Can a healthy adult male take Genferax (multivitamin‑mineral supplement) to improve sperm quality and fertility, and is it safe and effective?

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Last updated: February 17, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Genferax for Male Fertility: Not Recommended

Healthy adult males should not take Genferax or similar multivitamin-mineral supplements to improve sperm quality or fertility, as the highest-quality recent evidence shows no benefit for pregnancy outcomes and potentially worse results during the optimal treatment window. 1

Why This Recommendation Is Strong

The 2025 SUMMER trial—the largest and most rigorous study to date—randomized 1,171 men seeking fertility care to either an antioxidant supplement (similar composition to Genferax) or placebo for 6 months. 1 The results were clear:

  • No improvement in ongoing pregnancy rates overall (33.8% vs 37.5%, p=0.20) 1
  • Significantly lower pregnancy rates during the 4-6 month window when the supplement should theoretically work best (15.5% vs 21.5%, adjusted OR 0.66, p=0.02) 1
  • No improvement in semen parameters, DNA fragmentation, or IVF/ICSI outcomes 1

This directly contradicts the marketing claims made by fertility supplement manufacturers and aligns with guideline positions.

What the Guidelines Say

The European Association of Urology (2025) states that evidence for antioxidant therapy remains conflicting and of low quality, recommending against routine use. 2

A Cochrane systematic review of 61 studies (6,264 men) found that after removing high-risk-of-bias trials, antioxidants did not increase live-birth rates. 2 The American Urological Association (2021) advises clinicians to inform patients that supplement benefits have "questionable clinical usefulness" for treating male infertility. 2

The Evidence Quality Problem

When you examine the supplement market critically:

  • Only 38% of male fertility supplements sold online have any published clinical trials 3
  • Only 22% of ingredients in popular supplements have evidence for improving semen parameters 4
  • Only 17% of ingredients showed actual positive effects in published data 4
  • Most studies are of poor methodological quality with significant heterogeneity, making meta-analysis unreliable 2, 3

What Actually Works: Lifestyle Modifications

Instead of supplements, prioritize interventions with stronger supporting evidence:

Weight Management

  • Achieve BMI 18.5-25 kg/m² through diet and exercise; this improves sperm parameters in infertile men 2
  • Obesity impairs sperm quality, and weight loss enhances parameters 5, 6

Smoking Cessation

  • Complete tobacco cessation has the strongest evidence for improving male fertility 2, 5
  • Cigarette smoking negatively affects semen quality and fertility 5

Exercise

  • Regular physical activity enhances sperm quality and overall reproductive health 2, 5, 6

Heat Avoidance

  • Limit exposure to high temperatures (hot tubs, saunas, tight underwear) to maintain optimal testicular temperature 5

Critical Clinical Pitfalls

Do Not Delay Proven Treatments

Never delay assisted reproductive technologies while trialing supplements, especially when the female partner is ≥35 years old or the couple has been trying >12 months. 2 Female age-related fertility decline continues during any supplement trial period. 2

Supplements Are Not Monotherapy

Antioxidants should never be used as standalone treatment; lifestyle factors have stronger evidence. 2

Baseline Evaluation Is Mandatory

Before any intervention, perform:

  • At least two semen analyses following WHO criteria 2
  • Comprehensive medical/reproductive history including smoking, BMI, heat exposure, medications, and varicocele 2
  • Physical examination to identify correctable urological or systemic causes 2

Safety Considerations

While Genferax-type supplements are generally safe (no adverse effects reported with vitamin C 2000 mg daily 2), 79% of male fertility supplements contain substances exceeding the recommended daily allowance, and some exceed tolerable upper intake levels. 3

The Bottom Line on Timing

If you do proceed with supplements despite the evidence (patient preference after counseling):

  • Any intervention requires at least 74 days (2.5 months) to show effects, as this is the duration of spermatogenesis 6
  • Reassess at 2-3 months with repeat semen analysis 2
  • Escalate to assisted reproductive technologies if no improvement after 12 months total of conservative management 2

Absolute Contraindication

Never use testosterone therapy if fertility is desired—it suppresses spermatogenesis and causes azoospermia. 5, 6

References

2
Guideline

Antioxidant Therapy Guidelines for Male Infertility

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

5
Guideline

Promoting Healthy Spermatogenesis

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

6
Guideline

Male Fertility Supplements

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2026

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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