If it seems like you're hearing fewer stories about surprise pregnancies and couples getting pregnant quickly, you're not imagining it. Fertility rates are declining globally. Data shows that we are less fertile than our parents, grandparents, and even older siblings.
The worldwide average was five children per woman in 1950. By 2020, the average had fallen to 2.3 children, and fertility experts fear it may continue to decline. As a result, infertility rates are on the rise. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people worldwide now experience infertility, which is a sharp increase compared to previous generations.
If you're actively trying to conceive, hope to have kids soon, or even have the slightest feeling that you want to keep that option open later in life, now more than ever, it's vital that you give your body the natural support it needs to help protect your fertility down the line.
And fellas—this goes for you, too. Infertility does not discriminate.
Despite the outdated assumption that infertility is mostly a "female issue," research shows it's evenly split. In roughly one-third of infertility cases, the primary cause is male-related, another third is female-related, and the final third involves both partners or remains unexplained.
Whether male or female, a few consistent, smart lifestyle choices paired with the right, science-backed supplement support can go a long way in supporting hormone balance, egg quality, sperm count, and overall reproductive health and function.
What Qualifies as Infertility?
Infertility is a medical term used when a couple experiences difficulty conceiving. Millions of people worldwide face challenges becoming pregnant. However, if you've been trying to get pregnant and it's not happening quickly, —don't panic just yet.
Not conceiving right away doesn't automatically mean you aren’t fertile or that your body (or your partner's) isn't in a healthy place to conceive without medical interventions like IVF or IUI.
Getting pregnant is more complex than most people realize.
For starters, women only have a small window (typically just 5 to 6 days each month) where pregnancy is even possible. And that's assuming ovulation is happening regularly and the quality and quantity of eggs are still in a healthy range.
We’ll go over a full list of causes and risk factors of infidelity next. But for women, egg quantity and quality are major contributors. Egg supply naturally declines with age, but it can also be affected by things like nutrient deficiencies, hormone imbalances, chronic stress, and inflammation.
Men have to be healthy enough to hold up their end of the equation, too. Sperm count, motility (how well they swim), and morphology (shape and structure) all play significant roles in successful conception. We will share a detailed list next, but sperm production and transport problems, hormone imbalances, lifestyle factors, and exposure to certain toxins are some of the most common causes of male fertility.
All of the steps, from egg release to fertilization, need to happen correctly in order to get pregnant. Sometimes, this happens quickly; other times, it takes a little planning and patience.
Infertility isn't clinically diagnosed until a couple hasn't become pregnant after one year of regular, unprotected sex or after six months if the woman is over 35 or has a history of pregnancy loss.
If you fall into one of these categories, and especially if you are experiencing signs of infertility such as pelvic or abdominal pain, irregular vaginal bleeding, irregular periods or no periods, or penile disorders or issues with ejaculation– it is advised to seek professional help.
What Impacts Fertility in Women and Men?
Several factors can impact fertility in both women and men. Of course, age is a primary factor (especially for women), but there are many things that can impact fertility.
Sometimes, people are born with anatomical or genetic conditions that affect reproductive function. Other times, issues develop later in life due to lifestyle, health status, and environment, which can result in infertility or make it more difficult to conceive.
In many cases, it isn't only one factor or one partner. Data indicates that around 25% of couples who are considered infertile have more than one factor that contributes to their infertility.
Some causes of infertility are gender-specific. However, many risk factors can affect fertility regardless of sex. Here is a list of the most common causes of female infertility, the most common causes of male infertility, as well as risk factors that can contribute to fertility decline regardless of gender.
Common Causes of Female Infertility
Female infertility is often linked to problems with ovulation, egg quality, or structural issues in the reproductive system. However, chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, some conditions that cause painful periods, and hormonal imbalances can also potentially interfere with conception.
Common reasons why a woman may struggle with fertility include:
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Poor egg quality or diminished ovarian reserve
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Ovulation disorders (PCOS, hypothalamic amenorrhea, etc.)
