Boost Male Fertility and Increase Sperm Count

Male fertility problem is any health issue in a man that lowers the chances of his female partner getting pregnant. Approximately 1 in 7 couples are infertile, meaning that they have not been able to have children despite repeated unprotected sex for a year or more.  Researchers estimate that one in three cases is due to fertility problems only in the male partner.

Male infertility can be caused by low sperm production, abnormal sperm function, or an obstruction that prevents sperm delivery. Diseases, injuries, chronic health problems, lifestyle choices, and other factors may play a role in male infertility.

The inability to conceive can be frustrating, but there are a number of treatments available for male infertility. In some cases, a healthy diet, supplements, and other lifestyle strategies can improve male fertility.

Symptoms

The main sign of male infertility is the inability to conceive. There may be no other obvious symptoms.

In some cases, an underlying problem such as an inherited disorder, hormonal imbalance, dilation of the veins around the testicles, or conditions that block the passage of sperm can cause signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms that a person may notice are:

• Swelling, pain, or a lump in the testicle area
• Recurrent respiratory infections
• Inability to smell
• Problems with sexual function
• Abnormal breast growth
• Decreased body or facial hair
• A lower-than-normal sperm count

Causes

Male fertility is a complex process. The following conditions  require for pregnancy to occur:

• Must produce healthy sperm
• Sperm must  transfer into semen
• There must be enough sperm in the semen
• Sperm must be able to move and function

Medical causes

Male fertility problems can be caused by some health issues and medical treatments:

• Varicocele: Varicocele is the swelling of the veins that drain the testicles. Varicocele reduces the quantity and quality of sperm.
• Infection: Some infections can interfere with sperm production or sperm health or cause ulcers that block sperm passage. These include inflammation of the testicles or epididymis or some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea or HIV. Although some infections can lead to permanent testicular damage, most sperm are still recoverable.
• Ejaculation issues: Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of coming out of the tip of the penis. Various diseases can cause retrograde ejaculation.
• Antibodies that attack sperm: Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and try to kill them.
• Tumors: Non-malignant cancers and tumors can directly affect the male reproductive organs through glands that release reproductive hormones, such as the pituitary gland, or through unknown causes. In some cases, surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation to treat tumors can affect male fertility.
• Undescended testicles: In some men, one or both testicles do not descend from the abdomen into the sac, which usually contains the testicles, during fetal development.
• Hormone imbalances: Infertility can be caused by abnormalities of the testicles themselves or abnormalities that affect other hormonal systems, including the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
• Defects of tubules that transport sperm: Different tubes carry sperm. They can be blocked for various reasons, including unwanted surgery damage, previous infections, trauma, or abnormal growth, such as cystic fibrosis or similar inherited conditions.
• Chromosome defects: Hereditary disorders such as Klinefelter’s syndrome cause abnormal growth of the male genitals. Other genetic syndromes associated with infertility include cystic fibrosis and Kalman syndrome.
• Problems with sexual intercourse: Sexual problems can include difficulty maintaining an erectile for sexual intercourse, premature ejaculation, painful intercourse, anatomical abnormalities such as a urethral opening beneath the penis, or psychological or sexual problems that interfere with sexual intercourse.

Environmental causes

Excessive exposure to certain environmental elements such as heat, toxins, and chemicals can reduce sperm production or sperm function.

11 Ways to boost male fertility

Infertility can have many causes and depend on genetics, fitness, general health diseases, and dietary contaminants. In addition, a healthy lifestyle and diet are important. Some foods and nutrients have more fertility benefits than others.

1. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can increase testosterone levels and improve fertility. Men who exercise regularly have better semen quality and testosterone levels than inactive men. But too much exercise can have the opposite effect. Weight loss and exercise in overweight or obese people can improve or increase sperm count.

2. Take D-aspartic acid supplements

D-aspartic acid (D-AA) is a form of aspartic acid, an amino acid that is sold as a dietary supplement. D-AA is mainly found in certain glands, such as the testes and in semen and sperm cells. In fact, D-AA levels in infertile men are significantly lower than fertile men. Current evidence suggests that D-AA supplements may improve Male fertility with low testosterone levels, whereas taking these supplements consistently does not offer additional benefits in men with normal to high levels.

3. Get enough vitamin C

Vitamin C strengthens the immune system. Taking antioxidant supplements such as vitamin C improves fertility. Oxidative stress is when the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) reaches harmful levels in the body. ROS is constantly produced in the body, but its levels are controlled in healthy people. High levels of ROS may cause tissue damage and inflammation and increase the risk of chronic disease.

Oxidative stress and excessively high levels of ROS can also lead to infertility in men. Adequate antioxidants, such as vitamin C, may help counteract some of these harmful effects. There is also evidence that vitamin C supplements improve semen quality. Vitamin C supplements significantly improve sperm count and motility while reducing the number of deformed sperm cells.

