Does folic acid improve male infertility or erectile dysfunction?

    Written by:
    Katie Jantz

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Observational studies indicate that men with erectile dysfunction (ED) often have lower plasma folate levels, and folic acid supplementation may improve ED symptoms for some, especially when it is combined with tadalafil. Limited research also suggests that folic acid may enhance sperm motility in men with infertility, though its effects on sperm concentration and morphology are unclear, and it remains unknown whether these improvements lead to higher pregnancy rates.

    Observational studies have found that men with erectile dysfunction (ED) tend to have lower levels of plasma folate compared to men without ED, and folate level seems to negatively correlate with the severity of ED.[1][2] While research is still preliminary, folic acid supplementation may improve symptoms of ED for some men, including when used in addition to the ED medication tadalafil.[2]

    As it relates to male infertility, limited research suggests that folic acid supplementation may increase sperm motility in infertile men, but does not seem to affect sperm concentration or morphology. It’s currently unknown if this benefit leads to increased rates of pregnancy.[3] Interestingly, genetic polymorphisms in methionine synthase (MTR) — an enzyme involved in folate metabolism — have been strongly associated with male infertility, most notably in Asian populations.[4] It’s been suggested that folic acid may improve male fertility through antioxidant mechanisms or by promoting DNA methylation during sperm production.[3]