Are you a man considering or actively trying to conceive a child with your partner? 15% of couples experience infertility and a male factor is found to be responsible with a female factor in 50% of cases. Sperm is damaged by oxidative stress in the testes by infection, inflammation, trauma, tobacco exposure, industrial exposure, strenuous exercise, chemotherapy, and heat exposure from both outside (i.e., tub, sauna, laptop, etc.) and inside (i.e., cryptorchidism, varicocele, fever, etc.) the body. Sperm damage is reflected in decreased sperm count, motility (sperm movement), and structural parameters resulting in possible male infertility.

Nutraceuticals, as found in herbs, fruits, vegetables, nutritional supplements, and vitamins, have shown some promise in foreign clinical trials in improving sperm function and semen quality. However, they are not currently FDA approved in the U.S. due to the lack of current domestic research and supplement regulation. Nutraceuticals are often lacking in the typical popular Western junk food diet, so a quality supplement should be chosen. It is important to choose a pharmaceutical-grade supplement with a base formula of high-dose antioxidants (vitamins C, E, selenium, and lycopene), methylated folate and other nutrients to promote sperm structure and function. Additional vitamin D-3 and L-carnitine supports healthy sperm motility. Sperm motility is vital for men trying to father a pregnancy through natural conception or Intra-Uterine Insemination (IUI). Although most have an excellent safety profile, some vitamins, such as D-3, should be monitored for toxicity or possible interactions with other prescribed medication. 

Questions? Our team at The Y Factor will assess your fertility needs and recommend the appropriate supplement for you.

De Rose A. F., Baldi M., Gallo F., Rossi P., Gattuccio I., Marino A., Canepa P., Mantica G., Paraboschi I., Gattuccio F. (2018). The management of male infertility: from nutraceuticals to diagnostics. International Journal of Medical Device and Adjuvant Treatments, 1 (1): e110 https://www.ijmdat.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/03/e110-The-management-of-male-infertility-from-nutraceuticals-to-diagnostics.pdf

Ko, E. Y., & Sabanegh, E. S. (2014). The role of nutraceuticals in male fertility. The Urologic Clinics of North America, 41(1), 181–193.Doi:10.1016/j.ucl.2013.08.003

Andre Piliszek is a certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and brings to The Y Factor over 25 years of outpatient clinical experience as a certified DOT medical examiner, Nurse, Medical Assistant, and Radiographer.

In 1992, Andre graduated from Houston Baptist University earning a Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Chemistry and Biology. He then graduated with honors from Texas Chiropractic earning a Doctorate of Chiropractic (DC) degree in 2007. During this time, he was also inducted into the Omega Psi Honor Society. In 2011, Andre also graduated with honors from Hardin Simmons University earning an additional Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Nursing (BSN). In 2020, he then graduated from Texas Woman’s University earning a Master of Science degree (MSN) with a specialization in the Family Nurse Practitioner tract. He was also recently inducted into the Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement honor society.