How to improve sperm motility

Rule out an artefact

Motility is the measurement most damaged by a wait. If the sample was produced at home, sat in a car, or was examined long after an hour, ask whether the laboratory wants a repeat on site. That repeat is a better “improvement plan” than a supplement started the same day.

What studies have reported

L-carnitine has been studied particularly for motility, often combined with acetyl-L-carnitine, over a few months. CoQ10 trials have also reported motility changes. The studies are small relative to the claims made in shops, doses differ, and pregnancy was often not the primary result. Details and the uncertainty are on the L-carnitine and CoQ10 pages.

The Cochrane antioxidant review is the right context for products sold as motility boosters. Live-birth evidence was very low certainty and not significant once high-risk-of-bias trials were removed.

Habits

Smoking is associated with reduced semen quality, which can include motility. NICE says the impact on male fertility is uncertain and still supports stopping for general health. Heavy alcohol intake is detrimental to semen quality in NICE’s wording. Heat exposure is a plausible, less firmly guided factor and is discussed separately so it is not oversold.