Supplementing Fertility

Can taking a pill improve male fertility?

Supplementing Fertility

While much of assisted reproductive technology deals with correcting problems on the female side of infertility, the fact is that male factors can be equally responsible for fertility problems. Fortunately, there is growing evidence that making lifestyle changes may positively impact fertility for some men. One such positive change that men can make -- improving their nutrition -- is being examined by researchers who are particularly interested in dietary supplements.

A new product on the market, ConceptionXR®, works by discouraging the body's production of "free radicals," molecules that can damage developing sperm cells. Additional nutrients in ConceptionXR® (taken in daily tablet form) support the production of normal sperm.

ConceptionXR® is not the only male fertility supplement on the market today, and the manufacturer (Fertility Sciences®) offers a webpage http://www.conceptionxr.com/compare-conceptionxr.shtml that allows interested consumers to compare their product with others.

Dr. Robert Stillman of Shady Grove Fertility addresses the importance of being an educated consumer, particularly when it comes to nutritional supplements, which are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration. "The lack of government oversight of the dietary supplement industry creates concerns about the purity and content accuracy of these products. In particular, those with herbal content should probably be avoided."

Stillman serves on the medical advisory board of Fertility Sciences®, the makers of ConceptionXR®. He points out that while FDA regulations are only in the future at this point, the company has "voluntarily required independent, third party confirmation of product purity." Additionally, only those ingredients which have passed a "scientific threshold of efficacy" make the grade for ConceptionXR®. Stillman believes that these measures will help minimize skepticism about complementary approaches to fertility enhancement overall.

For more information on ConceptionXR® and on male fertility supplements, please see http://www.conceptionxr.com/ or call Fertility Sciences toll-free at 1-888-610-7197.

Meet Dr. Robert Stillman of Shady Grove Fertility.