Can supplements help with fertility?

Can supplements help with fertility? 

Infertility, which is defined as not being able to fall pregnant after trying for a year[1], affects between 15 and 20% of the South African population, which translates to approximately one in every six couples[2].

Infertility is most certainly not only a female issue. In fact, in about 40% of infertile couples, the problem is a male factor and in about 40% it is a female one. The cause of the problem in the remaining 20% is either a joint problem, or the cause is unknown[3].

The possible causes of infertility are numerous. In males, abnormal sperm production or function or problems with the delivery of the sperm could be at fault, as could the overexposure to certain environmental factors or even damage caused by cancer treatments[4]. In women, ovulation disorders, uterine or cervical abnormalities or fallopian tube damage or blockage could cause female fertility problems. Other causes could include endometriosis, primary ovarian insufficiency or early menopause, pelvic adhesions, cancer treatments as well as other conditions such as celiac disease or poorly controlled diabetes[4].

Some of the initial recommendations when wanting to improve fertility could include maintaining a healthy weight, moderate exercise, not smoking, limiting caffeine and alcohol[4], getting enough sleep, a good diet and limiting stress[5].

For both men and women, food and fertility are linked. A balanced diet could help to boost the chances of falling pregnant and having a healthy baby[6].
Some supplements may also prove helpful in improving fertility, as they usually contain certain vitamins, minerals, herbs or other amino acids that affect the reproductive system[7].

StaminoGro is a supplement that contains Vitamin E and selenium to assist with the production of normal spermatozoa by protecting cells from free radical damage[8]. Importantly StaminoGro also contains Arginine (also known as L’arginine), an amino acid which may improve sperm development to produce better sperm and increase sperm count[9] as well as enhance motility[10].

In women, L-arginine may enhance endometrial receptivity and improve ovarian responses[10] with evidence that it has increased pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF treatments[10].

On average, three out of five couples will conceive within six months of trying; one in four will take between six months and a year. For the rest, conception may take longer than a year which means that there may be a problem[3].

For more information, go to www.staminogro.co.za.

References

1. Health 24.The A-Z of Infertility (2015) at https://www.health24.com/Medical/Diseases/Infertility-general-20120721
2. Parent 24. Infertility and why SA should redefine disability (2017) at https://www.parent24.com/Fertility/Fertility_problems/infertility-and-why-sa-should-refine-disability-20170123
3. IFAASA. Facts and Statistics (2013) at https://ifaasa.co.za/infertility-overview/infertility-facts-statistics/
4. Mayo Clinic. Infertility (2018) at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infertility/symptoms-causes/syc-20354317
5. Web MD. How to Boost your fertility (2017) at https://www.webmd.com/baby/features/8-ways-to-boost-your-fertility#1
6. Baby Center. Trying to conceive Five changes to make to your diet now (2017) at https://www.babycenter.com/0_trying-to-conceive-five-changes-to-make-to-your-diet-now_3558.bc
7. First Cry. Parenting – 9 Fertility Supplements That Help You Conceive (2018) at https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/fertility-supplements-that-help-you-conceive/
8. Appleton, J. Arginine: Clinical Potential of a Semi-Essential Amino Acid. Alternative Medicine Review 2002; 7(6):512-522. 8. Agarwal, A. et al.
9. Amino Acid Studies. Arginine/L-Arginine ( 2018) at http://aminoacidstudies.org/l-arginine/
10. Amino Acid Studies. The Fertility Benefits of L-Arginine (2018) at: http://aminoacidstudies. org/the-fertility-benefits-of-l-arginine/.