Men's Fertility Test Results: How Nutrition and Supplements Can Support Your Next Steps

Many men receive semen analysis results and are left wondering what to do next. This guide explains how nutrition and supplements can support sperm health alongside medical advice, based on your specific test results.

Understanding your semen analysis

A semen analysis typically measures several key parameters:

• Sperm count (concentration) – the number of sperm per millilitre of semen. Normal is typically 15 million/ml or above.
• Motility – the percentage of sperm that are moving and, of those, how many are moving progressively forward. Normal progressive motility is usually 32% or above.
• Morphology – the percentage of sperm with normal shape. Using strict criteria, 4% or above is considered normal.
• Volume – the amount of semen produced. Normal is typically 1.5 ml or above.

Results outside these ranges are often described as oligospermia (low count), asthenozoospermia (low motility) or teratozoospermia (low normal forms). Many men have a combination of issues.

For more detail on what these terms mean, see the NHS page on low sperm count.

How lifestyle and diet influence your numbers

Before reaching for supplements, it helps to address the lifestyle factors that can affect sperm quality:

• Smoking – reduces sperm count, motility and DNA integrity. Stopping smoking is one of the most impactful changes a man can make.
• Alcohol – heavy drinking is associated with lower testosterone and poorer semen parameters. Moderate or stop where possible.
• Weight – obesity is linked to lower sperm counts and altered hormone levels. Even modest weight loss can help.
• Heat exposure – frequent saunas, hot baths, tight underwear and prolonged laptop use on the lap can raise scrotal temperature and impair sperm production.
• Diet – a Mediterranean-style pattern rich in vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, fish, nuts and seeds is associated with better semen quality compared to diets high in processed foods and red meat.¹

Using supplements alongside your test results

Supplements are not a replacement for medical advice or treatment, but they can play a supportive role when used appropriately. The key is to match your supplement choices to your specific situation.

Foundation for most results

Regardless of your specific semen analysis findings, a solid nutritional foundation makes sense for most men:

• Vitamen – a comprehensive male fertility multivitamin providing zinc, selenium, vitamins C and E, B-vitamins and other key nutrients for sperm development.
• Menceive – a targeted probiotic formulation that supports gut health and has been shown to improve sperm motility in research studies.
• Vital DHA – omega-3 fatty acids to support sperm membrane integrity and overall reproductive health.

If your results show low motility

Low motility (asthenozoospermia) is one of the most common findings on semen analysis. Supplements that may help include:

• Menceive – research on the strains used in Menceive has shown significant improvements in motility, including a six-fold increase in one study.²
• CoQ10 (Kaneka ubiquinol) – supports mitochondrial energy production in sperm cells. Studies have reported improvements in motility of up to 26%.
• Vitamen Boost – provides antioxidants including alpha-lipoic acid and carnitine, which have been studied for their effects on sperm movement.

If your results show low count

Low sperm count (oligospermia) can have various causes, from hormonal issues to lifestyle factors. Nutritional support may include:

• Vitamen – provides zinc and selenium, which contribute to normal fertility and spermatogenesis.
• Vital DHA – omega-3 fatty acids have been associated with higher sperm concentrations in some studies.
• CoQ10 – studies have reported increases in sperm count of up to 53% with ubiquinol supplementation.

If your results show abnormal morphology

High rates of abnormally shaped sperm (teratozoospermia) can be harder to address, but antioxidant support may help reduce oxidative damage during sperm development:

• Vitamen Boost – a concentrated antioxidant formula to help protect developing sperm from oxidative stress.
• CoQ10 – studies have shown improvements in morphology of up to 19% with supplementation.

If you have known fertility issues or are preparing for treatment

Men with diagnosed male factor infertility or those preparing for IVF/ICSI may benefit from more intensive support:

• Vitaseed Pro – an advanced formulation combining multiple antioxidants and micronutrients, designed for men with known sperm issues. Use alongside Vitamen.

When to seek further medical support

Supplements can support sperm health, but they cannot treat underlying medical conditions. You should speak to a GP or fertility specialist if:

• Your semen analysis shows very low or absent sperm (azoospermia).
• You have other symptoms such as pain, swelling or lumps in the testicles.
• You have a history of undescended testes, testicular injury, chemotherapy or pelvic surgery.
• You have been trying to conceive for 12 months or more without success (or 6 months if your partner is over 35).
• Your initial results are concerning and your doctor recommends further investigation.

For more information on when to seek help, see the NHS infertility page.

How long to wait before retesting

Sperm take around 10–12 weeks to develop fully, so any changes to lifestyle or supplementation will take at least three months to show up on a repeat semen analysis. Most clinicians recommend:

• Making lifestyle changes and starting supplements immediately after your first test.
• Maintaining consistency for at least 12 weeks.
• Repeating the semen analysis after this period to assess progress.

Keep in mind that results can vary from sample to sample, so a single test may not tell the whole story.

Frequently asked questions

Can supplements change my semen analysis results?

Studies suggest that certain supplements – particularly antioxidants, CoQ10 and specific probiotics – can improve sperm parameters in some men. However, results vary and supplements work best alongside lifestyle changes and, where needed, medical treatment.

How long after changing my routine should I retest?

Plan to maintain your new routine for at least 12 weeks before repeating a semen analysis, as this aligns with the full sperm development cycle.

Should I stop supplements before a semen test?

There is no need to stop supplements before testing. In fact, maintaining your usual routine gives the most accurate picture of your current sperm health. Inform your clinic about any supplements you are taking.

What if my results are still poor after 3–6 months?

If results remain sub-optimal despite lifestyle changes and supplementation, speak to your GP or a fertility specialist. Further investigation may be needed to identify underlying causes, and treatments such as IVF with ICSI can help many couples achieve pregnancy even with significant male factor issues.

References

1. Salas-Huetos A, et al. Dietary patterns, foods and nutrients in male fertility parameters and fecundability: a systematic review of observational studies. Human Reproduction Update. 2017;23(4):371-389.
2. Valcarce DG, et al. Effect of probiotic supplementation on sperm quality in infertile men. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. 2023.