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Hormone imbalances (estrogen, progesterone, prolactin, LH/FSH, thyroid)
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Uterine fibroids or polyps that interfere with implantation
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Structural abnormalities of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or cervix
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Endometriosis
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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
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Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI)
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Thyroid dysfunction (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
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Infrequent or absent periods (anovulation or irregular ovulation)
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Functional abnormalities of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland
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Surgical or congenital absence of ovaries or reproductive structures
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Chronic illnesses (e.g., Crohn’s disease, diabetes, kidney disease)
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Sexual dysfunction that makes intercourse difficult or impossible (e.g., vaginismus, severe dyspareunia)
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Autoimmune and immunological disorders (e.g., lupus, celiac disease, MS, or anti-sperm/anti-embryo antibodies)
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Genetic and chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., fragile X premutation, BRCA gene variants, Turner syndrome)
There are also shared risk factors with men that may also contribute to female infertility. These can include:
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Age (especially 35+)
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Excessive alcohol use
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Tobacco use, including smoking and vaping
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Substance abuse, including recreational drugs or overuse of certain OTC meds/prescriptions
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Poor nutrition, especially diets low in antioxidants, vitamin D, and omega-3s **
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Chronic stress
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Inadequate sleep
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Overtraining or extremely high levels of exercise
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Being overweight or underweight
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Environmental toxin exposure (pesticides, BPA, phthalates, heavy metals)
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Radiation or chemotherapy treatments
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Infections, especially untreated STDs and STIs
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Underlying chronic illness (diabetes, autoimmune disease, thyroid disorders)
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility is most commonly linked to sperm quantity or quality—but hormone imbalances, injuries, or inherited conditions can also play a role.
Common reasons why a man may struggle with fertility include:
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Low sperm count or abnormal motility/morphology
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Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, elevated estrogen, or LH/FSH irregularities)
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Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum that impair sperm quality)
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Structural abnormalities or blockages in the vas deferens or epididymis
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Undescended testicles (even if surgically corrected)
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Ejaculation disorders (retrograde ejaculation, anejaculation, or premature ejaculation)
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Sexual dysfunction (e.g., erectile dysfunction or inability to complete intercourse)
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Functional testicular failure or hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction
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Infections (including mumps post-puberty or untreated STIs)
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Toxin exposure (pesticides, phthalates, BPA, heavy metals)
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Heat-related exposure (frequent hot tubs, saunas, laptops on lap)
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Anabolic steroid or testosterone misuse (suppressing natural sperm production)
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Chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, celiac disease, autoimmune disease)
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Genetic abnormalities (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, cystic fibrosis gene mutation)
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Immunological issues (e.g., antisperm antibodies that impair sperm motility or fertilization ability)
There are also shared risk factors with women that may also contribute to male infertility. These include:
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Age (especially 40+)
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Excessive alcohol use
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Tobacco use, including smoking and vaping
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Substance abuse, including recreational drugs or overuse of certain otc meds/prescriptions
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Poor nutrition, especially diets low in antioxidants, omega-3s, or key micronutrients
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Chronic stress
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Inadequate sleep
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Overtraining (reduces test levels which can increase cortisol and possibly a decrease in sperm concentration)
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Being overweight or underweight
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Environmental toxin exposure (pesticides, BPA, phthalates, heavy metals)
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Radiation or chemotherapy treatments
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Infections, especially untreated STDs and STIs
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Underlying chronic illness (diabetes, autoimmune disease, thyroid disorders)
You might have noticed that frequent masturbation is missing from this list. It’s a myth that frequent masturbation is likely to have a significant impact on male fertility. While it might affect semen volume and sperm concentration, experts say it doesn't significantly impact overall fertility in healthy individuals.
How Supplements Can Support Fertility for Women and Men
There is no scientific evidence that supplements can reverse infertility or guarantee pregnancy.
When discussing the best supplements to boost fertility, it's about the role certain vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and plant compounds can play in providing the support your body needs to protect fertility and positively impact the body's ability to conceive.
And for many people, even those eating a relatively healthy diet, it's easy to fall short on the nutrients your body needs to keep reproductive systems running optimally.
