title: The role of over-the-counter supplements for the treatment of male infertility--fact or fiction?
abstract: Many over-the-counter (OTC) vitamins and supplements have been used to  improve male fertility. The purpose of this study is to review the effects of  these OTC supplements on male fertility. A Pub Med and Medline review of the  randomized controlled studies utilizing OTC vitamins and supplements readily  available in the United States over the last 3 decades was performed. Many  studies demonstrate the positive effects of OTC supplementation on semen  parameters and pregnancy outcomes. Conversely, many studies also demonstrate a  lack of improvement and potential complications with supplementation.  Confounding factors include lack of standard dosing regimens, duration of  treatment, and control for dietary intake. No standard exists for which OTC  supplement and vitamin studies have been conducted or the medications dosed.  Definitive conclusions as to their true effects on male subfertility and  dosing regimen could not be identified.
authors: Center for Male Fertility, Department of Urology, Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
authors: Edmund Y
authors: EY
authors: Ko
authors: Edmund S
authors: ES
authors: Sabanegh