In this episode, hosts Dr. Kevin Chu and Dr. Justin Dubin engage in an insightful discussion about the effectiveness of fertility supplements with expert Dr. Kian Asanad, a fellowship-trained men's health urologist at Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in male fertility and reproductive health.
Dr. Asanad brings a wealth of knowledge to the table as they explore the common questions surrounding fertility supplements and the data that supports or challenges their efficacy. The conversation addresses the widespread claims about various supplements and emphasizes the necessity of consulting a doctor for any serious fertility concerns.
Listeners will learn that while supplements can potentially enhance fertility, they should not be seen as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for underlying issues. The hosts highlight the importance of understanding the role of supplements in the context of overall health and fertility, making it clear that they are intended to complement, not replace, medical intervention. Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and YouTube!
Do Male Fertility Supplements Really Work?
ManUp Podcast: A Doctor’s Guide to Men’s Health
Intro
Welcome to the ManUp Podcast! A doctor’s guide to men’s health, where we tackle the big questions and give you practical advice. If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
I’m Dr. Kevin Chu, and as always, I’m joined by my co-host, Dr. Justin Dubin. This week’s episode is titled, “Do Male Fertility Supplements Really Work?” featuring our guest, Dr. Keon Anasad.
Casual Catch-Up
Kevin: Justin, how’s it going, my man?Justin: Doing well! Big football weekend ahead—NFL playoffs!
Kevin: Can’t beat the playoffs, even though neither of our teams made it.
Justin: Steelers are out, your team’s been struggling...but hey, we’re here to talk fertility, not football!
Episode Overview
Kevin: This episode focuses on male fertility supplements. It’s a hot topic—we’ve gotten lots of questions about testosterone boosters and supplements for improving sperm health. To help us dive deep, we’ve brought in our friend and expert, Dr. Keon Anasad, a fellowship-trained urologist at Keck Medicine of USC.Dr. Anasad specializes in male infertility, reproductive microsurgery, and advanced techniques for erectile dysfunction. He also directs the USC Fertility and Men’s Sexual Health Center in Beverly Hills. Keon, thanks for joining us!
Keon: Thanks for having me. Excited to be here!
The Role of Supplements in Male Fertility
Justin: Let’s start with the big question: how do supplements impact male fertility?Keon: Supplements play a small but significant role in the treatment of male infertility. They’re not magic pills or replacements for medical intervention, but they can optimize reproductive health in specific scenarios.
For example, some supplements help reduce oxidative stress—a major factor in sperm DNA damage, which is linked to recurrent miscarriages and IVF failure. Others may improve sperm production, motility (movement), or morphology (shape).
Supplements Are Not a Cure-All
Kevin: You made an important point—supplements are not a substitute for proper medical care.Keon: Absolutely. If someone has severe sperm count issues or other fertility concerns, they need to see a doctor. Supplements are just that—supplements. They add value but aren’t a comprehensive solution.
Justin: So, who benefits most from fertility supplements?
Keon: Surprisingly, it’s often healthier men who need small adjustments in their diet or lifestyle. For example, someone on a plant-based diet might lack L-carnitine, which is found in animal products and supports sperm health. Similarly, men low in antioxidants like Vitamin C might benefit from supplementation.
Recommended Supplements for Male Fertility
Kevin: What are the top supplements you recommend?Keon: The evidence supports a few key ones:
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): A powerful antioxidant shown to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology in doses of 200–300 mg.
- L-Carnitine: Improves sperm motility, especially for men with deficiencies.
- Zinc & Folic Acid: Studies show a 74% improvement in total motile sperm count when taken together.
- Vitamin A, C, and E: Strong antioxidants that support overall sperm health.
- Probiotics: Emerging research links gut health to reproductive health.
What to Avoid
Justin: Are there any supplements men should avoid while trying to conceive?Keon: Yes, I’d recommend staying away from:
- DHEA: A testosterone precursor that may disrupt sperm production.
- Saw Palmetto: Often used for prostate health, it can reduce sperm production and ejaculate volume.
Justin: Great points. I’ve also seen testosterone-boosting supplements that contain hidden testosterone, which can suppress sperm production.
Keon: Exactly. Stick to proven interventions for testosterone optimization, like Clomid or lifestyle changes, and avoid unregulated boosters.
Timing Matters
Kevin: How early should men start supplements if they’re planning to conceive?Keon: Ideally, three months before trying to conceive. Sperm take 72–74 days to mature, so consistency is key. Daily supplementation for at least three months ensures new sperm benefit from the intervention.
The Moxi Trial and Mixed Data
Justin: Let’s talk about the Moxi Trial, a major study that found fertility supplements didn’t improve pregnancy outcomes. What’s your take?Keon: The Moxi Trial was well-designed but focused on a specific supplement blend. While it didn’t show a significant impact on pregnancy rates, it’s important to remember that supplements aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. For couples who feel they’ve tried everything, supplements offer a low-risk option to explore.
Kevin: That’s a great perspective. The risk is low, and supplements might address factors we don’t yet fully understand.
Introducing Fertile Force
Justin: Keon, tell us about your new fertility supplement, Fertile Force.Keon: Of course! During fellowship, I noticed a gap in male fertility supplements designed by male fertility specialists. Many products lacked key ingredients or had improper dosages.
I created Fertile Force with the ingredients I believe have the strongest evidence—like CoQ10, L-carnitine, zinc, and probiotics. It’s designed to be a comprehensive option for men looking to optimize fertility.
Justin: That’s awesome. Where can people find it?
Keon: It’s available at levliv.co. I named the brand after my kids, Olivia and Lev—they’re my inspiration.
Final Thoughts
Kevin: Any closing advice for men considering fertility supplements?Keon: Do your research, consult your doctor, and choose third-party-tested products. Supplements are just one part of a bigger strategy—focus on overall health, too.
Justin: Great advice. Keon, thanks so much for joining us!
Outro
Thanks for tuning in to the ManUp Podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, and follow us on YouTube, Spotify, iTunes, and socials @manuppod. See you next time!
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