that produces semen to help carry your sperm through your urethra and out of your penis. Your prostate is vulnerable to a number of health problems. Among these problems are prostatitis and prostate cancer.
Prostatitis is an inflammation and enlargement of the prostate. It can be caused by:
- a bacterial infection
- any substance that triggers an immune response and inflammation
- a nerve injury
It’s less clear why prostate cancer develops. However, certain genetic changes seem to play an important role. Like prostatitis, prostate cancer can cause:
- difficulty urinating
- pain in the pelvic area
- changes in ejaculation
- blood in semen
These prostate problems may also lead to other symptoms, including semen leakage.
Treatment
If you experience any of the below symptoms, you should see a doctor:
- a burning sensation while urinating
- blood in your urine or semen
- changes in ejaculation
- painful ejaculation
A course of antibiotics may be needed to treat prostatitis caused by a bacterial infection.
Prostate cancer is a much more complicated condition to treat. Because prostate cancer is usually slow-growing, no treatment may be recommended at first. An approach known as “active surveillance” includes regular checkups and tests to see if the cancer is progressing.
Surgery to remove the prostate and other treatment options may also be recommended by your doctor. Treatments can vary in their effectiveness and side effects depending on the stage of the cancer.
Injury to the nervous system
When an injury to your nervous system occurs, you may also experience changes in ejaculation, leading to semen leakage. Advanced age, infections, and injuries and surgery to the spinal cord or groin may affect the nerves involved in ejaculation.
Complex interactions between the brain, spinal cord, and nerves must occur in order for ejaculation to happen. Medical conditions that affect nerves, such as diabetes, stroke, or multiple sclerosis, can change sexual function and ejaculation.
Treatment
Treating the underlying cause is the best chance for improvement. Nerve injury from inflammation or infection may get better over time. While nerve damage related to surgery, cancer treatment, or nervous system diseases may be much harder to treat.
Your healthcare team can work with you to create an overall treatment plan that’s right for you.
Seminal leaking after urination
A common condition that affects some men is leakage after urination. This is usually harmless. However, if you’re concerned that the leaked fluid may not be semen but discharge related to an injury or infection, like an STI, you should see a doctor right away.
There are some other explanations for semen leakage following urination. Some semen may remain in your urethra after the last time you ejaculated. Urinating is simply moving it along.
You may also have retrograde ejaculation. This is a condition in which semen enters your bladder instead of exiting out of your penis. This typically causes urine to be cloudy.
Treatment
If semen leakage after urination occurs infrequently, you may not need any treatment. But if this is an ongoing issue, tell your doctor.
If the condition is due to retrograde ejaculation, you may not need any treatment unless you’re trying to have a child. Any treatment options will also depend on the cause of your retrograde ejaculation. If surgery on your prostate or pelvic area resulted in ejaculation changes, this may be more difficult to treat.
Certain medications have been shown to be helpful though. Midodrine, a medicine used to treat low blood pressure and the allergy medicine chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) are commonly used to treat retrograde ejaculation even though they were designed for other purposes.
Phrasing like "infected" has judgmental connotations. When talking about STDs and STIs, we should use language that doesn't place blame on any individual. Our Conscious Language Guide explains why.
Semen leakage myths
As with most aspects of sexual function, semen leakage is the subject of many myths and misunderstandings.
Some cultures believe that semen leakage leads to a loss of an important energy. This can cause significant anxiety, distress, and frustration. Luckily,
When to see a doctor
Occasional semen leakage is usually not a reason to worry. But if the leakage is frequent or the amount of leakage is concerning or causing distress, then see your doctor.
This is especially true if you have other symptoms, such as:
- blood in your semen or urine
- foul-smelling semen
- changes in ejaculation
- pain when urinating or ejaculating
- discharge that doesn’t look like healthy or normal semen
These can all be signs of an underlying medical condition.
Takeaway
Semen leakage can be normal, though it can sometimes be messy and uncomfortable. If you’re a young man, you may grow out of it. If you’re older than 40, be sure to ask your doctor about any recommended screenings for prostate health.
If you’ve noticed a change in the amount or frequency of semen leakage or other changes in your ejaculation, take note and talk to your doctor.
Last medically reviewed on May 4, 2018
9 Possible Causes for Painful Ejaculation
Overview
Painful ejaculation, also known as dysorgasmia or orgasmalgia, can range from mild discomfort to severe pain during or after ejaculation. The pain can involve the penis, scrotum, and perineal or perianal area.