We’ll go over the specific supplements further down, but here are a few ways supplements can support fertility:
Supplements Can Fill Nutritional Gaps and Help Correct Nutrient Deficiencies That Impact Fertility
Daily essentials like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are essential for nearly every system in the body—including those that regulate reproductive health.
However, most fall short, especially if you don't eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables daily and do not prioritize whole foods that are preferably organic, hormone-free, and minimally processed.
Ensuring adequate intake of micronutrients is important for everyone, especially if you hope to start a family one day. Without enough micronutrients, your body may struggle to maintain hormone balance, support egg and sperm development, or sustain a healthy environment for conception.
Fertility concerns become even more significant when nutritional deficiencies occur. If you become even mildly deficient in certain key nutrients (especially B vitamins, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids), it can interfere with key fertility mechanisms.
Dietary supplements, such as a quality daily multivitamin, multi-mineral, and/or greens supplement, can help ensure you're consistently meeting your body's daily micronutrient needs.
Supplements Can Support Healthy Hormone Balance
Your reproductive system relies on healthy levels of multiple hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, LH, FSH, and others. Nutritional deficiencies, stress, and modern lifestyles can throw those off balance, potentially affecting fertility.
With the right supplement support, your body is better equipped to regulate hormones naturally. This can mean more consistent cycles, healthier ovulation, and improved testosterone levels—especially if you're already dealing with signs of hormone imbalance.
Supplements May Help Improve Egg and Sperm Quality
As we age or are exposed to chronic stress, toxins, or poor diet, the quality of our eggs and sperm can decline. While you can't change your biological age, there are supplements you can take that can support mitochondrial function, improve antioxidant defenses, and promote better cellular health. This is especially important for women over 35 or men over 40 since the quality, not just the quantity, of eggs and sperm plays a significant role in conception outcomes.
Supplements May Help Regulate Inflammation and Support a Healthy Reproductive Environment
Low-grade chronic inflammation is a hidden factor in many cases of low fertility. It can potentially interfere with implantation, disrupt ovulation, and negatively impact sperm development.
Certain nutrients and compounds have natural anti-inflammatory effects, creating a more favorable environment for conception, especially in cases where inflammation may be driven by diet, stress, or underlying conditions like endometriosis or PCOS.
The Best Supplements to Support Fertility for Women and Men
While it's never too late to begin a supplement routine that supports fertility, and some options may even be helpful if you're already navigating fertility challenges (with guidance from your doctor), the greatest impact comes when you start early.
Being proactive gives your body a stronger foundation to work with (especially during the months leading up to trying to conceive) and could decrease the risk of many common reasons why both men and women struggle with fertility later on.
The science-backed nutrients below are believed to support the core systems that drive reproductive health and give your body the foundation it needs to protect fertility now and potentially help improve your chances of conceiving naturally in the future.
Best Fertility Supplements for Women
A woman’s comprehensive women’s health formula with the right ingredients that support a woman’s overall health and wellness is a great place to start. Especially if it is formulated with ingredients that support hormone health.
However, there are certain individual supplements that you might need to supplement individually for better fertility support.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s (especially EPA and DHA) are essential for female reproductive health. These healthy fats have many benefits, including supporting hormone production, improving blood flow to the uterus, and helping to reduce inflammation that can interfere with ovulation and implantation.
Research has linked higher omega-3 levels to improved egg quality and better pregnancy outcomes, especially in women undergoing fertility treatments.
Another key reason to prioritize omega-3s is to help restore a healthier balance of omega-3s to omega-6s. Most women consume far more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3s due to the prevalence of processed foods and refined oils.
This imbalance can drive chronic inflammation, which may disrupt hormonal function and contribute to fertility-related conditions like endometriosis or irregular cycles. Supplementing with a high-quality omega-3 can help correct that imbalance and create a more favorable environment for conception.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound that your body naturally produces. It plays a key role in cellular energy production, especially in the mitochondria—the "powerhouses" of your cells. This is particularly important for egg cells, which require a lot of energy to mature properly and support early embryo development.
