When a couple is planning to conceive, it is important to understand that fertility depends on both partners. While women’s health often gets more attention, male fertility is equally significant. Studies show that around 40–50% of infertility cases involve male factors. To increase fertility in men, evaluate your reproductive health early in the process. One of the most important factors in male fertility is sperm count. A low sperm count reduces the chances of pregnancy, but the good news is that in many cases, it can be improved with lifestyle changes, diet, and medical support.
This guide explores what causes of low count, and practical ways to improve it.
Common causes of Low Sperm Count
While male fertility is influenced by several other elements apart from the sperm count, a healthy sperm count increases the chances of natural conception. Several reasons can contribute to low sperm count, such as:
- Lifestyle Factors: A person who smokes, consumes alcohol, uses drugs, is stressed, and has a poor diet can be negatively impacted.
- Medical Conditions: Some men may have conditions like varicocele, hormonal imbalances, infections, and chronic illnesses that may lower their sperm count.
- Environmental Exposures: If you have prolonged exposure to toxins, radiation, chemicals, or excessive heat. These factors can reduce your sperm production.
- Age and Genetics: People who are older and with certain genetic conditions also may have declining sperm health.
Signs You May Have Low Sperm Count
In many cases, low sperm count does not cause obvious symptoms. However, certain signs may suggest a fertility concern:
- If you have difficulty in conceiving after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse.
- Low sexual desire or erectile dysfunction.
- If you have pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicle area.
- Hormonal changes, such as decreased body hair or reduced muscle mass.
The most reliable way to confirm sperm count is through a semen analysis, a simple test recommended by fertility specialists.
How can you Increase Sperm Count Naturally?
Before considering medical treatment, simple changes in your daily diet, lifestyle, and habits can play a meaningful role in improving sperm production and overall male fertility. Let’s understand it in detail.
Dietary Changes
- Include foods rich in zinc (pumpkin seeds, legumes, nuts), antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), and vitamins C and D (citrus fruits, fish, fortified foods).
- Ensure adequate protein intake from lean meats, fish, and plant-based sources.
- Stay hydrated, as dehydration affects semen volume.
Lifestyle Modifications
- You should include regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.
- Manage stress levels through yoga, meditation, or hobbies.
- Get 7–8 hours of quality sleep, as poor rest disrupts hormone balance.
Habits to Avoid
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
- Reduce caffeine consumption.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures (e.g., hot tubs, saunas, tight clothing, and laptops placed on the lap).
Medical Test and Treatment For Male Infertility
If you incorporate these natural measures yet are struggling to conceive. You should consider medical intervention. Medication and advanced diagnostic tests can help the doctor identify the cause and guide effective treatment. Here are some treatments:
- Medications: If you have any underlying imbalances or infections, doctors can prescribe hormonal therapy or antibiotics.
- Surgery: Varicocele repair is a procedure that can restore healthy sperm production.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies: In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) are medical procedures for couples struggling with infertility.
Apart from these, there are also other ways to improve fertility, like genetic testing, sperm retrieval techniques, and specialised laboratory methods are making treatments effective and accessible.
Preventive Steps for Long-Term Fertility Health
Maintaining fertility health is about adopting habits that support sperm production over the long term:
- You should go for regular health check-ups to detect and treat medical issues early.
- By maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and exercise.
- Avoiding exposure to environmental toxins.
- You should manage and get early treatment for conditions that can indirectly impact fertility.
Conclusion
Your lifestyle today could be deciding your fertility. By small changes now may decide your chances of becoming a father in the future. Understanding sperm count and its impact on male fertility, is an important first step in improving reproductive health.
At Oasis Fertility, expert doctors and modern fertility solutions are available to help men and couples improve their chances of conception with the right guidance and treatment plans. You can also call us at 1800-3001-1000 or use our live chat option for immediate assistance.