What helps vs what harms

When couples struggle to conceive, they become vulnerable to people selling false hope. In South Asian communities, this can include unregulated practitioners offering herbal remedies, "fertility tonics", or treatments that claim to boost virility or sperm count with no evidence.

Some of these have no measurable effect on sperm or hormones. Others can be genuinely dangerous, containing heavy metals, unknown drugs, or hormones that interfere with your body's own production.

Evidence-supported approaches: • Zinc, selenium, vitamin D, CoQ10, modest evidence for improving sperm parameters • Weight management, proven to improve hormonal profiles • Reducing alcohol and smoking, clear evidence of benefit • Regular exercise, improves testosterone and sperm quality • Stress reduction, reduces cortisol which can impair fertility

Not evidence-supported: • Testosterone supplements from gyms or online, these SHUT DOWN sperm production, sometimes permanently • "Fertility boosting" herbal pills from unregulated sources • Homeopathic remedies for infertility, no clinical evidence • Shame-based treatments that tell you infertility is a punishment or spiritual failing

Some practitioners exploit the stigma around male infertility in South Asian communities. They may use shame or cultural guilt to sell treatments, implying that your infertility is caused by past behaviour, spiritual imbalance, or moral failing.

This is manipulation. Infertility is a medical condition. It is not a punishment. It is not caused by sins. Anyone who tells you otherwise is exploiting your vulnerability for profit.

If you're unsure about a treatment, ask your doctor. A legitimate practitioner will never object to you getting a second opinion.