As you age, your natural CoQ10 levels decline, and so does mitochondrial efficiency. This drop is one of the reasons egg quality decreases with age. A supplement with CoQ10 may help support healthier eggs and improve ovarian response, especially in women over 35 or those undergoing fertility treatments.
Vitamin D
If you are a female hoping to conceive, vitamin D can help regulate reproductive hormones and support healthy menstrual cycles. Meanwhile, low levels of "the sunshine vitamin" have been associated with irregular ovulation, decreased ovarian reserve, and poorer outcomes in both fertility treatments and natural conception.
Look for a vitamin D supplement that is vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), as it's the most bioavailable and effective form for raising and maintaining optimal vitamin D levels in the body.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is a well-known herbal remedy used to support hormone balance in women, particularly when low progesterone or irregular cycles are part of the picture.
It works by gently influencing the pituitary gland (the hormone control center in your brain) to promote natural progesterone production and reduce prolactin levels. This dual action may help create a more favorable environment for conception by supporting more regular ovulation and healthier luteal phase function.
While not a magic fix, supplementing with chasteberry has been widely used in herbal medicine and shows promising results for those looking to regulate their cycles and improve fertility outcomes naturally.
Always choose a liposomal version of chasteberry to support better delivery and absorption
Folate (Folic Acid)
Most people think of folic acid as something you take either as soon as you are trying to conceive or after you're already pregnant, but it plays a key role long before that.
Folate supports healthy ovulation, promotes proper egg development, and plays a critical role in early fetal development once conception occurs. Studies suggest that getting enough folate may improve your chances of getting pregnant naturally and may even enhance outcomes for women undergoing fertility treatments like IVF.
B Vitamins
Beyond folate (which is a form of B-9), other B vitamins (especially B6 and B12) are believed to play a role in female fertility.
Vitamin B6 may help support the balance of estrogen and progesterone, regulate the menstrual cycle, and improve luteal phase health, which is crucial for implantation. It's also involved in stress and mood regulation, which can impact hormone levels more than most people realize.
Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis and red blood cell formation. Low B12 levels have been linked to an increased risk of ovulation issues, miscarriage, and complications in early pregnancy.
A well-rounded B-complex supplement can help ensure you're covering all your bases.
Inositol
Inositol is a naturally occurring compound often grouped with the B vitamins with many benefits. It plays a crucial role in cellular communication and insulin regulation, two processes closely tied to female reproductive health.
While more large-scale studies are still needed, early research has shown promising results that inositol supplementation may help restore ovulation, improve hormonal balance, and support healthier egg development in women struggling with fertility, especially if fertility issues are due to PCOS.
Since insulin resistance is a key driver of hormonal imbalances in PCOS, lowering insulin levels can help restore more natural ovulatory cycles and improve chances of conception.
For more on the importance of supplements for women, read “Ultimate Guide: Supplements for Women’s Health.”
Best Fertility Supplements for Men
Any guy looking to optimize overall health and vitality should consider taking a supplement that provides comprehensive support for overall male health and vitality. Especially if it is formulated with ingredients that support healthy testosterone levels, sexual wellness, and prostate health.
However, there are certain individual supplements that you might need to supplement individually for better ideal fertility support.
Zinc
We're starting with zinc because it is one of the most critical minerals for male reproductive health—and, unfortunately, one of the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide.
Zinc plays a direct role in testosterone production, sperm formation, and the maintenance of healthy sperm motility. Without enough zinc, testosterone levels can drop, sperm count can decline, and oxidative damage may increase.
Multiple studies have linked zinc supplementation to improvements in semen volume, sperm concentration, morphology, and motility, especially in men with low baseline levels. It has also been shown to help reduce DNA fragmentation in sperm, a key factor in improving conception outcomes.
Because zinc is lost through sweat and easily depleted by stress, poor diet, or alcohol, supplementing consistently is one of the best ways men can support fertility. If you're trying to conceive or simply want to preserve long-term reproductive health, a quality zinc supplement is one of the most important supplements you can take.
