It is advised that a couple should consider having children when the male partner is ready with sperm. Sperm count is the amount of sperm cells present in the semen of a man. This would likely make it difficult for couples to conceive since sperm count is low. However, the good news is that there are ways on how the sperm counts of a man can be improved through changes in meals and other ways of living. In this article, it will be possible to explain possible methods of increasing sperm count.
Dietary Changes to Increase Sperm Count
It is very important for sperm production; there are some foods that can make sperm production and fertility better. Some foods will actually reduce your sperm count while others will increase the count for your sperm.
1. Oysters:
Oysters contain a zinc element, which is needed for producing good quality sperm. However, they are quite costly and cannot be eaten daily. Therefore, you can opt for supplements or vitamins as an alternative way of raising zinc intake.
2. Pumpkin seeds:
In addition to being delicious, these tiny seeds are also packed with zinc essential for healthy male cells and positive effects on improving motion capacities of spermatozoa cells alongside testosterone levels.
3. Dark Chocolate:
its scrumptious taste, and the addition of even more antioxidants and L-arginine added into the mix, it increases sperm count and movement.
4. Spinach:
Spinach is high in folic acid that functions with zinc. zinc is crucial in keeping the sperm in the correct shape and preventing defects.
5. Walnuts:
Walnuts have a maximum amount of omega-3 fatty acids, hence help make sperm strong swimmers. They are also power-packed with antioxidants such as vitamin E that shield the sperm from damage.
Indian Foods That Can Increase Sperm Count
Also, they are on the spot in boosting sperm health. Traditional Indian foods are some examples:
- Ghee (Clarified Butter): This traditional Indian food is considered the best to make its consumers horn more than it improves fertility.
- Ashwagandha – Ginseng of India has been used by mankind from generations for combating stress and enhancement of sperms.
- Garlic– It has allicin on the blood vessels of the genitals thereby increasing sperm production.
- Bananas: They have an enzyme known as Bromelain that assists to produce testosterone hence making sperms.
- Pomegranate: It is an antioxidant, and since oxidative stress damages sperms, this compounds aids in checking on the radicals.
- Turmeric: It has curcumin, a potent antioxidant, and when taken with your meals it will also help to protect sperm cells.
Food That Negatively Impacts Male Fertility
Food that may bust your sperm count, so, do away with it:
- Processed Meats: Hot dogs and salami are in this row since they have dangerous alcohol derivatives to sperm.
- Soy Products: Phytoestrogens in soy are similar to female estrogen and can lower sperm production.
- High-Fat Dairy Foods: Whole milk and creamy cheeses will create an imbalance in hormones, thereby affecting the sperm count.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Excessive alcohol intake decreases sperm count. This happens because alcohol reduces the level of absorption of zinc in the body.
- Caffeine-loaded Drinks: Over-consumption of drinks loaded with caffeine can lead to malformation along with improper functioning of the sperm, thereby lowering the sperm count.
Lifestyle Modifications
Lifestyle changes bring in a greater count of healthy sperm.
Exercise Regularly: Exercise helps increase testosterone levels and, therefore, is good for sperm count, but exercise appropriately.
Stress Relief: Human Authentication, Stress could also reduce sperm production. Stress-reduction practices may be of help like meditation, yoga practice, deep breathing, and others.
Sleep and Rest: Restful sleep for about 7-8 hours every night is really important in creating healthy sperm.
Riding Bike for Long Hours: This is because being seated on a bike for extended periods will build pressure and scrotal temperatures thus resulting in a less convenient environment for the sperm to be produced. Rest periodically when cycling.
Heat exposure: All in all, some precautions to ensure a safe sperm count are such as avoiding hot tubs, saunas, and tight clothing that may raise the testicle’s temperature because heat may diminish the sperm count.
Avoiding Harmful Substances:
- Smoking: Smoking has numerous negative effects on health and significantly raises the risk of abnormalities in sperm
- Drugs: Several recreational drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, are known to adversely affect the production of sperm.
- Poisons: Low sperm count is a result of exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other environmental pollutants.
Is Declining Sperm Count a Problem?
Reduced sperm count could be a concern to males desiring fatherhood. It will be impossible to conceive. Finally, if loss of sperm count worries you, then visiting a healthcare professional is a necessary action.
What Factors Determine Sperm Health?
The following are the factors that determine good sperm health:
Sperm Count
This refers to the number of sperms present in the semen. A healthy sperm count is necessary for fertility.
Sperm Motility
Motility is the capability of the sperm to move effectively. Sperms swim to reach the target egg and facilitate fertilization to occur.
DNA Integrity of Sperm
The sperm must contain intact DNA to fertilize successfully and develop a healthy zygote.
Morphology of Sperm
Morphology refers to the form and size of the sperm. Sperm with abnormal shapes or sizes may struggle with fertilizing the ovum. This condition is known as teratozoospermia, where the sperm’s abnormal morphology can impact its ability to successfully reach and fertilize the egg
Semen Volume
Semen volume: the amount of fluid where the sperm are contained. Low semen volume could just indicate a problem in sperm production.
Myths and Misconceptions
There are a lot of myths about male fertility. Let us discuss some of them.
- Myth: A male’s fertility will not diminish as they age.
FACT: Male fertility does decrease with age, particularly after age 40. Sperm quality goes down over time. - Myth: The infertility source is always a female problem.
Fact: Male factors account for infertility recorded in one-third of cases. - Myth: If men wear small and tight underwear, they will end up being infertile.
Fact: Even if tight clothing can raise the temperature of the scrotum, there is no clear evidence to show that it would cause infertility. - Myth: Masturbation makes a man not manly.
Fact: Masturbation is free from hazards such as risking impotence or being a cause of infertility. It is a natural human action. - Myth: Working with a laptop in your lap decreases male fertility.
Fact: While not yet scientifically proven that it causes infertility, laptops’ heat can be a factor in the quality of sperm.
Medical Treatments for Low Sperm Count
And if lifestyle changes and improved diet fail, there are also medical routes to follow:
- Hormonal Treatments: This would assist in scenarios where there are hormonal imbalances and resultant poor sperm production.
- Surgery: Surgical extractions might be employed in the case if there is a blockage or any physical causes of the inability of the sperm to be released.
- Assisted Reproductive Methods: These are helpful in the cases of deficient volumes of semen. These are methods offered at fertility clinics for individuals trying to conceive a child.
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact a doctor now if you have been experiencing a misadventure in baby-making for a year or more while trying. The tests could point to trouble concerning sperm count or fertility.
Conclusion
Simple alterations in the diet and lifestyle accompanied by having the right foods, avoiding hazardous products, and all other disturbances with overall health can result in increased sperm count. About watching your sperm count, do not procrastinate. After all, a healthy body results in healthy sperm!
FAQ
High levels of antioxidant pomegranate juice are responsible for improving sperm health. The role of antioxidants in preventing damage and improving the quality of sperms is evident.
Overall health can benefit from low-fat milk, which is necessary for maintaining a regular sperm count. But no strong evidence exists linking directly between consuming milk and increased number of sperm.
On average, millions are produced daily by a healthy male, whereas approximately 1,500 are produced every second. The continuous supply assurance is provided through this continuous production.
White or clear colored appearance is associated with robust sperm, thick semen included. For accurate understanding on male fertility, doctors recommend semen analysis that assesses motility rate (how fast they move), morphology (appearance) and amount (sperm count).
