A 2017 meta-analysis study showed that there is a declining trend in sperm count worldwide because of its connection to declining fertility in many Western countries. Apart from this, there are several reports that many men are already experiencing some issues with infertility which can further decrease sperm count and quality.
Today, we will discuss the reports concerning sperm counts, symptoms and causes of low sperm counts, and ways how to increase sperm count, and motility and enhance male fertility.
Reports Concerning Sperm Counts
There are numerous studies that revealed the declining rate of sperm counts in men throughout the 1970s and 80s but they are mostly ignored due to the inclusion of data originating from men with fertility or testicular problems. However, there isa comprehensive research study conducted in 1992 that demonstrated a real decline in sperm quality over the past five decades.
There are also similar reviews and studies in bothEurope andAfrica which have shown that there is an actual declining rate in sperm counts. Thus, there exists a general decrease in both the quality and quantity of sperm in many men across many countries.
Symptoms and Causes of Low Sperm Counts
Also known as oligospermia, low sperm count shows that the fluid or semen a man ejaculates during an orgasm contains fewer sperm than normal. A man’s sperm count is considered lower than normal if he has less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Below are some of the common symptoms and causes of having low sperm counts:
SYMPTOMS
One of the major characteristics of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. Also, inherited chromosomal abnormality, hormonal imbalance, and dilated testicular veins are some underlying issues that may affect low sperm counts.
Here are the symptoms of low sperm count based on the article published by Mayo Clinic:
- Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction
- Pain, swelling, or a lump found in the testicle area
- Less facial or body hair or other signs of hormone abnormality
CAUSES
Some of the medical causes of low sperm count are as follows:
- Ejaculation problems
- Antibodies that attack sperm
- Infection
- Tumors
- Hormone imbalance
- Undescended testicles
- Chromosome defects
- Defects of tubules that deliver sperm
- Varicocele
How to Increase Sperm Count, Motility & Enhance Male Fertility
With the appropriate lifestyle changes, a man can significantly increase his sperm count and motility, enhance their morphology, and heighten their overall male fertility. It is integral to make necessary changes in a minimum of 40-90 days before the semen reassessment or when attempting to conceive or with fertility treatments such as IUI or IVF.
- Eat foods containing healthy fats like fish, nuts, meats, cheese, eggs, and meat because they are crucial in reducing the effects of inflammation and minimizing oxidative stress, the culprit behind DNA damage in sperm. Healthy fats are widely known as omega fatty acids which allow the body to absorb vitamins A, D, and E which are fundamental for fertility.
- Get plenty of sunshine to gain some vitamin D. When you leave your body exposed to the morning sun, it produces vitamin D from cholesterol. Studies have shown that vitamin D has a positive effect on male fertility, specifically sperm motility and overall semen quality.
- Take folic acid loaded with proper amounts of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that can definitely enhance male fertility. Especially, you need to take folate and zinc which have significant roles in the development of sperm cells and increase testosterone levels and sperm count in men.
- Clomid is a medication that is often prescribed off-label to increase sperm count, and testosterone and enhance male fertility. The treatment group of 30 men who received clomiphene citrate had a higher increase in sperm count and progressive sperm motility. And the pregnancy rate for the treatment group was nearly 3x higher compared to the control group.
- Take some hCG or human chorionic gonadotropin injections which are FDA-approved for men with decreased spermatogenesis or development of new sperm cells whose bodies don’t sufficiently stimulate the gonads to generate testosterone. Based on a study, hCG therapy can help induce testes growth, spermatogenesis, and fertility in gonadotropin-deficient men.
- Stop smoking because studies proved that heavy smokers had 19% less sperm than those who did not smoke. Also, smoking has a detrimental effect on male fertility because it lowers the zinc level in semen.
- Avoid alcohol as it can immensely affect a man’s overall sexual health and fertility. According to a study, alcohol abuse eventually destroys sperm morphology and sperm production.
- Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and other high heat situations because a study reported that high heat exposure can lead to impairment of spermatogenesis which includes alteration of sperm parameters and sperm DNA packaging.
- Limit stress as it can negatively affect luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone production which can cause complications in spermatogenesis and decreased sperm quality.
- Focus on optimal sleep and make sure that you get 7-8 hours of good quality and restful sleep every night.
CONCLUSION
Despite the reports of declining rates in sperm counts, men can increase their sperm counts by eating foods containing healthy fats, getting plenty of sunshine to have vitamin D< taking male fertility supplements rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, especially folate and zinc, taking some proper medications like Clomid and hCG therapy, stopping smoking, avoiding alcohol, avoiding high heat exposure, limiting stress, and focusing on 7-8 hours of optimal sleep. At BlueBeeOne, try ourBelta Folic Acid For Men which contains advanced combinations of nutrients like 400 mcg of folic acid, vitamins, minerals, and many others.