Painful ejaculation can have a serious impact on your sex life.
Continue reading to find out why you shouldn’t ignore painful ejaculation and why communication is key.
What causes it?
Following are nine common causes for painful ejaculation:
1. Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the term for inflammation or infection of the prostate gland. It’s the most common urologic problem in men under 50 years old.
It can cause painful or frequent urination, so it’s easy to mistake for a urinary tract infection. Other symptoms include lower abdominal pain and difficulty getting an erection.
Risk factors for prostatitis may include:
- diabetes
- weakened immune system
- benign enlarged prostate
- rectal intercourse
- use of a urinary catheter
2. Surgery
Some types of surgery can cause a number of side effects, including painful ejaculation. One of these is radical prostatectomy, a procedure to remove all or part of the prostate and some nearby tissue. It’s used to treat prostate cancer. Risks of the procedure include erectile dysfunction, and penile and testicular pain. Surgery to repair a hernia (inguinal herniorrhaphy) can also cause painful ejaculation.
3. Cysts or stones
It’s possible to develop cysts or stones in the ejaculatory duct. They can block ejaculate, causing infertility and painful ejaculation.
4. Antidepressant drugs
Antidepressant drugs can cause sexual dysfunction, including painful ejaculation. The types that are most likely to cause sexual side effects are:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
- tricyclics and tetracyclics
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors
5. Pudendal neuropathy
Pudendal neuropathy is a condition in which there’s some damage to a nerve in the pelvis. That can lead to genital and rectal pain. Some things that can affect the pudendal nerve are injury, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis (MS).
6. Prostate cancer
Though often asymptomatic, prostate cancer can cause painful ejaculation. Other symptoms may include urination problems, erectile dysfunction, or blood in your urine or semen.
7. Trichomoniasis
Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection that can also cause burning or pain during urination.
8. Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy to the pelvis can result in erectile dysfunction, including pain on ejaculation. These side effects are usually temporary.
9. Psychological issues
In some cases, the cause can’t be determined. If you don’t have pain when you masturbate, it could be emotionally based. Consider seeing a therapist to explore this further.
When to call your doctor
Make an appointment to see your general physician if you have painful ejaculation. A physical examination and a few tests may be all you need to get to the root of the problem.
Your doctor can refer you to a urologist or fertility specialist, if necessary.
Phrasing like "infected" has judgmental connotations. When talking about STDs and STIs, we should use language that doesn't place blame on any individual. Our Conscious Language Guide explains why.
How is it diagnosed?
You’ll need a physical, including a digital rectal exam. Be prepared to give a complete medical history and to answer a few questions such as:
- How long have you experienced pain with orgasm?
- How long does it last?
- Do you produce ejaculate or do you have dry orgasm?
- What other symptoms do you have?
- Does it hurt or burn when you urinate?
- Does your urine look normal?
- Are you currently taking any medications?
- Have you ever been treated for cancer?
- Is there a family history of prostate cancer?
- Do you have diabetes?
Diagnostic testing may include:
- urine tests to check for infection
- prostate-specific antigen test to assess for prostate problems, including cancer
Depending on the results, additional tests, such as blood work or imaging tests, may be needed.
Are there possible complications?
Painful ejaculation is usually a symptom of a larger problem that needs to be treated. Getting the treatment you need will help you avoid serious complications.
Untreated, painful ejaculation can have an adverse effect on your sexual behaviors.
How is it treated?
Treatment will depend on the cause. Underlying diseases, such as diabetes and MS, must also be addressed.
Treatment for bacterial infection
- An extended course of oral antibiotics is usually necessary.
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs or prescription pain medications can help reduce swelling and ease pain.
- For serious infection, you may need intravenous antibiotics or even hospitalization.
When it’s a side effect of surgery
- Some side effects are temporary and improve slowly.
- Your doctor will assess the specifics of your condition to see if there are any remedies. These may include medications or additional surgeries.
Treatment for cysts or stones
- Blockages can be surgically removed in a procedure called transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts.
When the cause is antidepressant medications
- Don’t stop taking your medications without doctor supervision. Doing so can make your depression worsen.
- Work with your doctor to find an alternative drug. It may take some time to find the right drug and dosage.
Treatment for pudendal neuropathy
- Nerve blockers, numbing agents, and steroids can help control pain.
- A physical therapist can instruct you on how to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles.
