What is the semen ph range in humans?
The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a substance is. It ranges from 0 to 14. The pH of distilled water is 7 and is considered neutral. A pH less than 7 is acidic, and a pH greater than 7 is basic.
For human sperm, WebMD lists a slightly wider normal pH range of 7.1-8.0[1]”Essig, Maria G.; Edited by Susan Van Houten and Tracy Landauer, Reviewed by Martin Gabica and Avery L. Seifert (2007-02-20). “Semen Analysis”. Healthwise. WebMD. Retrieved … Continue reading than the normal WHO criteria of 7.2-7.8[2]”Understanding Semen Analysis”. Stonybrook, State University of New York. 1999. Retrieved 2007-08-05″.
A pH value outside of the normal range is harmful to sperm[3]”Understanding Semen Analysis”. Stonybrook, State University of New York. 1999. Retrieved 2007-08-05″, because too much acid or base in its environment is disadvantageous to the sperm cells’ ability to swim and fertilise an egg.
- A lower (acidic) pH value below 7.2 may indicate that one or both seminal vesicles are blocked.
- A higher (basic) pH value above 8 may indicate an infection.
Research suggests the WHO “normal” range is too low
How to increase male fertility
There are a number of things a man can do to improve his fertility. These include lifestyle choices such as the elimination of fast food, nicotine and alcohol, regular exercise, restful sleep and the reduction of stress.
In addition, scientific studies have show that an increase in sperm count can be achieved by taking the following food supplements:
- amino acids such as Arginine and Carnitine
- antioxidants such as Glutathione and and co-emzyme Q10
- trace metals such as zinc and selenium
- vitamins such as A, B9 (folic acid), C, D and E
- extracts such as pine bark extracts (Pycgnogenol)
These amino acids, vitamins and trace elements are naturally occurring nutrients and no side effects are to be expected. On the contrary, increasing the supply of such micronutrients causes significant health benefits such as a stabilisation of the immune system, a positive effect on cardiovascular circulation and skin and hair health.
There is therefore no medical reason not to implement a micronutrient rich diet for a half or a full year.
VIDEO: Learn How To Read a Semen Analysis
Dr. Kooner is Deputy Director of The Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago and has been a Specialist in Fertility Treatment since 1999.
As well as the areas that the clinic specialises in general, he is particularly interested in managing oocyte donation, female same-sex couples, single women having sperm donation and those considering egg freezing.
Dr. Kooner regularly speaks at fertility meetings. He has published in national journals and constantly contributes to the fertility research and publications from Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago.
References
| ↑1 | ”Essig, Maria G.; Edited by Susan Van Houten and Tracy Landauer, Reviewed by Martin Gabica and Avery L. Seifert (2007-02-20). “Semen Analysis”. Healthwise. WebMD. Retrieved 2007-08-05.” |
|---|---|
| ↑2, ↑3 | ”Understanding Semen Analysis”. Stonybrook, State University of New York. 1999. Retrieved 2007-08-05″ |
| ↑4 | ”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9675619″ |
