A 2017 study in the Journal of Beneficial Microbes found that probiotics (beneficial bacteria) improved sperm motility and decreased sperm DNA fragmentation. Sperm motility is the movement or “swimming” of sperm that helps it get to the egg for conception. If sperm motility is low, that can be a roadblock for couples trying to conceive. Motility one of the tests measured on a semen analysis. Another very important aspect of sperm is quality. Both the egg and sperm have DNA that contributes to the embryo. If the DNA of the sperm is damaged (AKA, DNA fragmentation), that can affect the quality of the embryo and lead to infertility. It is common to have some level of sperm DNA fragmentation, but if it is a large percentage, that can lead to trouble conceiving.
Not all probiotic supplements are created equal. There are hundreds of different strains of beneficial bacteria and quality varies depending on the brand. The strains that were tested in the study included Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum. Make an appointment with a Naturopathic Physician at Arizona Natural Medicine where we have experience and expertise in both male and female infertility. We offer guidance on testing and supplementation for infertility issues. We are here to help you on your fertility journey.
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