- In some cases, surgery can be performed on the compressed nerve.
Learn more: Kegel exercises for men »
Treatment for prostate cancer
- Treatment options depend on type, stage, and aggressiveness of the cancer.
- Some prostate cancers are very slow growing, requiring minimal treatment along with active surveillance.
- Prostate cancer can be treated with radiation therapy, hormone therapy, vaccine treatment, and chemotherapy.
- Surgery may be needed to remove part or all of the prostate.
Treatment for trichomoniasis
- Treatment with antibiotics is usually all that’s needed.
- Because trichomoniasis is an STD, sexual partners should be checked and treated.
When it’s caused by radiation therapy
- Side effects may resolve once treatment is finished.
- Talk to your doctor if it becomes an ongoing problem.
When it’s caused by emotional or psychological issues
If there’s an emotional or psychological reason behind painful ejaculation, therapy may prove beneficial.
Outlook
Your doctor can give you an idea of what to expect based on the cause and treatment.
Sexual problems can affect both you and your partner. If you don’t talk about it, your partner may come to some erroneous conclusions about your relationship. That’s why open communication is crucial.
Here are a few tips for talking to your partner:
- Find a time when you’re both unhurried and relaxed.
- Explain that the problem is physical pain when you ejaculate, not a problem with intimacy.
- Express how this affects you sexually and emotionally.
- Take the other person’s concerns seriously.
Your partner may also take comfort in hearing that you plan to see a doctor.
The bottom line
Painful ejaculation may be a sign of a larger medication condition that requires treatment. Common causes include prostatitis, surgery, cysts or stones, and antidepressant drugs. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment so that you can avoid serious complications and maintain a healthy sex life.
Last medically reviewed on June 26, 2017
10 Ways to Boost Male Fertility and Increase Sperm Count
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If you and your partner are experiencing fertility issues, know that you’re not alone. Infertility is more common than you might think.
It affects about one in every six couples, and researchers estimate about one in every three cases is due to fertility problems in the male partner alone (
While infertility is not always treatable, there are some things you can do to boost your chances of conceiving. Fertility can sometimes be improved with a healthy diet, supplements, and other lifestyle strategies.
This article lists some of the main lifestyle factors, foods, nutrients, and supplements that have been associated with improved fertility in men.
What is male infertility?
Fertility refers to people’s ability to reproduce without medical assistance.
Male infertility is when a man has a poor chance of making his female partner pregnant. It usually depends on the quality of his sperm cells.
Sometimes infertility is linked to sexual function, and other times it could be linked to semen quality. Here are some examples of each:
- Libido. Otherwise known as sex drive, libido describes a person’s desire to have sex. Foods or supplements that claim to increase libido are called aphrodisiacs.
- Erectile dysfunction. Also known as impotence, erectile dysfunction is when a man is unable to develop or maintain an erection.
- Sperm count. An important aspect of semen quality is the number or concentration of sperm cells in a given amount of semen.
- Sperm motility. An essential function of healthy sperm cells is their ability to swim. Sperm motility is measured as the percentage of moving sperm cells in a sample of semen.
- Testosterone levels. Low levels of testosterone, the male sex hormone, may be responsible for infertility in some men.
Infertility can have multiple causes and may depend on genetics, general health, fitness, diseases, and dietary contaminants.
Additionally, a healthy lifestyle and diet are important. Some foods and nutrients are associated with greater fertility benefits than others.
Here are 10 science-backed ways to boost sperm count and increase fertility in men.
1. Take D-aspartic acid supplements
D-aspartic acid (D-AA) is a form of aspartic acid, a type of amino acid that’s sold as a dietary supplement.
It should not be confused with L-aspartic acid, which makes up the structure of many proteins and is far more common than D-AA.
D-AA is mainly present in certain glands, such as the testicles, as well as in semen and sperm cells.
Researchers believe that D-AA is implicated in male fertility. In fact, D-AA levels are significantly lower in infertile men than fertile men (
This is supported by studies showing that D-AA supplements may increase levels of testosterone, the male sex hormone that plays an essential role in male fertility.
For example, a study in infertile men suggested that taking 2.7 grams of D-AA for 3 months increased their testosterone levels by 30–60% and sperm count and motility by 60–100%.
The number of pregnancies also increased among their partners (4).
