When it comes to male fertility, one of the first things you would think about is the spermatozoa concentration or sperm count. Having a normal sperm count is an important sign of a male’s capacity to conceive. In this article, we’ll discuss how sperm count is calculated, what influences it, and how to improve it.
What Does “Sperm Count” Mean?
Sperm count refers to the quantity of sperm cells found in a man’s ejaculate, or semen sample. To calculate this amount, we count the number of sperm in one milliliter of semen. This is sometimes referred to as sperm concentration. The sperm count is calculated by multiplying the sperm concentration by the volume of semen in the whole ejaculate.
When more sperm leave the body during sexual intercourse, there is a larger chance that an egg will be fertilized. As a result, sperm count plays a significant role in fertility.
What is the Normal Sperm Count?
You may wonder how much sperm is considered normal? A normal sperm volume ranges from 15 million to over 200 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen. Low sperm counts are defined as less than 15 million sperm per milliliter or 39 million sperm per ejaculate. Oligospermia is a condition that refers to a low sperm count. A high, or above-average, sperm count exceeds 200 million sperm per millimeter.
Sperm Count Test
When testing for male fertility, most doctors will begin with a semen analysis. A semen study can help you establish your sperm count. This is a basic test performed in a in your doctor’s office or at a fertility clinic, in which the male provides a sperm sample. The sample is examined under a microscope and to measure the:
- Sperm count
- Sperm concentration
- Semen volume
- Sperm morphology, or shape
- Sperm motility, or movement
One semen assessment is typically insufficient to obtain an accurate evaluation of fertility, as various factors might influence the results at any particular time. Sperm regenerates every 90 days within the male reproductive system, so outcomes may change over time. As a result, doctors may propose a series of tests over several weeks.
Also Read: Low Sperm Count: Causes & Symptoms
Semen Analysis Results Table
Factors | WHO Reference Range |
Total sperm count in ejaculate | 39–928 million |
Ejaculate volume | 1.5–7.6 ml |
Sperm concentration | 15–259 million per ml |
Progressive motility | 32-75% |
Total motility | 40-81% |
Sperm morphology | 4-48% |
Also Read: What is Sperm Preservation & Its Benefits?
What Factors Affect Sperm Count?
The following factors can disrupt the normal sperm count in males:
- Lifestyle: Smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking anabolic steroids can all lower sperm count. Obesity can also affect sperm counts and hormone levels.
- Stress: Stress can impair sexual function and disrupt the hormones required to make sperm.
- Environmental factors: Heat from laptops, cell phones, saunas, and hot tubs might reduce sperm count. Toxic chemicals, heavy metals, insecticides, and paint can all cause harm.
- Infections: Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can result in infertility. Urinary tract infections and viral disorders such as mumps can also have an effect on sperm count.
- Genetic conditions: Klinefelter syndrome and cystic fibrosis are two genetic disorders that can lead to decreased sperm count.
- Other illnesses: Excessive drinking can induce liver damage, which can impair fertility.
How Does Sperm Count Influence Fertility?
Sperm count can affect fertility since a low sperm count reduces your chances of getting your spouse pregnant. Problems with sperm quality might also reduce your chances of getting women pregnant. Many couples struggle to conceive because of male infertility, which is commonly caused by a low sperm count.
Lack of conception may also be caused by not attempting to conceive for an extended period of time. If you are over 35 and have been trying to conceive for six months, or if you and your partner have been trying to conceive for more than a year and are under 35, your doctor may recommend you to a fertility specialist.
Also Check: Importance of Semen Analyses
How to Improve Your Sperm Count
While many causes of low sperm count necessitate medical intervention, lifestyle changes can also contribute to bettering your sperm count. The following may boost your sperm count:
- Losing weight: Obesity or being overweight might lead to decreased sperm counts. Strive to have a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise.
- Take a vitamin supplement: Ask your doctor for a blood test to check for vitamin deficiencies. They may suggest incorporating new items into your diet or using pills to help restore vitamin and mineral levels.
- Avoid substance abuse: Addictions, such as excessive drinking and drug or tobacco use must be avoided to improve your sperm count.
- Wearing loose clothes: Wear loose cotton boxers as tight pants are not good for sperm production.
Treatments for Low Sperm Count
If lifestyle and environmental changes are insufficient to enhance sperm production and count, there are treatments available to better your sperm count in order to help you in becoming a father. Such solutions include:
- Surgery: If you have a varicocele or an obstructed vas deferens, surgical correction or repair may be necessary.
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial illness is impacting your sperm count or fertility, your doctor may recommend antibiotics.
- Medication or counseling: These can be used to treat sexual intercourse issues like premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.
- Hormone therapy and medications: Hormone therapies may be beneficial in circumstances where high or low hormone levels contribute to infertility.
Conclusion
There are numerous factors that may impact your sperm count, including choices regarding your lifestyle and underlying medical issues. If you have a low sperm count, your doctor may propose alternatives for increasing your sperm count, or they may refer you to an urologist or a fertility specialist, if required.
If you have a low sperm count and want to have a child, there are several fertility treatments accessible today, including a variety of treatments such as IUI, IVF, and IVF with ICSI. Talk to our specialists at Progenesis Fertility Center about your concerns and know your choices of treatments to achieve parenthood.
FAQs on Sperm Count
Which exercises increase sperm count?
Moderate activity, such as yoga, swimming, and light jogging, can boost sperm quality and count.
Which fruits increase sperm count?
Fruits such as citrus, berries, pomegranates, bananas, avocados, and watermelon can boost sperm count.
How to increase sperm count?
You can boost your sperm count by eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and tobacco use and limiting your alcohol consumption. Wearing loose underpants and avoiding exposure to chemicals is also necessary.