In order to successfully conceive a child, the man and the woman has to be both fertile. When the woman is infertile or has a low number of eggs, then the possibility of conceiving also falls lower. On the other hand, when the man is infertile or has a low sperm count, conceiving a baby also becomes a difficult task.
Increasing Sperm Count
- Sperm count represents the number of viable sperm a man has in a given sample.
- The benchmark that WHO or the World Health Organization gives for a normal sperm count is generally around 20 million sperm per milliliter for a given sample of 2ml.
- Sperm count testing can be done in the hospital or it can be done inexpensively at home.
- The number may be daunting but only a few of these sperm will actually be able to fertilize an egg.
- There are a few indications of a low sperm count in males:
- Conceiving a baby with a woman can take longer.
- The man might need dietary, lifestyle and health interventions.
- The man and the woman will have to be advised on ovulation prediction.
- The doctor might subject the man to more formal medical interventions.
Increasing Sperm Count Naturally
Medical interventions for increasing a man’s sperm count can be expensive. There are natural ways of doing it inexpensively.
- Live a healthy life. An unhealthy life style generally equates to poor sperm count. Quitting smoking, drinking, and drug abuse can help improve sperm count.
- Cut down on processed foods. Organic foods when possible are the best types of food to eat to help increase sperm count.
- Exercise regularly. Helps generate a healthy lifestyle and reduces stress hormones that can damage sperm.
- Avoid unnecessary heat. Heat can damage sperm counts. Males are advised to avoid hot tubs or wearing of tight underwear.
- Intake of vitamins and minerals. A good dose of minerals such as zinc and selenium, amino acids such as l-carnitine, and antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E can help with a healthy sperm.
Increasing Sperm Count with Food
Eating the right foods packed with the right vitamins and minerals has been known to increase a male’s sperm count.
- Vitamin A rich foods – vitamin A helps in healthy sperm growth.
- Red pepper
- Oatmeal
- Carrots
- Dried apricots
- Vitamin C rich foods – vitamin C helps in sperm motility and viability.
- Snow peas
- Asparagus
- Cooked tomatoes
- Strawberries
- Zinc-rich foods – Zinc helps in elevating testosterone levels.
- Eggs
- Seafood
- Pumpkin seeds
- Turkey
- Beef
- Oysters
- Yoghurt
- Oatmeal
- Corn
- Folic acid-rich foods – helps reduce the chances of sperms with chromosomal abnormalities.
- Green, leafy vegetables
- Avocados
- Beans
- Whole grains
- DHA and omega 3 fatty acid –rich foods – helps in improving blood flow to the genitals and increasing sexual function.
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Anchovies
- Walnuts