Vitamin C
Tied for the second most important supplement to support male fertility is Vitamin C. This antioxidant does far more than support your immune system—it's also one of the most important antioxidants for protecting sperm from oxidative stress and DNA damage.
Sperm cells are highly susceptible to free radical damage due to their delicate membranes and constant exposure to environmental stressors like pollution, smoking, poor diet, and alcohol.
Clinical research shows that vitamin C supplementation can significantly improve sperm count, motility, and morphology, especially in men with subfertility or lifestyle-related deficiencies. It may also help reduce sperm DNA fragmentation, which is closely tied to higher miscarriage risk and lower fertilization potential.
Beyond sperm health, vitamin C may also support testosterone production, immune resilience, and collagen synthesis—all of which contribute to reproductive and overall health. If you're trying to conceive, vitamin C should absolutely be part of your daily supplement stack.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Just as in women, CoQ10 enhances mitochondrial function in men. This is important for men because mitochondria play a key role in powering sperm motility. Research shows that CoQ10 supplementation may improve sperm concentration, motility, and overall quality, particularly in men with unexplained infertility or low sperm parameters.
Because sperm are especially vulnerable to oxidative stress, CoQ10's antioxidant properties may also help protect them from damage. This is especially important for older men or those exposed to environmental toxins, high stress, or poor diet—all of which can impact sperm health over time.
Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral that supports antioxidant defenses and is essential for sperm formation, structure, and overall function. It helps protect developing sperm from oxidative damage and plays a role in the formation of healthy sperm tails, which are critical for proper motility.
While only needed in small amounts, low selenium levels have been linked to decreased sperm motility and abnormal morphology, and some studies suggest selenium supplementation (especially when combined with vitamin E) may improve semen quality in men with infertility.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 may have the ability to improve sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity. It's also important for protecting sperm from damage and supporting healthy methylation, which is involved in gene expression and reproduction.
Since B vitamins can be depleted by stress, alcohol, or poor diet, supplementing with a high-quality B-complex may be a smart move for men during the preconception period.
Folate (Folic Acid)
It's not talked about nearly enough, but folate isn't just important for women—men also need it when trying to conceive. Adequate folate levels in men have been linked to better sperm quality, including improved count, structure, and DNA stability.
Some studies suggest that folic acid, especially when combined with zinc, may reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities in sperm. Additionally, some research shows that combining B12 with folate and other antioxidants may reduce sperm abnormalities and support better overall semen quality.
L-Carnitine
L-carnitine, a naturally occurring amino acid-like compound, is believed to play a key role in transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria to be used for energy. In sperm cells, that energy is essential for proper motility—the ability of sperm to move efficiently through the reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the egg.
While limited, some research shows that supplementing with L-carnitine may improve sperm movement, concentration, and morphology, especially in men with idiopathic infertility (infertility without a known cause).
For more on the importance of supplements for men's health, read “Best Supplements For Men's Health, Strength, And Virility.”
Diet and Lifestyle Changes That Support Fertility
Aside from targeted supplementation, there are dietary and lifestyle changes that men and women can make to significantly support fertility and overall reproductive health. Your daily habits play a direct role in hormone regulation, egg and sperm quality, inflammation levels, and even how well your body absorbs the nutrients you consume.
Here are some of the most impactful strategies you can start making right now that can help create a healthier foundation for conception:
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being significantly underweight or overweight can throw off hormone levels, disrupt ovulation, and reduce sperm production. Reaching and maintaining a healthy body composition can help regulate cycles, improve egg quality, and support optimal testosterone levels.
If you are struggling with your weight, here are some helpful articles to read:
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“Unlock Your Weight Loss Potential: The Best Greens Powder for Weight Loss”
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“Why You Should Take Fiber Supplements if You Want to Lose Weight”
Exercise Regularly (But Not Excessively)
If you aren't exercising regularly, you not only run the risk of weight gain and health issues that impact fertility (such as insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction), but you're also missing out on major hormone and mood benefits. Regular exercise helps balance estrogen, boost testosterone, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce inflammation.