Another controlled study in healthy men showed that taking 3 grams of D-AA supplements daily for 2 weeks increased testosterone levels by 42% (
However, the evidence is not consistent. Studies in athletes or strength-trained men with normal to high testosterone levels found that D-AA didn’t increase its levels further and even reduced them at high doses (
The current evidence indicates that D-AA supplements may improve fertility in men with low testosterone levels, while they don’t consistently provide additional benefits in men with normal to high levels.
More research is needed to investigate the potential long-term risks and benefits of D-AA supplements in humans.
2. Exercise regularly
Besides being good for your general health, exercising regularly can boost testosterone levels and improve fertility.
Studies show that men who exercise regularly have higher testosterone levels and better semen quality than inactive men (
However, you should avoid too much exercise, as it may have the opposite effect and potentially reduce testosterone levels. Getting the right amount of zinc can minimize this risk (
If you rarely exercise but want to improve your fertility, make becoming physically active one of your top priorities.
3. Get enough vitamin C
You’re probably familiar with vitamin C’s ability to boost the immune system.
Some evidence indicates that taking antioxidant supplements, such as vitamin C, may improve fertility.
Oxidative stress is when levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) reach harmful levels in the body.
It happens when the body’s own antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed because of disease, old age, an unhealthy lifestyle, or environmental pollutants (
ROS are constantly being produced in the body, but their levels are kept in check in healthy people. High levels of ROS may promote tissue injury and inflammation, increasing the risk of chronic disease (
There’s also some evidence that oxidative stress and excessively high levels of ROS may lead to infertility in men (
Taking in enough antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may help counteract some of these harmful effects. There’s also some evidence that vitamin C supplements may improve semen quality.
A study in infertile men showed that taking 1,000-mg vitamin C supplements twice a day for up to 2 months increased sperm motility by 92% and sperm count by more than 100%. It also reduced the proportion of deformed sperm cells by 55% (
Another observational study in Indian industrial workers suggested that taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C five times a week for 3 months may protect against DNA damage caused by ROS in sperm cells.
Vitamin C supplements also significantly improved sperm count and motility, while reducing the numbers of deformed sperm cells (
Taken together, these findings suggest that vitamin C may help improve fertility in infertile men with oxidative stress.
However, controlled studies are needed before any definite claims can be made.
4. Relax and minimize stress
It’s hard to get in the mood when you’re feeling stressed, but there might be more to it than not feeling up for sex. Stress may reduce your sexual satisfaction and impair your fertility (
Researchers believe the hormone cortisol may partly explain these adverse effects of stress.
Prolonged stress raises levels of cortisol, which has strong negative effects on testosterone. When cortisol goes up, testosterone levels tend to go down (
While severe, unexplained anxiety is typically treated with medication, milder forms of stress can be reduced with relaxation techniques.
Stress management can be as simple as taking a walk in nature, meditating, exercising, or spending time with friends.
5. Get enough vitamin D
Vitamin D can be important for male and female fertility. It’s another nutrient that may boost testosterone levels.
One observational study showed that vitamin-D-deficient men were more likely to have low testosterone levels (
A controlled study in 65 men with low testosterone levels and vitamin D deficiency supported these findings. Taking 3,000 IU of vitamin D3 every day for 1 year increased their testosterone levels by around 25% (
High vitamin D levels are linked to greater sperm motility, but the evidence is inconsistent (
6. Try tribulus terrestris
Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, is a medicinal herb frequently used to enhance male fertility.
One study in men with low sperm counts showed that taking 6 grams of tribulus root twice daily for 2 months improved erectile function and libido (
While Tribulus terrestris does not raise testosterone levels, research indicates that it may enhance the libido-promoting effects of testosterone (
However, further studies are needed to confirm its aphrodisiac properties and evaluate the long-term risks and benefits of supplementing with it.
7. Take fenugreek supplements
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a popular culinary and medicinal herb.
One study in 30 men who strength-trained four times a week analyzed the effects of taking 500 mg of fenugreek extract daily.
The men experienced significantly increased testosterone levels, strength, and fat loss, compared with a placebo (
Another study in 60 healthy men showed that taking 600 mg of Testofen, a supplement made from fenugreek seed extract and minerals, daily for 6 weeks improved libido, sexual performance, and strength (
These findings were confirmed by another, larger study in 120 healthy men. Taking 600 mg of Testofen every day for 3 months improved self-reported erectile function and the frequency of sexual activity.