4. Get enough vitamin D

Vitamin D can be important for male and female fertility. This vitamin increases testosterone levels. Men deficient in vitamin D are more likely to have low testosterone levels.

5. Relax and minimize stress

Stress may reduce sexual satisfaction and impair fertility. Prolonged stress increases cortisol levels, which has negative effects on testosterone. When cortisol rises, testosterone levels tend to decrease. While severe and unexplained anxiety is usually treated with medication, mild forms of stress can be reduced with relaxation techniques. Manage stress by walking in nature, meditating, exercising or spending time with friends.

6. Get enough zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that is found in large amounts in animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs, and oysters. Adequate zinc intake increases male fertility.

Zinc deficiency is associated with low testosterone levels, low sperm quality, and an increased risk of male infertility. It also increases testosterone supplementation and sperm count in people with zinc deficiency.

7. Quit smoking

People who use moderate or high amounts of tobacco have lower sperm quality than people who smoke less. There are many reasons to quit smoking and improve health. One of these reasons is to increase fertility. Smoking affects many aspects of sperm health, including reduced sperm count, reduced sperm motility, and sperm shape.

8. Avoid certain prescription medications

Some prescription drugs can potentially reduce the production of healthy sperm. However, when a man stops taking the drug, their sperm count should return to normal or increase. Medicines that may temporarily reduce sperm production and development include:

• Some antibiotics
• Anti-androgens
• Anti-inflammatories
• Antipsychotics
• Opiates
• Antidepressants
• Anabolic steroids
• Exogenous or supplementary testosterone
• Methadone

9. Increase healthful fat intake

Polyunsaturated fats are essential for the healthy growth of sperm membranes. Such fats include omega-3 and omega-6. Men with infertility who took omega-3 fatty acid supplements significantly improved sperm motility and concentration compared to men who did not take omega-3 supplements.

10. Have frequent sex

Couples who want to get pregnant should have sex around ovulation, but having frequent sex during the month can increase fertility. However, research has shown that short periods of abstinence can also benefit sperm health.

11. Aim for a healthy weight

One way to increase Male fertility is to have a healthy weight. Research has shown that being overweight or underweight can upset the body’s hormonal balance, leading to a decrease in sperm count.

Foods to improve sperm count

In most cases, taking supplements is a safe way for a person to reach their daily requirement of most vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, the body does not always absorb them easily. Eating foods that provide good amounts of certain compounds and chemicals allows the body to use them more effectively. The best way to increase sperm count naturally is to increase intake of foods rich in sperm-friendly nutrients such as vitamin C, antioxidants, and polyunsaturated fats. Dietary patterns that can reduce sperm count include:

• Consuming low levels of antioxidants
• Consuming high levels of saturated fats
• Limited consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Eating large amounts of red and processed meat
• Not eating enough polyunsaturated fatty acid
• Having a high intake of energy

Prevention

Male infertility is not always preventable. However, some well-known causes of male infertility can be avoided. For example:

• Avoid things that cause the testicles to heat up for a long time
• Reduce stress
• Avoid exposure to heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins
• Don’t smoke
• Limit or abstain from alcohol
• Steer clear of illicit drugs
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t get a vasectomy

Diagnosis

There are several steps to determining the cause of male infertility.

General physical examination and medical history

It includes examining the genitals and asking questions about any inherited diseases, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries, or surgeries affecting fertility. The doctor also asks questions about sexual habits.

Semen analysis

Semen samples can be obtained differently. The semen is then sent to a laboratory to measure the number of sperm in it and to check for any abnormalities in the shape and movement of the sperm. The lab also tests semen for signs of problems such as infection.

Treatment

In infertility cases, it is recommended that both couples be examined and that assisted reproductive techniques be used if necessary. Treatments for male infertility include:

• Surgery: Varicocele can often be surgically corrected or the obstructive vas deferens repaired. Previous vasectomies can be reversed. In cases where there is no sperm in the ejaculate, sperm can often be recovered directly from the testicle or epididymis using sperm recovery techniques.
• Treating infections: Antibiotic treatment may cure a genital infection, but it does not always restore fertility.
• Treatments for sexual intercourse problems: Medication or counseling can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
• Hormone treatments and medications: In cases where infertility is caused by high or low levels of certain hormones or problems with the body’s use of hormones, the doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy or medication.
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART): ART treatments include taking sperm through natural ejaculation, surgical extraction, or donors, depending on the case.
  

  The bottom line

  Lifestyle changes, natural remedies and diet adjustments are helpful to help men manage and improve low sperm count. Such lifestyle changes include adopting a regular exercise program, regular sleep schedule as well as avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol and drugs. It may also be helpful to avoid certain medications. Dietary changes that increase sperm count include reducing the intake of trans fatty acids and increasing the intake of multiple unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables and fruits is the best way to increase sperm count through diet.

Additional questions