Aim for 3–4 days a week of resistance training and add moderate-intensity cardio for cardiovascular health or to support fat loss if needed. Just don't overdo it. Overtraining can interfere with ovulation and reduce sperm quality. Always fuel appropriately, prioritize protein, and balance training with rest and recovery.
For more, read “What Are the Benefits of Weight Lifting?”
Maintain Optimal Blood Sugar Balance
Chronically elevated blood sugar and insulin resistance can lead to weight gain, disrupt ovulation, increase androgens, impair implantation, and reduce sperm quality.
Glucose is a vital factor in your body's response to insulin and maintaining blood sugar balance. To help support healthy glucose levels, focus on meals with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber to help stabilize blood sugar and avoid large glucose spikes throughout the day. You could also incorporate supplements known to support healthy glucose levels.
Revive Supplements Glucose is packed with a powerful blend of ingredients designed to support healthy blood sugar levels and promote effective glucose metabolism. Inositol is another solid supplement for supporting blood sugar. You can purchase these supplements separately or get them both in our Metabolic Balance Bundle.
Prioritize Gut Health
Having a healthy gut is more than avoiding GI discomfort. If your gut isn't healthy, you won't be either—and this includes your reproductive system.
Poor gut health can disrupt hormone detoxification, immune function, and even nutrient absorption, all of which are essential for fertility. A healthy gut helps regulate estrogen metabolism and immune balance.
To support better gut health, take a daily probiotic, eat fermented foods (like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut), and consume plenty of fiber. If you have a gastrointestinal condition or struggle with GI issues, you might also want to consider additional gastrointestinal support.
Several natural herbs and compounds can help reduce inflammation, strengthen the gut lining, and promote microbial diversity. Revive Supplements has an entire line of digestive support supplements. Some of our best-selling gut health products include Gut Health+, GI+, and our Stomach Guard Bundle.
For more, read “Your Guide to Understanding Gut Health and Its Importance.”
Eat More Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Eating a balanced diet focused on whole, unprocessed foods is key for fertility, but you should also be intentional about getting enough antioxidants. Free radical damage (aka oxidative stress) negatively affects both egg and sperm quality.
Antioxidants can help protect reproductive cells from oxidative stress. Load up on colorful fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and herbs like turmeric and ginger. If you struggle to get enough antioxidants through diet alone or for added antioxidant support, consider supplements that contain CoQ10, vitamin C, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or even a quality daily greens powder.
Manage Stress Levels
A stressed body shifts into survival mode, not baby-making mode. Chronic stress can raise cortisol and potentially suppress reproductive hormone function.
Avoiding stress entirely isn't realistic, but you can reduce known triggers and focus on how you respond to them. Even 10–15 minutes of daily movement, breathwork, journaling, or mindfulness can make a meaningful difference.
There are also several supplements that are excellent for stress and stress relief. Some of our best-sellers are Revive Supplements Calm+, Mushroom Complex, and Ashwagandha KSM-66.
For more, read “What Are The Long Term Symptoms Of Stress.”
Prioritize Sleep Quantity and Quality
Even one night of poor sleep can affect your mental and physical health. If that pattern continues, it can impact hormone balance, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation (all things that can impact the bodily systems that support fertility).
Sleep needs vary, but most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep nightly to function optimally. Deep sleep and proper sleep cycles are just as important. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, limit screen exposure before bed, and create a dark and cool sleep environment.
If you still struggle with sleep, you would likely benefit from a high-quality natural sleep supplement with science-backed ingredients that can help you fall asleep faster and achieve better quality sleep. Revive Supplements SLEEP is formulated with four science-backed ingredients that work together to calm the nervous system, ease anxious thoughts, promote deeper sleep stages, and support a healthy circadian rhythm.
Manage Health Conditions That Can Impact Fertility
Conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, thyroid disorders, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases can make it harder to conceive. If you have a health condition, especially one known to impact fertility, it is crucial that you properly manage it with your healthcare provider and optimize your lifestyle and supplement regimen to improve fertility outcomes.
