Boosting Male Fertility: How to Increase Sperm Count

June 3, 2023 shadi helal

At Helal Medical, we understand the importance of male fertility and sperm count, therefore, boosting male fertility is our priority. It is a crucial aspect of a man’s health and can greatly affect his ability to father a child. If you are concerned about your sperm count, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about sperm count and how to increase it.

What is Sperm Count?

Sperm count means the number of sperm cells that are present in a sample of semen. It is a measure of the number of sperm that a man can produce. This count is an important factor in male fertility and reproductive health. A healthy sperm count ranges from 15 million to 200 million sperm cells per milliliter (ml) of semen. A low sperm count, which is lower than 15 million, can make it more difficult for a man to impregnate his partner. It needs boosting to a higher count which can increase the chances of conception.

Causes of Low Sperm Count

There are several factors that can contribute to low sperm count, including:

A- Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions, such as varicocele, infections, and hormonal imbalances, can affect sperm production.
Varicocele, swelling of the veins in the scrotum, can cause the temperature in the scrotum to increase above normal. This will affect the production of sperm which requires a lower temperature. This condition can be corrected with surgery.
Infections have a negative impact on sperm production and count. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and chlamydia cause inflammation and damage to the male reproductive system, leading to a decrease in sperm count. Other types of infections, such as epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis), can also cause low sperm production.
Hormonal imbalances can also play a role in sperm production. The production of sperm is regulated by hormones such as testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). If there is an imbalance in these hormones, it can lead to a decrease in sperm count. This can be caused by conditions such as hypogonadism (a condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone) or hyperprolactinemia (a condition where the body produces too much prolactin).

B- Lifestyle factors

Lifestyle factors play a crucial role in sperm count and overall reproductive health in men. Poor lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and sedentary habits can negatively impact sperm count and motility, which can result in male infertility.

Smoking is a major contributor to reduced sperm count, as it can damage the DNA in the sperm cells and impair their function. The chemicals in cigarettes, such as nicotine and carbon monoxide, can also cause oxidative stress in the body, which can further damage the sperm cells.
Excessive alcohol consumption can also have a negative impact on sperm count and motility. Alcohol can disrupt the production of testosterone, which is essential for the development and maturation of sperm cells. Additionally, alcohol can cause damage to the liver, which is responsible for filtering toxins from the body, including those that may negatively impact sperm health.
Drug use, including the use of marijuana, cocaine, and anabolic steroids, can also affect sperm count and motility. Marijuana use, for example, can reduce sperm count and affect their ability to swim, while cocaine use can cause sperm cells to become abnormally shaped and reduce their ability to fertilize an egg.
Sedentary habits, such as sitting for prolonged periods of time, can also negatively impact sperm count. Studies have shown that men who sit for more than four hours a day have significantly lower sperm counts compared to those who are more active. Regular exercise, on the other hand, can improve sperm count and motility, as well as overall reproductive health.

C- Age

Age is an important factor that can impact a man’s reproductive health, particularly his sperm count. As men age, their overall sperm count may decrease, making it more difficult for them to father a child. This decrease in sperm count is typically gradual and may begin after the age of 30, with a more significant decline occurring after the 50s.

The decrease in sperm count with age may be due to a variety of factors, including changes in hormone levels, decreased testicular function, and increased DNA damage in sperm cells.

While a decrease in sperm count with age is common, it is not necessarily a guarantee of infertility. Many older men are still able to father children, although the chances of conception may be lower. However, for couples struggling with infertility, age-related changes in sperm count may be an important factor to consider when seeking fertility treatment.

D- Environmental factors

Environmental factors can play a significant role in affecting sperm production and quality. Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and chemicals, can have a negative impact on male reproductive health. These toxins can be found in the air, water, and food sources, and can accumulate in the body over time.

Pesticides are a common environmental toxin that can affect sperm production. Exposure to pesticides has been linked to reduced sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape. Studies have shown that men who work in agriculture or in areas with high levels of pesticide use may have lower sperm counts than men who are not exposed to pesticides.
Chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which are commonly found in plastics, can also have a negative impact on male reproductive health. These chemicals can disrupt hormone production and have been linked to reduced sperm count and motility, as well as changes in sperm morphology.
Other environmental factors that can affect male reproductive health include exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, as well as ionizing radiation from sources such as X-rays and nuclear power plants. These factors can damage the DNA in sperm cells, leading to decreased sperm count and increased risk of infertility.

Ways for boosting male fertility

Fortunately, there are several ways to increase sperm count naturally for boosting male fertility. Here are some tips to help improve your sperm count:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle:
This includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Manage stress:
High levels of stress can negatively impact sperm production. Finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or exercise, can help improve sperm count.
Get enough sleep:
Lack of sleep can also affect sperm production. Make sure you are getting enough restful sleep each night.
Take supplements:
Certain supplements, such as zinc and folic acid, can help improve sperm count.
Consider medical treatment:
In some cases, medical treatment may be necessary to improve sperm count. This may include hormone therapy, surgery, or other fertility treatments.

SUMMARY

Sperm count is an essential aspect of fertility, and boosting it is crucial for male fertility. If you are concerned about your sperm count, there are several natural ways to improve it such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and taking supplements. But, in some cases, medical treatment may be necessary. If you are struggling with a low sperm count, we encourage you to speak with a medical professional to discuss your options for boosting fertility