Infertility: Causes, Factors & Natural Support with Dietary Supplements

What is infertility? Definition and epidemiology

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility is defined as the inability to achieve pregnancy after 12 or more months of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. In women over 35, this time limit is reduced to 6 months due to the natural decline in ovarian reserve.

Infertility affects both sexes equally: in 40–50% of cases an exclusively male factor is identified, while the remaining percentage relates to female or combined factors.

Female fertility: the role of the egg

The quality and quantity of eggs are fundamental factors in female reproductive function. Unlike men, women are born with a finite number of eggs, which gradually decreases with age, especially after 35.

Main factors affecting female fertility:

• Age & ovarian reserve
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
• Endometriosis
• Hormonal imbalances
• Diet & lifestyle

PCOS is the most common cause of ovulatory infertility, estimated to affect approximately 1 in 10 women of reproductive age. Endometriosis causes anatomical changes that can interfere with conception or fertilization.

Male fertility: the role of sperm

Male fertility is assessed primarily through a semen analysis, which examines three key parameters: sperm count, motility and morphology. Even an isolated abnormality in one of these indicators can significantly reduce the chances of conception.

Main factors affecting male fertility:

• Oxidative stress
• High temperature
• Smoking & alcohol
• Micronutrient deficiencies
• Chronic stress

Natural fertility support through dietary supplements

Research over recent decades has highlighted the important role of certain micronutrients in reproductive health. Supplementation does not replace medical evaluation, but can be a useful complementary tool for those wishing to naturally enhance their fertility.

Supplements for female fertility:

• Folic acid  Supports egg maturation and fetal neural development; ideally recommended before conception.
• Vitamin D  Low levels have been associated with reduced conception rates and ovulation disorders.
• Beetroot  Rich in nitrates and betalains, supports uterine microcirculation and blood flow to reproductive organs.
• Vitamin C & E  Antioxidant protection of eggs from oxidative stress.

Supplements for male fertility:

• Zinc  Critical for testosterone production and normal sperm formation.
• Selenium  Improves sperm motility and morphology, enhancing antioxidant defenses.
• Astaxanthin  Powerful carotenoid antioxidant that protects sperm DNA from oxidative stress damage.
• Pycnogenol  Pine bark extract with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties; studies show improvement in sperm morphology and function.

When to see a specialist?

Early medical evaluation significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. It is recommended to consult a gynaecologist or andrologist in the following cases:

• Failure to conceive after 12 months of regular intercourse (women under 35)
• Failure to conceive after 6 months (women over 35)
• Known underlying health issues (PCOS, endometriosis, hormonal disorders)
• History of miscarriages or irregular menstrual cycle

Conclusion

Fertility depends on a complex set of biological, nutritional and environmental factors. Understanding the causes of infertility, combined with targeted nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and, where indicated, supplementary support, can be an important step towards conception.

The nutrients mentioned in this article do not constitute medical advice and do not replace specialist opinion. Before any supplementation, consult your doctor.