Also, the supplement significantly increased testosterone levels (
Keep in mind that all of these studies examined fenugreek extracts. It’s unlikely that whole fenugreek, which is used in cooking and herbal tea, is as effective.
8. Get enough zinc
Zinc is an essential mineral found in high amounts in animal foods, such as meat, fish, eggs, and shellfish.
Getting enough zinc is one of the cornerstones of male fertility.
Observational studies show that low zinc status or deficiency is associated with low testosterone levels, poor sperm quality, and an increased risk of male infertility (
Also, taking zinc supplements increases testosterone levels and sperm count in those who are low in zinc (
Furthermore, zinc supplements may reduce the decreased testosterone levels that are associated with excessive amounts of high-intensity exercise (
Controlled trials need to confirm these observational findings.
9. Consider ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a medicinal herb that’s been used in India since ancient times.
Studies suggest that ashwagandha may improve male fertility by boosting testosterone levels.
One study in men with low sperm cell counts showed that taking 675 mg of ashwagandha root extract per day for 3 months significantly improved fertility.
Specifically, it increased sperm counts by 167%, semen volume by 53%, and sperm motility by 57%, compared with levels at the start of the study. In comparison, minimal improvements were detected among those who got a placebo treatment (
Increased testosterone levels may be partly responsible for these benefits.
A study in 57 young men following a strength-training program showed that consuming 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract daily significantly increased testosterone levels, muscle mass, and strength, compared with a placebo (
These findings are supported by observational evidence indicating that ashwagandha supplements may improve sperm counts, sperm motility, antioxidant status, and testosterone levels (
10. Eat maca root
Taking maca root supplements may improve libido, as well as fertility and sexual performance.
Maca root is a popular plant food that originated in central Peru. Traditionally, it has been used for its ability to enhance libido and fertility.
Several studies in men showed that taking 1.5–3 grams of dried maca root for periods of up to 3 months improved self-reported sexual desire or libido (
Studies also suggest that maca root may improve sexual performance. In men with mild erectile dysfunction, taking 2.4 grams of dried maca root for 12 weeks slightly improved self-reported erectile function and sexual well-being (
Taking 1.75 grams of maca root powder every day for 3 months also increased sperm count and motility in healthy men (
These findings have been partly confirmed by reviews, but the researchers noted that the evidence is weak and more research is needed before definite claims can be made (
Additionally, maca root doesn’t seem to affect hormone levels. Taking 1.5–3 grams of maca root per day for 3 months had no effects on testosterone or other reproductive hormones in healthy, fertile men (
Other tips
Many things can help boost fertility, but what works for you depends on the cause of your fertility issues.
Also, keep in mind that fertility and libido usually go hand in hand with your general health.
For this reason, anything that improves your overall health is likely to boost your fertility.
Here are 8 additional tips to boost fertility and sperm count/quality:
- Lead a healthy lifestyle. Unhealthy lifestyle practices impair your overall health, including fertility (
54Trusted Source ). - Lose excess weight. Carrying extra weight is associated with infertility. If your doctor suspects that weight may be linked to your infertility, discuss weight loss as one of your health goals (
55Trusted Source ,56Trusted Source ,57Trusted Source ). - Limit your alcohol intake. Avoid heavy alcohol consumption, as it may reduce testosterone levels and impair semen quality (
58Trusted Source ,59Trusted Source ). - Get enough folate. A few studies indicate that a low intake of folate may impair semen quality (
60Trusted Source ,61Trusted Source ). - Get adequate sleep. Getting adequate sleep is vital to maintaining your health. Restricted or excessive sleep has also been linked to poor semen quality (
62Trusted Source ). - Snack on walnuts. Eating a lot of antioxidant-rich foods, such as walnuts, seems to benefit fertility (
63Trusted Source ). - Consider supplements. Antioxidant supplements also seem to work. Some evidence suggests that coenzyme Q10 improves semen quality (
64Trusted Source ,65Trusted Source ). - Avoid eating too much soy. Soy is rich in isoflavones, which are associated with lower semen quality (
66Trusted Source ).
The bottom line
Infertility is fairly common and affects many men worldwide.
If you’re having fertility issues, one thing you can do is focus on improving your general health. Many of the tips mentioned above are key components of a healthy lifestyle.
There’s no guaranteed fix, but if nutrient deficiencies or low testosterone levels are contributing factors, chances are that these lifestyle tips may help.
Last medically reviewed on May 18, 2020
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