Sperm abnormalities are quite common. In fact, about 20 to 30% of men will have abnormal sperm.
Sperm count can increase or decrease for various reasons, including a recent illness or fever. As a result, many cases of abnormal semen analysis may be only a temporary issue.
Sperm are produced by the testes every 61 to 72 days. If your semen is abnormal, your doctor will perform another analysis 3 to 4 weeks later.
Normal Sperm Count:
As a general rule, during a semen analysis, your doctor will want to see sperm concentrations above 15 million sperm per milliliter. Here are some tips that can help increase sperm production if your semen analysis is below this level.
4 Ways to Improve Sperm Count and Motility:
Quit Smoking:
Smoking is not only harmful to your lungs but also negatively impacts your fertility. A meta-analysis of 20 studies involving 5,865 participants found that smoking reduces both sperm count and motility. Ask your doctor for resources on how to quit.
Maintain Good Physical Fitness:
As with many fertility factors, overall good health benefits sperm production. Overweight men, with a body mass index (BMI) above 28, may have a lower sperm count.
When you are overweight, there can be an imbalance in your reproductive hormone levels. Overweight men may have lower testosterone levels and higher estrogen levels, which can affect sperm production.
Focus on a well-balanced diet with high-quality protein and fiber, exercise 3 to 4 days per week, and aim for a BMI between 21 and 26.
Take Antioxidants:
Antioxidants are important for reducing oxidative stress in the testes and can potentially increase sperm count. They may help optimize your ability to produce healthy sperm that can swim effectively to fertilize an egg.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, is an antioxidant that can promote healthy sperm growth. Taking an appropriate multivitamin can provide additional antioxidants such as zinc, selenium, and vitamin C, all of which are used by the testes to support sperm production.
Beware of Heat Exposure:
Sperm are sensitive to high temperatures. The testes are heat-sensitive, and activities such as using a laptop or excessive cycling can raise the temperature between your legs. So, if you like sitting on the couch with a laptop, try using a barrier. Also, avoid spending long periods in hot tubs.
There are many reasons why men may experience infertility, and a low sperm count is just one of them. Schedule an appointment with our fertility specialist in Turkey.
