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When we think of fertility, the direct notion focuses on women, but the reality is that male fertility plays a meaningful role in conception. Around one-third of infertility cases are attributed to male factors, making it the need of the hour to address male fertility. If you are planning a family or want to ensure your sperm is of the best quality and shape, you are possibly thinking: how to increase sperm count naturally? Well, the good news is that there are multiple natural methods to improve sperm health, and you don't need a magic pill to do it.
Whether through dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, or supplements, you can enhance sperm quality and quantity, making it effortless to increase your possibilities for conceiving. However, remember that increasing sperm count isn't just about eating more foods or popping a supplement; it's about understanding how your lifestyle, routines, and stress levels play a significant role in sperm production. If you are ready to uncover information on your full fertility aspects, keep reading about how to increase sperm count and improve overall male fertility.
What is Male Fertility?
Male fertility refers to a man's capability to fertilise an egg and help his partner achieve pregnancy. It's not only about the sperm count; other factors, including sperm motility, morphology, and semen quality, play substantial roles in a man's reproductive health. Sperm count is a primary indicator, but low sperm motility or irregular sperm shape can make conception difficult. Here are some of the key aspects of male fertility:
- Sperm Count: The normal sperm count varies between 15- 200 million sperm per millilitre of semen. A sperm count below 15 million indicates male infertility.
- Sperm Motility: Motility is the movement by which healthy sperm swim effectively towards an egg.
- Sperm Morphology: Morphology is a shape that matters, too; abnormalities can decrease the likelihood of successful fertilisation.
The Male Fertility Factor: Why it Matters
Did you know that one in seven couples is struggling with achieving pregnancy, according to studies, and around 30% of couples have male infertility as one of the primary factors. These factors usually include low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and poor sperm quality.
No one wants to talk about male infertility, even though it's one of the most critical topics, as successful conception largely depends on healthy sperm. The sperm quality influences how easily the sperm can fertilise the egg and contribute to a successful pregnancy. In cases of male infertility, even with a high sperm count, the sperm might not have the ability to reach or penetrate the egg effectively. This is why male fertility is just as important as female fertility.
Common Symptoms of Male Infertility
While women may have obvious signs when fertility problems occur, male infertility symptoms can be more subtle. Some men may not notice any symptoms until they have trouble conceiving. Here are a few signs that can indicate a fertility issue:
- Lower libido: A decline in sexual urge may signal hormonal imbalances affecting sperm production.
- Erectile dysfunction: Difficulty maintaining an erection might indicate underlying reproductive problems.
- Testicular area problems: These include pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicle area, which can be signs of an infection or varicocele.
- Semen quality: If there is discolouration, wateryness, and insufficient volume in the semen, it is a clear indication of male infertility.
- Respiratory infections: Regular diseases can impact sperm quality due to the vulnerable immunity of general well-being.
If you notice you have any of these symptoms, it's essential to get a male fertility test or sperm examination done to understand your fertility health better.
What Causes Male Infertility?
Identifying the causes of male infertility is essential for discovering solutions. Numerous factors can impact sperm health, including:
- Genetic problems: Certain genetic conditions, like Klinefelter syndrome, can affect sperm production.
- Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone levels or issues with thyroid hormones can lower sperm count and motility.
- Varicocele: This condition causes enlarged veins, which increase the temperature around the testes, which can decrease sperm quality.
- Infections: Certain infections, including sexually transmitted diseases, might influence sperm health.
- Lifestyle habits: It involves lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol use, and drug consumption, which reduce sperm quality and count.
- Environmental factors: Vulnerability to toxins, chemicals, and heat can impair sperm formation.
How to Increase Sperm Count Naturally?
If you are thinking about how to increase sperm count naturally, there are numerous measures you can incorporate to enhance sperm health without using medication. Start with these natural strategies:
- Diet is Key: To improve sperm motility and production, include vitamins, minerals, and an antioxidant-rich diet such as spinach, garlic, walnuts, etc., to improve sperm quality.
- Exercise Regularly: Daily exercise helps improve overall health and testosterone levels. However, exercise can also impair sperm quality, so maintain the balance.
- Restrict Heat Exposure: Avoid extended exposure to hot tubs, saunas, or tight-fitting underwear. High temperatures can impair sperm production.
- Stress Management: High stress levels can interfere with sperm production, so try incorporating yoga, meditation, or mindfulness to lower stress.
- Quitting Poor Lifestyle Choices: Bad lifestyle choices like smoking and regular drinking can seriously lower sperm count and motility.
Foods to Increase Sperm Count
A balanced diet to increase sperm count is essential to male fertility. Some of the best foods to include in your diet to improve sperm health are:
- Shellfish: Rich in zinc, critical for testosterone production and sperm motility.
- Walnuts and Almonds: It contain omega-3 fatty acids that help improve sperm motility and quality.
- Leafy Greens: Folate-rich foods like spinach and kale are crucial for sperm production.
- Berries and Citrus: Rich in antioxidants that protect sperm from impairment caused by free radicals.
- Bananas: Includes bromelain, an enzyme known to boost sperm count and motility.
Why is the Sperm Count Test Important?
If you are anxious about your fertility, taking a sperm count test is the first stage toward understanding your sperm health. This simple test helps assess sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, enabling doctors to diagnose fertility problems. The normal range of a sperm count is 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen, and healthy sperm must swim progressively toward the egg.
When the sperm count is not normal, a fertility specialist may recommend treatments or lifestyle adjustments to improve sperm production.
When to Seek Male Infertility Treatment
If you notice the symptoms of male infertility or have been planning to achieve pregnancy without success for more than a year, it's time to consult a professional for male infertility treatment. Treatments might vary from lifestyle modifications to advanced therapies like IVF or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection), depending on the underlying cause.
>> Also Read: Does Health Insurance Cover Infertility Treatment?
A Smart Choice for Family Planning with Health Insurance
Fertility treatment expenses are touching the sky, particularly if you need testing or long-term treatments. That's where health insurance comes into play. Many insurers offer fertility benefits that cover tests like sperm analysis, consultations with fertility specialists, and treatments like IVF or IUI.
You must continually invest in the right health insurance plan, as it might save you money and guarantee you the care you need without economic burden. Contacting your health insurance provider to determine your coverage choices regarding fertility treatments is always a good idea.
Empower Your Fertility Journey
Male fertility is an essential aspect of the reproductive process, and comprehending how to enhance sperm health can drastically improve your chances of conception. You can boost your fertility naturally by including the right foods, lifestyle alterations, and taking expert advice when necessary. Remember, fertility isn't just a woman's problem; male infertility treatment and awareness are just as crucial for a healthy family planning journey.
If you are worried about your fertility, don't wait and seek a fertility test for men today, and take control of your reproductive health.
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.
Ref links
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/fertility/art-20047584
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17201-male-infertility
