What is sperm count?
Sperm count measures the concentration of sperm in a man’s ejaculate measured in million sperm per milliliter. It is important to distinguish it from total sperm count, which is the sperm count multiplied with volume, i.e. the number of milliliters[1]”https://www.sharedjourney.com/define/semen.html” The average sperm count today is between 20 and 40 million per milliliter in the Western world, having decreased by 1-2% per year from a substantially higher number decades ago[2]”https://ispub.com/IJU/2/1/7519″
Over 15 million sperm per milliliter is considered normal, according to the WHO guidelines in 2010[3]”https://humupd.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/3/231″. Previous to this downward revision, 20 million was considered normal[4]”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
Low sperm count
Oligozoospermia refers to semen with a low sperm count. Semen with a decreased sperm count often also shows abnormalities in sperm morphology and motility (technically “oligoasthenoteratozoospermia”). Following a successful vasectomy the semen sample is azoospermic. This means that the semen of the man does not have a measurable level of sperm.
Improving sperm count
There are a number of things a man can do to improve his sperm count. 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 shown that an increase in sperm count can be achieved by taking the following food supplements:
- 2000 mg/day vitamin C increases sperm count 129% in 2 months[5]”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17004914“
- 5 mg folic acid + 66 mg zinc improves sperm count by 74%, but induces 4% increase in abnormal sperm[6]”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11872201“
- 4 mg/day lycopene improves sperm count by 22 million/ml after 90 days[7]”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12899230“
- 3 g/day L-Carnitine increases sperm count by 15% after 90 days[8]”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8529529“
- Vitamin D (men low in vitamin D have lower sperm counts[9]”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23042450“)
How to Increase Sperm Count Naturally
The sperm generation process is particularly sensitive to external factors. These include trauma (heat, physical force), energy and nutrient supply for the cells “under construction” as well as oxidative stress.
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 minimum of six months to increase fertility. Ideally this should be carried on until successful conception.
VIDEO: Learn How To Read a Semen Analysis
More sperm count-enhancing nutrients
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 | ”https://www.sharedjourney.com/define/semen.html” |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | ”https://ispub.com/IJU/2/1/7519″ |
| ↑3 | ”https://humupd.oxfordjournals.org/content/16/3/231″ |
| ↑4 | ”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″ |
| ↑5 | ”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17004914“ |
| ↑6 | ”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11872201“ |
| ↑7 | ”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12899230“ |
| ↑8 | ”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8529529“ |
| ↑9 | ”https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23042450“ |
