Semenax is advertised as a semen pill.
According to the manufacturer’s claims, it increases the volume of sperm, sperm
count, and overall sexual satisfaction.
Going through the online marketing
campaigns promoting Semenax, it caught my attention that one of the major
components are the claims about “women secretly preferring males with bigger
sperm loads because subconsciously they perceive such man as more fertile,
stronger and desirable fathers of their offspring.” Beyond these claims is an
insidious marketing tactic.
Males with
lower load volume and possible fertility problems that feel guilt and shame
because of it. This observation does not diminish the effects of this supplement-
it just opens a new point of view on a marketing ethics of the manufacturer of Semenax.
In
1982, a twenty year follow up study was published: “Relation between sperm
count and semen volume, and pregnancies obtained during a twenty-year follow-up
period.” The conclusion: sperm volume is not suited for fertility
classification. In simple words- the more the better principle does not
apply to a sperm volume and fertility.
Active Semenax ingredients
Cranberry Extract
A
study published in 2017 showed that Cranberry extract helps in prevention of
recurrent Urinary Tract Infections. Another one published earlier this year
showed that Cranberry extract reduces the use of antibiotics and non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, and the frequency of Low Urinary Tract Infections in
patients on radiotherapy for prostate carcinoma. In simple words, it seems
that sufficient amounts of Cranberry Extract have the antibacterial effect in
the urinary tract. This is definitely a desirable effect for the men trying to
improve their sperm count (sperm count can be decreased due to chronic
infection).
Catuaba Bark
A
study published in 2004 showed that neither of the commercially available
supplements of Catuaba showed any effects on the rabbit’s corpus cavernosum
(the part of the penis that hardens during erection). Also, the study concluded
that the majority of the supplements tested did not have the amounts of Catuaba
written on a food label. Some other studies examined its effects on rats
fertility and the conclusion of those studies was that it (at best) have no
effect on fertility and pregnancy.
Maca
A copied conclusion of the study published
in 2017 (Is the Hype around the Reproductive Health Claims of Maca (Lepidium
meyenii Walp) justified?):
“To date, the health claims of maca cannot
be fully supported from a scientific standpoint and more research is needed. It
appears that the indigenous local knowledge about the health benefits of maca
has been dragged out of context to fit the demands of a growing market for herbal
remedies.
This globalization (or hype esp. in China) also has had serious
consequences for the local producers in Peru. The lack of protocols to regulate
the production and marketing of maca during this rapid expansion poses a threat
to both the safety of consumers and the sustainability of supply.”
Muira Puama
A study published in 2000, focused the
Herbal vX mixture (a unique Muira Puama and Ginko Biloba) and its effects on
sex drive in women. Self-assessment questionnaire showed significantly higher average
total score (+65% after taking the supplement). The questionnaire included the
following categories: overall satisfaction with sex, the intensity of sex
drive, ability to reach orgasm and its intensity, and frequency of sexual
desires. Studies that examined Muira Puama alone effects are not available.
L-Arginine
L-Arginine is proved to be an agent that
improves the parameters of semen. Based on what we know so far, it seems that
it can weaken the urinary tract defense mechanisms in women but this should not
be a reason for consideration in individuals with good overall health.
Pumpkin Seeds (Vitamin E)
Pumpkin seeds have positive effects in
patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. They have a positive effect on
prostate health. Since the prostate is quite an important component of overall
reproductive health, pumpkin seeds could be considered as a food that
contributes to a better fertility.
Tribulus
A study published in April 2017, showed
some proofs that Tribulus has a beneficial effect on a male sexual health. It
improves sperm motility and viability (the percentage of alive spermatozoids in
sperm) and can be considered as a safe alternative to a standard treatment of
motility dysfunction in males.

