L-Carnitine and low sperm count

There has been several studies evaluating many different drugs to try and increase sperm count and motility. The drug that has shown the most promise has been L-Carnitine, and is usually the active ingredient when purchasing male types of "fertility" drugs, makerted under many different trade names. In reality, you can go to GNC and purchase this at a reduced cost, usually about $50-60/months supply.

Any Male diagnosed with a low sperm count should be evaluated by a Urologist, preferably one who specializes in Fertility. A diagnosis of male factor also requires two seperate semen analysis taken at least 2 1/2 months apart (it takes this long to turn over the sperm in the testes).

There are some studies showing that L-Carnitine can improve sperm motility and is worth a shot. There are also some studies that Acupuncture can also help with sperm issues.

L-Carnitine may be worth it, assuming a normal exam by a urologist, if your sperm count/motility is borderline to have a successful IUI (usually considered >10 Million total motile sperm per ejaculate) That's right! it takes that many critters to find one egg. But say if the motility is around 10-20% and the count around one Million, the only recourse would then be IVF+ICSI, regardless of any medications given.