The Effects Of Supplements On Male Fertility: What You Need To Know

Attention gentlemen! Do you love hitting the gym and taking supplements for that extra boost? Well, here's a wake-up call for you – those supplements might harm your fertility. Yes, it's true! Your fitness routine could be affecting your fertility. But what exactly are the effects of supplements on male fertility? And what can men do about it? 

In this blog, let’s dive in to find out how these supplements affect male fertility and impact your sperm.

So, let’s begin!

Understanding Dietary Supplements 

Dietary or bodybuilding supplements are products that are used to enhance athletic performance, build muscle, and improve recovery. However, it is important to be aware of the potential effects of supplements on male fertility. Around 73% of men take these bodybuilding supplements to boost their health.¹  These supplements come in different forms such as pills, powders, and capsules. They help provide nutrients that may not be obtained from food alone or to boost the body's physical performance in various ways.² The most common types of bodybuilding supplements are protein supplements and anabolic drugs.

Let’s take a look at these supplements and understand their effects on fertility.

Usage Of Supplements And Their Effect On Male Fertility

The following are the dietary supplements and their effects on male fertility:

Anabolic Drugs

Anabolic drugs are bodybuilding supplements used to enhance muscle growth and improve athletic performance.³ A study of bodybuilders found that over half of those who used anabolic steroids had low sperm quality, compared to just 12% of the men who did not use steroids. ⁴ They work by intimating testosterone (a male hormone) in the body. This leads to increased muscle mass and strength. However, anabolic drugs can have a negative impact on male fertility. ⁵ 

Effect Of Anabolic Drugs On Male Fertility

The hormones testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) are all essential for male fertility.  They are crucial for the production of healthy sperm. Consuming anabolic steroids for extended periods may decrease the release of FSH and LH in the body, resulting in a decreased production and quality of sperm in men.^{5, 6} This further leads to infertility, making it more difficult for them to conceive. ⁷ A study of steroid-using bodybuilders found that less than 18% of men with a history of using steroids had any morphologically normal sperm. Additionally, another study that followed 20 male bodybuilders using anabolic steroids over a 2-years found that decreased fertility was one of the most significant long-term adverse effects.^{7, 8}

In addition to the adverse effects on male fertility, the use of anabolic drugs can also lead to other health problems such as liver damage, heart disease, and mood swings.^{6, 9}

Protein Supplements

Protein supplements are another bodybuilding supplement that supports muscle growth and recovery.^{10, 11} They are a convenient way to increase protein intake, other than protein-rich foods.

Effect Of Protein Supplements On Male Fertility

It is believed that around 60% of men in their fertile age consume protein supplements; many of which may contain anabolic steroids, artificial sweeteners, and added sugar contaminants. ^{12, 13, 14} Protein supplements for bodybuilding are popular among young men, but studies have shown that up to 15% of them contain undeclared anabolic steroids. These steroids can negatively impact male fertility by affecting the number, movement, and shape of sperm. ¹²

It's important to choose safe and well-regulated protein supplements to avoid any possible adverse effects on reproductive health.

Now that we understand the potential effects of supplements on male fertility, let’s take a look at how men can preserve their fertility.

How to Preserve Male Fertility?

If you are planning to take or are already taking supplements, it is crucial to understand the effects of supplements on male fertility. While supplements can have many benefits, they may affect your fertility.

It's no secret that male fertility can decline over time due to various factors such as age, lifestyle, and health issues.¹⁵ That's why it is essential to take proactive steps to preserve your fertility. 

One of the best ways to preserve your fertility is to test and preserve your sperm. However, semen analysis tests at fertility clinics require patients to schedule multiple appointments which can be time-consuming, and inconvenient.

Moreover, if you are planning for delayed parenthood or taking body-building supplements, sperm banking service is a great option.SpermVault is India’s first private long-term sperm bank that offers at-home self-collection kits. With the help of this kit, you can gain insights into 11 sperm parameters & 14 sperm health conditions. Plus, it also allows you to preserve your sperm for your later use.

LifeCell's SpermVault offers the following benefits:

• Storage plans for One Baby and Multiple Babies 
• Flexible storage plans: 1,5 & 10 years 
• One-time free shipment of sample
• On-demand retrieval
• Quality guarantee up to 5 lakhs
• Actionable results in 24 hours
• Complete privacy & data confidentiality

So, take charge of your fertility and preserve your sperm for future use with LifeCell's SpermScore & SpermVault!

Conclusion

While bodybuilding products can have many positive effects on overall health and fitness, men should be aware of the potential effects of supplements on male fertility. If you are concerned about your fertility, talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen. Additionally, consider sperm banking as a backup option in case your sperm quality or quantity is affected by bodybuilding products.