Don't Smoke or Use Nicotine Products
In addition to being horrible for your health in general, smoking and nicotine exposure have been shown to lower sperm count, damage DNA in both eggs and sperm, accelerate ovarian aging, and reduce chances of conception. If you smoke or use nicotine products, it is crucial that you take steps to stop.
Avoid or Limit Alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake has been shown to interfere with ovulation, disrupt hormone balance, and reduce sperm quality. Even moderate drinking can potentially have a negative impact. Some studies suggest that as few as five drinks per week may reduce female fertility.
While some sources suggest occasional alcohol may be safe during preconception, many leading health organizations recommend complete abstinence when trying to conceive due to the potential risks and individual variability in how alcohol is metabolized.
And guys—this goes for you too! While the occasional beer or shot of whiskey isn’t likely to tank your fertility, excessive alcohol use can lower testosterone, impair sperm production, and affect sperm shape and motility. It may even contribute to erectile dysfunction or ejaculation issues.
If having a baby is the goal, skipping alcohol (or keeping it to a bare minimum) is a smart, simple way to support your chances of conception.
Don't Do Drugs (Even Use Caution With Some OTC & Prescription Drugs)
Most recreational drugs are known to interfere with hormone production, damage reproductive tissues, or disrupt ovulation and sperm development. Even substances that are legal in some states (like marijuana) could potentially impact both male and female fertility. Anabolic steroids are another concern, as they can suppress natural testosterone production and, in some cases, lead to long-term infertility.
It's also worth speaking to your doctor and being mindful if you take certain prescription and over-the-counter medications.
For example, regular or long-term use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) may interfere with ovulation or lower progesterone levels, especially when taken around the time of ovulation. Some SSRIs can affect hormone levels, and certain blood pressure medications can affect blood flow to reproductive organs or disrupt hormone levels, potentially impacting fertility.
If you're actively trying to conceive or planning to try to get pregnant soon, it's smart to review all medications and supplements with your provider to make sure you're not unknowingly working against your fertility goals.
Minimize Exposure to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are compounds found in plastics, pesticides, nonstick cookware, conventional cleaning products, and some cosmetics. They're believed to interfere with hormone signaling and may contribute to infertility.
While it's nearly impossible to avoid EDCs altogether, you can limit exposure by using glass or stainless steel for food storage, drinking filtered water, avoiding microwaving plastic, and choosing "clean" or EWG-approved personal care and household products.
It might also be beneficial to support organ health with targeted organ supplementation and a natural detox. For more on natural detox, read “Detoxifying Your Body Naturally.”
How Long Does it Take to Improve Fertility?
Improving fertility through a healthy lifestyle and supplements that support fertility won't happen overnight. Supporting fertility naturally requires consistency over time, and the sooner you start giving your body what it needs, the better your chances of supporting healthy, natural fertility when you're ready to try.
Of course, age and underlying health conditions come into play. But for most people, it takes three to six months of consistency to start seeing meaningful changes in areas like hormone balance, egg and sperm quality, and cycle regularity.
That's because your reproductive system works on a long game. Eggs take about 90 days to mature before ovulation, and sperm development follows a cycle of around 2 to 3 months, which means the choices you make now can directly impact your fertility in the near future.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, even if you do everything right, there's no guarantee that conception will happen quickly or that infertility won't still be part of your pregnancy journey.
Yes, there are treatments like in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technologies if you find yourself unable to conceive. However, access to fertility care is often expensive, emotionally taxing, and not available to everyone.
Furthermore, while modern medical intervention can be a valuable option, the ultimate goal is to hopefully never need them and be able to conceive naturally.
We firmly believe that if more people took a proactive approach to support the body in doing what it was designed to do, many common fertility challenges could be reduced or possibly even prevented.
Male or female, if you hope to have a family one day, take action to support your body now by focusing on fertility-supportive nutrition, targeted lifestyle changes, and key supplements scientifically shown to support fertility.