How to Increase Sperm Count

It is obvious to understand that oligospermias pecifies the condition where the semen that is ejaculated contains less sperm than normal. The amount of 20 million sperm per milliliter is known to be the normal sperm count. Anything below than that is regarded as low sperm count. The major repercussion of this condition is reduced chances of fertilization which would otherwise result in pregnancy. However, there are cases wherein, many men, who in spite of having a low sperm count were able to father a child. If the underlying condition of this disorder is identified and treated, then there are all chances that the sperm count would increase.

What Causes Low Sperm Count?

Proper functioning of the testicles and that of the organs such as the hypothalamus and pituitary glans, ensure the normal production of sperm in the body. Sperm are produced in the testicles and they are transported to be mixed with semen before getting ejaculated out of the penis. So it can be inferred that any problems with any of these functions would definitely show up in the production of the sperm. Also, there can be causes which can affect the shape of the sperm and its movement, which eventually result in oligospermia.

Factors which are found to cause disturbance in the normal production of sperm could be several of them, based on medical grounds, environmental factors and lifestyle of the affected person. Medical causes may include certain infection, lack of ejaculation, antibodies that destroy sperm, tumors, problems with ejaculation, imbalances with hormones in the body, and defects with the sperm ducts. In some males, testicles may fail to descend into the scrotum and some may suffer from varicocele (swelling of the veins that drain the testicles). These two factors may also cause a low sperm count. Certain medications, and Celiac disease may also become the cause.

Exposure to pesticides, heavy metal and radiation are known to be the environmental factors which may lead to reduced production of sperm. People who are into sports such as bicycling also stay vulnerable to develop this condition. To add to these, alcohol abuse, use of illicit drugs, smoking, stress, deficiency of nutrients, excess weight and age have also been diagnosed to be the other types of causes of oligospermia. Most may be unaware of the fact that wearing tight-fitting clothing and taking frequent sessions in sauna, cause to overheat the testicles thus, reducing the sperm production.

Treatment

Sperm count can be increased by treating the underlying conditions, such as those mentioned above. For instance, if the cause has been found to be varicocele, then patients are recommended to undergo a surgery which would treat the swelling of the veins and restore the normal sperm production. In some cases, it may happen that treatment does not respond. So such people have the option of adopting a child or using sperm from a donor.

Some Natural Methods to Up Sperm Count

Apart from what is followed medically, there are other ways which might help increase the sperm count naturally, thus increasing the chances of getting pregnant. These may include a few lifestyle and diet changes.

As mentioned already, overheating of the testicles tend to be one of the causes of low sperm count. Now this may be countered by keeping a minimal use of sauna, hot tubs and hot shower. Also, wearing boxers is more preferable than tight briefs, which cut down the air supply thus, making the testicles warmer. It is important to known that testicles are required to stay at a lower temperature than the body. So, avoid any factor which seems to introduce unnecessary heat in the testicles.

Low sperm count is also related to alcohol abuse and smoking tobacco. In people who drink excessively, the level of testosterone becomes low and this eventually has its effect on the sperm production. Also alcohol abuse can cause liver diseases, which in turn may cause infertility, as well. It is common to find that men who smoke tobacco have lower sperm count than those who don't. So, best it is to shun smoking and limit alcohol intake. Equally beneficial is to abstain from the use of illicit drugs, as their effect on sperm production is no less worse than smoking or drinking.

Sperm count can also be increased with the help of foods such as whole grains, legumes, leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. Raw sunflower seeds, raw pumpkin seeds, onion, oysters, clams, liver, fresh fruit juice, garlic, lady finger, bottle gourd, eggplant, etc., are some other food to increase sperm count naturally.

The required vitamins to deal with the condition of low sperm count include vitamin C, vitamin B12, and vitamin E. That is the reason why foods which are high in these nutrients must be consumed regularly. And about the supplements which improve the production of sperm, they include those containing all these vitamins, including zinc arginine and carnitine.

It is advisable to increase sexual intercourse to every couple of days and have sex during ovulation. These acts increase the chances of pregnancy. Also, it is recommended to use sperm-safe lubricants because other products may harm the sperm after ejaculation.