How to Increase Sperm Count Naturally

There are many factors necessary for male fertility. One of the most important ones is the adequate number and motility (movement) of sperms. If the sperms in semen, (during ejaculation), are less in number than necessary, then it will not be possible or very difficult to get pregnant. Usually, the sperm count below 15 million sperms per ml of semen is considered oligospermia (low sperm count).

Symptoms of Low Sperm Count

In most of the conditions, the only symptom of low sperm is not conceiving child despite having vaginal intercourse. On occasions, few other symptoms may also appear. These include:

• Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction
• Pain or swelling in testicle area and
• Decreased facial or body hair 

Causes of Low Sperm Count

Several organs in the body work in harmony to produce sperms in males. These include: testicles, pituitary glands, hypothalamus etc. Malfunctioning of any of these organs can cause low sperm count or other issues related to sperms.

It is difficult to examine the exact cause of low sperm count but it can happen due to: genetic problems, injuries, surgeries, varicocele (swelling of veins), anti-sperm antibodies etc.

Natural Treatment of Low Sperm Count

Apart from being caused by genetic problems or injuries, low sperm count is the result of some natural deficiencies and problems. Therefore, it is absolutely viable to treat low sperm count naturally. You can do so by taking few nutritional elements and making few lifestyle changes.

Following are few important factors whose effectiveness regarding low sperm count has been established scientifically in several studies. 

Regular Moderate Exercise

Various studies have proved that regular moderate exercise is beneficial for count, motility and concentration of sperm. On the other hand, intense exercise can prove harmful for sperm function. Cycling for several hours and mountaineering on high altitudes are extremely harmful for sperm count and motility. [1]

Vitamin B12

Various clinical, in vivo and in vitro studies regarding effects of Vitamin B12 on human semen have been performed. All these studies have proved positive correlation between Vitamin B12 and count and motility of sperm in human males. Vitamin B12 has also been found to reduce sperm DNA damage. Studies also show that infertile men have lower concentration of Vitamin B12 in their plasma as compared to healthy fertile men. [2]

Possible reasons behind this positive affect of B12 on sperm count and motility is due to: increased production of nitric oxide, reduction in sperm impairment, increase efficiency of male reproductive organs etc. Animal foods like meat, fish and dairy products are best sources of Vitamin B12.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another important food source vital for healthy sperm. A study on young infertile patients has proved that Vitamin C significantly increases sperm count, motility and normal morphology. Vitamin C is abundant in guava, citrus fruits, other fresh fruits and raw vegetables. [3]

Vitamin E

Vitamin E supplementation has also been found to benefit varicocele-affected infertile male patients after varicocelectomy. A study of 45 such men has proved that Vitamin E slightly increases sperm count and motility in men receiving this supplementation as compared to those without Vitamin E. [4]

Zinc

Zinc is an extremely important mineral for men’s health. Deficiency of zinc in the body triggers infertility, hypogonadism and several other reproductive disorders in males. Adequate intake of zinc in diet is necessary for overall spermatogenesis (development of sperm cells in male reproductive organs). [5]

Large amount of zinc is present in: red meat, shellfish, lentils, seeds (hemp seeds, pumpkin, sesame seeds etc.) and nuts (cashews, peanuts, almonds etc.).

Eat Healthy Fats, Avoid Saturated Fats

Studies have proved relationship between fat intake and semen quantity in men. These studies show that ingestion of healthy fats (especially omega-3) increases sperm quantity in men slightly. On the other hand, increase in saturated fats markedly reduces the volume of sperm. [6] 

Reduce Carbs and Full-fat Dairy Products

Diet high in carbohydrates and dairy products has been found t impact negatively on sperm count. A study on 200 young healthy men shows that high carb diet decreases the number of sperm cells in the participants while it doesn’t impacted on the motility and shape of sperms. 

On the other hand, full-fat dairy products change the normal shape of sperms while it has no relation to number or motility of these cells. Therefore, it is recommended to minimize intake of high carb and full-fat dairy products in your diet for better functioning of sperm cells. [7]  

Avoid Soy

Soy and soy products are known for increasing estrogen levels in both men and women. A study on 99 infertile men shows that increase intake of soy products may lowers sperm concentration in men. Even eating half serving of soy per day can decrease sperm count in men. It is therefore important for males to cut their soy intake as low as possible. [8] 

Shun Alcohol

The harmful effects of alcohol consumption on various body organs and systems are well established. Various studies have proved that alcohol affects sperm function in males negatively. Heavy drinking lowers fertility in males in several ways including by lower sperm production and changing the size, shape and movement of healthy sperms. But luckily, one can reverse these negative changes to sperm by avoiding alcohol consumption for at least 3 months. [9]

Refrain from Smoking

Smoking has negative effects on overall body health. Several studies have demonstrated that smoking is also injurious to men’s reproductive health. It has been proved that smoking significantly lowers sperm count, concentration, density and motility. 

Heavy smokers maintain these effects even after abstaining smoking for years. Smoking by men also reduces fertility of women and children due to the impact of second-hand smoking. [10]

Minimize Psychological Stress

Another important factor that has proved to be extremely harmful for sperm is psychological stress. A study of around 200 men of medium age (38 to 49 years) has showed that life stress is extremely harmful for concentration, appearance and quality of sperm. Workplace stress is less harmful but it can also trigger such negative impacts. [11]

Lose Extra Weight

It is well known that high BMI decreases sperm count and quality. A study, conducted on 43 obese men, examined the results of semen count and quality after reduction in weight. According to this study, reduction in BMI was directly related to increase in semen count and other factors related to male fertility. The group with most weight loss had highest increase in sperm count and motility. [12] 

Adequate and Timely Sleep

Taking adequate sleep at appropriate time is extremely important for better sperm count and health. A study on 981 healthy male adults confirms that men who sleep for 7 to 8 hours around 10 pm at night have highest count and survival rate of sperms. On the other hand, sleeping late at night for too short or long duration significantly decreases sperm count and motility. [13]

Antioxidants

According to several studies, 30% to 80% cases of infertility are due to oxidative stress. In this regard, several antioxidants play major role in improving sperm concentration, morphology and motility. We have already discussed the role of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and zinc for better functioning of sperms. Other antioxidants that are effective against infertility include: cartinine, CoQ10, folic acid, selenium etc.

Studies have proved that cartinine improves sperm motility and morphology while CoQ10 increases sperm count. Apart from that, combination of folic acid and zinc improves sperm concentration while selenium plays important role in motility and morphology of sperm. These studies have also proved that combination of two or more antioxidants are far more beneficial than consumption of a single substance. [14]   

Avoid Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are commonly used by bodybuilders despite their potential harms. A study compared users and non-users of anabolic steroids on sperm count and function. It proved that high doses of these drugs significantly reduce number and motility of sperms. But sperms were back to normal in these users after 4 months of abstinence of steroids. [15]