The world’s human population growth amounts to around 83 million per year or 1.1 % annually. It means that the global population has increased from 1 billion in 1800 to 7.8 billion in 2020. The primary reason behind population growth is the imbalance between birth and death rates. According to World Health Organization (WHO), there is a sudden decrease in the infant mortality rate for the past two decades.
Even if the world’s population is increasing, the global fertility rate has declined by over 0.41 % in 2020 from 2019. There are many reasons why the fertility rate has rapidly decreased. Factors such as social structure, religious beliefs, economic success, and abortion rates are likely to affect the fertility rate. Developing countries are known countries to have a lower fertility rate because of lifestyle changes associated with economic affluence, including the accessibility of birth control and contraceptives.
Now we all know the contributing factors that affect the fertility rate. But did you know that a men’s sperm count is another factor why a woman can’t get impregnated?
Sperm count is the average number of sperm in one sample of semen. A seminogram or commonly known as semen analysis is a test used in evaluating the characteristics of a male’s semen and the number of sperm on it. Normal sperm counts range from 15 million to greater than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. On the other hand, sperm count is considered low if there is lower than 15 million per mL or lower than 39 million per ejaculate.
Medical conditions can significantly affect a man’s sperm count, such as tumors, infections, and hereditary genetic disorders.
But no need to worry because there are particular lifestyle choices and easy remedies that can help increase sperm count. In this article, you can get the recommended natural remedies, dietary changes, and medicine you can take to improve your sperm count.
Give up vices like smoking and excessive intake of alcohol.
Several studies confirmed that smoking and taking an excessive amount of alcohol affect a man’s sperm count. If you are a heavy smoker and drinker, you may want to lessen your intake or just quit at all. Some research provides that the use of drugs, such as cocaine and marijuana, reduces the production of sperm.
Get enough amount of sleep and exercise.
Losing weight and engaging yourself in daily exercise can also be an excellent way to increase your sperm count.
It is helpful for sperm count increase, but taking regular sleep and exercise can also make a healthier version of you.
Be aware of taking certain prescription medications.
Several prescriptions can potentially decrease a man’s sperm count. If you consider stopping taking these certain medications, you can see that your sperm would go back to normal or may slightly increase.
Medications like anti-androgens, anti-inflammatories, opiates, antidepressants, and some antibiotics can temporarily reduce sperm production.
Getting enough Vitamin D
Vitamin D’s primary function in our body is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Many researchers believe that blood levels of Vitamin D and calcium can affect sperm health.
Researchers advise caution when explaining these results and recommend seeking your doctor’s advice to take Vitamin D in food and supplements in the most proper way.
Include more antioxidant foods in your meal
An antioxidant is a substance that is responsible for protecting our cells against free radicals. Several vitamins and minerals that act as antioxidants help contribute to a healthy sperm count include vitamin C, lutein, beta carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin.
Restrain from exposure to environmental and occupational contaminants
As the population growth increases, pollution and congestion increase too. Researchers found out that factors such as air quality and exposure to harmful chemicals can also contribute to reduced sperm count.
Restraining yourself from getting these environmental toxins can also contribute to better wellbeing.
Getting enough folate and zinc
Zinc is a necessary mineral for sperm formation, while folate depends on zinc to help form sperm. There are previous studies that claim these two minerals serve as a treatment for male infertility.
Besides taking note of these recommended ways, you may want to include eating foods that can improve sperm count. These include high sperm-friendly nutrients like antioxidants, Vitamin C and D, and polyunsaturated fats. You can also include the following dietary patterns to improve the regulation of your sperm count:
- not eating enough polyunsaturated fatty acid
- having enough intake of energy
- eating high quantities of red and processed meat
- consuming limited amounts of fruits and vegetables
Another review provides that there is no specific food or amount of food that can increase sperm count. Considering a healthy diet alone is the most known way to improve fertility.
Eating healthy food and engaging in exercise are not just for men. Women should also take part to ensure that their bodies can healthily carry a baby. Preparing your body can help you deliver a healthy child too.
Remember that these recommended ways are just a helpful tip to consider in increasing a man’s sperm. Being healthy depends on how you take care of yourself and how you take your health seriously. Age doesn’t matter when it comes to being healthy. Even if you’re still young, you may want to think of the best ways to maintain or improve your health. Always check your choice of lifestyle, be aware of what is good and bad for you. Early choices may reflect in the future as well. As early as now, engage yourself in a healthier diet, drink a lot of water every day and immerse yourself in physical activities. You should also consider making a goal to follow not just for your health but also for your overall wellness.
We should also think that getting fit is not just about eating healthy foods and doing regular exercises. Thinking positively and focusing on gratitude can also be a great way. Now is the time to start, be healthy and be wise!
COMMENTS