Have you been experiencing fertility issues? Do you know that about one in every three cases is because of fertility issues in the male partner alone? Yes, the male’s sperm count could be very low and that could be a major cause of infertility.

Sperm count denotes what is the average number of sperm present in a sample of semen. Fertility experts evaluate the sperm count during routine semen analysis as it is an important factor for fertility. You can also get tested for semen analysis from reputed fertility centers like Grace Fertility.

Causes of low sperm counts

As per the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, a healthy sperm count is around 15 million per milliliter (ml), or a minimum of 39 million per ejaculate. A sperm count which is below 15 million per ml is considered to be low, and that may cause fertility problems. Experts believe that various factors that impact testosterone levels have the most major impact on sperm number and quality. However, some medical conditions like inherited genetic disorders, tumors, and infections can also impact the sperm count. Some other causes are:

• Environmental toxins

• Radiation and chemicals

• Drugs or some medication

• Heavy metal exposure

• Smoking

• Excessive alcohol use

• Heat can reduce sperm production

• Pollution

However, certain lifestyle choices and simple natural remedies can help aid the hormones that regulate sperm production, which may enable the healthy development of sperm and enhance sperm count.

Tips to Increase Your Sperm Count

1. Avoid heating your testicles; for example, don’t go for hot baths or sit for long periods in tight-fitting underwear as it restricts the testes and raises temperatures for long enough to subdue your sperm production.

2. Join a gym and start exercising. Quit a sedentary lifestyle as that could be very dangerous for your sperm count. Obesity has a direct impact on your sperm health, and also in terms of your overall health. So, it’s time to hit the treadmill and lose those excess pounds.

3. Don’t wear very tight-fitted trousers or underwear. Sperm production is improved at 36 degrees, which is a notch below usual normal body temperature.

4. Get the proper eight hours of sleep every night. This is very important if you are trying to plan a family. If you’re not well-rested, then your sperm would not be vigorous and plentiful.

5. Quit smoking. Various studies have shown a relationship between smoking and infertility and low sperm count. So drop that temptation.

6. Stress is the enemy of fertility. Prolonged stress is said to cause hormonal imbalances which can be very damaging for your reproductive health. 

7. Avoid excessive alcohol or drug use. It’s also advisable to avoid excessive caffeine, artificial additives, and refined carbohydrates.

8. Maintain ideal body weight. Food deprivation can lead to loss of sex drive in men  and obesity can cause low sperm count, leading to and impotence. Consume a balanced diet and avoid packaged, fried, charcoal-broiled or barbecued food. Eat green leafy vegetables, carrots, kale, citrus, cauliflower, broccoli, and yams.

9. Monitor your mobile phone usage. Excessive mobile phone users might have a 40 percent lower sperm count with significantly lesser sperm motility and viability.

10. ​Increase intake of antioxidant-rich diets. Include vitamin C, vitamin E, gluthatione or selenium for at least 2-3 months.

11. Get enough vitamin D as that is very significant for both male and female fertility. Vitamin D is another nutrient that boosts testosterone levels. 

12. Consume ashwagandha or Indian ginseng, which has been used as a traditional medicine for several forms of sexual dysfunction.

13. Add zinc and vitamin C. Zinc is an important mineral that is found in high quantities in animal foods, like meat, eggs, fish, and shellfish. You could take zinc supplements to improve your testosterone levels and sperm count. Vitamin C should be consumed between 2,000 to 6,000 milligrams daily, as that aids in preventing sperm from sticking together.

14. Take a fenugreek supplement after consulting your doctor. Fenugreek is known as a natural remedy for low sperm count.

15. Avoid certain prescription medications that could potentially reduce healthy sperm production. Some such medications include:

• certain antibiotics

• anti-androgens

• antipsychotics

• anti-inflammatories

• opiates

• anabolic steroids, which may affect sperm count even up to 1 year after you stop the medication

• antidepressants

• exogenous or supplementary testosterone

• methadone

16. Avoid animal products that have high fat content and contain hormones, like the usual milk and dairy products, beef, chicken, and pork.