A study recently reported that sperm counts have dropped 50 percent in the last 40 years. That is a significant decrease. The head of the study, Hagai Levine, called it an "urgent wake-up call" for researchers and authorities to investigate this drop to protect male reproductive health. Unfortunately, if you are trying to have children right now, no urgency in the scientific community will make much of a difference.
So if you are concerned about your or your partner's sperm count, have it checked so you know exactly where it is. In simple terms: The more sperm in the semen, the more likely that a single sperm will reach and fertilize an egg. Sperm health is also a factor in its ability to reproduce, and a semen analysis performed in a laboratory is the most accurate method to determine this.
10 natural tips to avoid a low sperm count
According to the American Pregnancy Association, male infertility is a factor in about 50 percent of infertility cases, but let's not dwell on the statistics, and instead we will attempt positive change. Here are 10 tips to avoid low sperm count:
1. Get to a healthy weight
Losing your waistline has positive effects on your overall health, and it's also one of the most significant changes you can make to increase your sperm count. Losing weight can significantly increase semen volume, concentration, and mobility, as well as overall sperm health. Talk to your doctor or seek the advice of a nutritionist to come up with a plan that works with your lifestyle. Most experts recommend avoiding drastic changes in diet and exercise and instead making incremental adjustments to promote long-term success.
2. Exercise
Moving more often has a positive effect on sperm count, and one study found that lifting weights and exercising outdoors are the most beneficial in promoting more, higher-quality sperm. As with the diet, if you have not been active regularly, choose an accessible plan that suits you. This is also an excellent opportunity to work with your partner. Going for a brisk walk or jog can also double the time spent improving the quality of your relationship. Also, both of you will feel better and want to be intimate more often, which, of course, also increases your chance of conceiving.
3. Take your vitamins
Vitamins D, C, E, and CoQ10 are important for sperm health. A study shows that taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C every day can help sperm concentration and mobility. Who doesn't want their sperm to be as agile as possible for that important journey? Vitamin deficiencies can affect you in other damaging ways. A simple blood test can help you detect your level of vitamin intake. Take your time to be evaluated as adding supplements to your daily routine is an easy solution. Consult your doctor for expert advice.
4. Avoid substance abuse
If you want to have a baby, it is important to avoid drinking, cigarettes, and drugs. Also, now that you are planning to become a parent, it is a good time to change your mental perspective and discover the rewards of being present in the moment. Low sperm count has been linked to heavy alcohol use (two or more drinks a day), tobacco use, and illegal drug use. If you need help quitting, seek the help of a professional. Exercise and eating right are also beneficial in staying sober, and all of these life changes work synergistically.
5. Check your surroundings
Often people don't really think too much about their environment and how it correlates with sperm count. Be careful if you are regularly exposed to:
· Metals
· Solvents
· Pesticides
· Paint
· strippers Degreasers
· Non-water-based glues or paints
· Other endocrine disruptors
Whether it's your workplace, your home, or another place where you frequently attend, be aware of what substances you are exposed to. Consider taking a break from high-risk activities and reducing your exposure to toxins in general.
6. Have your bike checked
Even if you are not a contender to win a stage in the Tour de France, five hours per week of cycling is associated with a lower concentration of sperm. You don't have to give up cycling entirely, as it's a great form of exercise, but it may be wise to cut back on your total time spent in the bike seat or add more cross training to your routine and try running or yoga. Some time spent off the bike might even make you a better rider in the long run. If you can't stay off your bike, consider switching to a seat that protects your perineal area, and get active going up hills and stand up and pedal instead of sitting down.
7. Wear loose cotton boxers
Looking for an excuse to buy new underwear? Here it is. Looser underwear helps keep the temperature there at a level that allows the proper environment for healthy sperm.
8. Manage stress
Many people say they were able to conceive while on vacation, and this is likely because eliminating or reducing stress has a huge impact on our physical health. Psychological stress is detrimental to the quality of sperm and semen, affecting their concentration, appearance, and ability to fertilize an egg. It is essential that you manage stress through exercise or making time for relaxation activities. Also, less stress usually means more intimacy.
9. Cut down on caffeine
Too much caffeine can have an adverse effect on male fertility. One study concluded that for men who drink fewer than three cups of coffee a day, there should be no negative effect on the time it takes to conceive with a partner, but more than four a day was associated with a higher proportion of sperm than abnormal shape. So be sure to limit your caffeine intake. Splurge on the highest quality coffee and tea for maximum enjoyment and minimal risk to sperm health.
10. Eat more folic acid
Adding more folic acid to your diet is also good for men who want to have a child, according to a study. Folic acid, commonly found in leafy green vegetables, can improve sperm health. You can also get more folic acid from pills and multivitamins.
Diabetes is a disease in which your blood sugar levels are too high. Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems. Even if you don't have diabetes, sometimes you may have problems with blood sugar that is too low or too high. Keeping a regular schedule of eating, activity, and taking any medicines you need can help StrictionD