Seeking help for sexual health problems can not only be embarrassing but is also increasingly difficult, with the number of face-to-face appointments now halved as a result of the pandemic.
A host of new products in pharmacies and online promise to help. Caroline Jones asked the experts to assess some of the latest options available. We then rated them.
Spermcheck Male Fertility Test£29.99, boots.com
Spermcheck Male Fertility Test
Claim: This test promises to be ‘as accurate as the test you’d have at a clinic — but in the privacy of your own home’. You collect a sperm sample in the provided cup and mix it with a solution in a small bottle, then add six drops to a pregnancy-style test window. A positive result means a healthy sperm count; negative equals a low count.
Expert verdict: ‘This works by detecting a protein found only in sperm and will adequately assess a man’s sperm count,’ says Professor Pacey. ‘However, it is a less accurate method than that used in a clinical laboratory, where sperm are manually counted using a microscopic lens to magnify them.
‘Nor will this test be able to tell if the sperm are swimming normally or whether they are the right size and shape — both of which are important for egg fertilisation.
‘However, if it helps overcome the initial anxiety or embarrassment of having a fertility test then it will have served a good purpose as a first-line investigation for men to try at home themselves.’
5/10 Male Boost£59.99 for 180 capsules, lamuscle.com
Male Boost
Claim: Containing a blend of the herbs ginseng and maca root, plus vitamin E and zinc, this supplement promises to be a ‘natural testosterone booster’. Take one or two capsules, three times a day.
Expert verdict: ‘I can’t find any robust research to suggest that any of these ingredients actually boost testosterone levels, although there is some evidence that getting enough vitamin E and zinc is important for healthy male fertility,’ says Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology (male fertility and sexual health) at the University of Sheffield.
‘Taking six capsules a day will be expensive and men would be better off buying some fresh fruit and vegetables.
‘Men with a low libido should see their GPs to rule out medical problems — it can be an indicator of diabetes, heart disease or a side-effect of depression. Also, increased testosterone levels won’t help men who are trying to start a family because taking testosterone in any form decreases sperm production.’
2/10 Women's Fertility Test Medichecks Female Hormone Blood TestClaim: For this ‘hormone MOT’ test, take a fingerprick blood sample at home and send it to a lab for a report on levels of oestrogen, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, a useful indicator of ovarian health) and thyroid function.
This can identify imbalances that could be causing period problems, says the maker.
Expert verdict: ‘Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, so a one-off blood test reading is just a snapshot of what is going on during that particular day,’ says Dr Adib.
‘I would be concerned that this test could either worry a patient unnecessarily or give a false sense of security. Hormone tests are complex and best done in consultation with your GP.’
1/10
Medichecks Female Hormone Blood Test
£21.69 for 60 capsules, amazon.co.uk
NHP Libido Support For Women
Claim: A blend of the herbs damiana, maca, ginseng, ginger and rhodiola, plus vitamin B3 and the amino acid L-arginine, which claims to ‘put the passion back and create an enjoyable sex life’. Take two capsules per day.
Expert verdict: ‘Maca root powder is from a South American herb thought to be helpful for male and female libido, although a 2010 review found there were not enough robust studies to prove this benefit,’ says Dr Adib.
‘Vitamin B3, L-arginine and ginseng are thought to help with energy and blood circulation, while rhodiola root (from a flowering plant) may help ease stress, which is known to improve female libido.
‘It’s safe to take and may boost your energy a bit, but is quite expensive for a monthly supply.’
4/10 Pelvic Floor Exerciser Vivify Rejuvenating Pelvic Floor Toner£349.99, stressnomore.co.uk
Vivify Rejuvenating Pelvic Floor Toner
Claim: This wand uses vibrations to strengthen pelvic floor
