How Supplements Can Enhance the Reproductive Health of Men and Women

If you’re struggling to become pregnant, you already realize that fertility is more complex than most people recognize. For instance, your body relies on a balance of specific nutrients and hormones to produce healthy, active sperm or viable eggs. 

Micronutrients also spur the production of naturally occurring hormones that contribute to embryo development and reduce the risk of pregnancy loss.

Award-winning Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Deborah Smith and our team at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center in Parker, Colorado, consider these and other factors when developing strategies for infertility. 

Rocky Mountain Fertility Center is recognized nationally for its high success rates and offers some of the most advanced fertility treatments available. We’re also known for providing upbeat compassionate care that includes commonsense therapies such as supplements to help produce a healthy and successful pregnancy.

How do supplements enhance female reproductive health?

While nothing replaces a nutritionally sound diet, various supplements can contribute positively to female reproductive health and your baby’s well-being during pregnancy.

For instance, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone generated by the adrenal gland and used by the body to produce estrogen and testosterone. Both testosterone and estrogen are necessary for egg development and pregnancy. DHEA is also produced in the placenta and helps sustain a pregnancy. 

On the other hand, low DHEA levels decrease response to fertility drugs, lower pregnancy rates, and increase the risk of miscarriage.

Another fertility supplement, myo-inositol, is part of the vitamin B complex group and occurs naturally in fresh fruits, beans, whole grains, and seeds. Supplements containing myo-inositol can reduce the effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common cause of female infertility. 

In addition, folic acid, which you should begin supplementing three months before conception and throughout your pregnancy, decreases the risks of congenital disabilities affecting the baby’s brain and spinal cord.

How do supplements enhance male reproductive health?

Most people think of sperm quantity when they consider male fertility. But sperm motility and morphology also matter when it comes to male reproductive health.

Sperm motility describes the speed and accuracy at which sperm progress forward, and both are vital to successful fertilization. 

Morphology refers to the overall sperm shape, including the midpiece, tail, head size and shape, and DNA content. These factors also affect fertility. For instance, a faulty head shape can interfere with the sperm’s ability to fertilize an egg.

Folic acid and zinc supplements can increase overall sperm count, while selenium and vitamin E significantly improve sperm motility and morphology. DNA integrity of the sperm may also improve with antioxidants. 

Combination therapies that include carnitine, CoQ10, vitamin E, and vitamin C also increase sperm quantity.

How do I know which fertility supplements to use?

Dr. Smith recommends specific supplements based on your infertility evaluation results, medical history, and overall health factors. For example, she may recommend DHEA to offset the effects of PCOS on ovulation. 

In addition, if you’re considering in vitro fertilization (IVF), she may prescribe DHEA to increase oocyte production and thus improve pregnancy rates. 

You may also benefit from probiotics aimed specifically at restoring the microbial flora balance of the vagina, which recent research indicates may play an essential role in fertility.

Otherwise, as part of your care at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center, you receive guidance regarding nutrition, supplements, stress management, and other self-care measures that enhance both reproductive and overall health. You can order the supplements through our website for a discount under the 

In addition, for your convenience, fertility supplements Dr. Smith recommends are available online.  

Schedule an evaluation at Rocky Mountain Fertility Center today by calling our Parker, Colorado, office or requesting an appointment online.