Whether you’re trying to conceive or not, having a higher sperm count is healthy for every male. You can know your sperm count after a semen analysis done by a doctor.
Various factors can affect the sperm count such as certain medical conditions, genetic disorders, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors. Here are some tips to help you to increase sperm volume:
Check Your Environment
The environment is an external factor that can negatively impact sperm count. Immediately change your clothes and shower if you have been exposed to toxins such as pesticides, certain metals, solvents, paint, degreasers, and other endocrine disrupters. Jobs that expose someone to excess heat or radiation can also affect sperm count and motility.
Farmers, painters, and varnishes are found to have a higher chance of infertility and a significantly lower sperm count compared to men who work in other fields. It is recommended to stay safe and avoid contact with toxins and hazardous substances at work or if your hobby involves exposure to harmful toxins. Wear protective gear like gloves, mask, and helmet when handling chemicals.
Get Enough Sleep and Exercise Regularly
When you’re sleeping, the body goes into natural rest, stress is reduced and all parts of the body function properly. In a study that examined the importance of doing 16 aerobic exercises of a duration of 50 minutes per session in a week, the participants reached a heart rate of 50-65%.
Exercising increased sperm count and motility in 45 men with obesity. Moderate exercising improves testosterone levels which are responsible for an increase in sperm production. This can lead to the production of healthy sperms and increase their motility. Not only does exercise increase fertility but also helps in becoming physically fit.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol Intake
People with a history of heavy drinking, tobacco abuse, and illegal drug use like cocaine and anabolic steroids are likely to have a low sperm count. Researchers found that people who smoked heavy or moderate amounts of tobacco had a lower sperm count compared to those who smoked less heavily.
In couples using IVF with ICSI fertility treatments, smoking had a strong negative effect. Smoking can also affect female partners’ fertility through secondhand smoke. Excessive alcohol intake is associated with lower sperm count, abnormally shaped sperm, and sperm motility. It is advised to minimize your alcohol consumption up to a few times a week than drinking daily.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
For several years male sperm count has been linked with body weight. Researchers say that one way to improve your sperm count is to make sure you have a healthy weight. Being overweight or underweight affects the balance of hormones in the body which then leads to lower sperm count. Other factors such as body fat and being obese can affect sperm health.
The change in sperm count has been found in men who have a higher body mass index. Work with your doctor and fitness coach to help you achieve your weight loss goals for a better sex life. When you get into an exercise program be disciplined and stick to it until results are seen. Men should get tested for their body mass index from time to time to know if they have a healthy weight.