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How to Increase Sperm Count Naturally

How to Increase Sperm Count Naturally

Dr. Ankur Pandey
Dr. Ankur Pandey

MBBS, DGO, DNB

8+ Years of experience

If you are concerned about a low sperm count, it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the road. A healthy sperm count plays a key role in male fertility, as it increases the likelihood of fertilising an egg. However, even if your sperm count is lower than average, there are natural ways to enhance sperm production and improve fertility.

In fact, about 15% of couples experience infertility, and male factors like sperm count contribute to nearly 50% of these cases. The good news is that with lifestyle changes and medical advice, many men see significant improvements in their sperm quality and chances of conception. In this article, we will discuss some evidence-based approaches to naturally increasing sperm count and thickness.

Understanding Sperm Count

Before we understand in detail how to increase sperm count, let’s understand what a normal sperm count is.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), a normal sperm count ranges from 15 to 200 million per millilitre. While higher sperm counts generally increase the chances of conception, it’s important to note that even with lower counts, pregnancy is still possible, although the likelihood may be reduced. A count below 15 milliliters is considered low and may be diagnosed as oligospermia.

The common signs of low sperm count are swelling or pain in the testicles, decreased facial or body hair, low semen volume, and difficulty in conceiving. In case you notice any of these signs, you can consult with a doctor to determine if you have a low sperm count.

Natural Ways to Increase Sperm Count

Here are some ways in which you can increase sperm count naturally:

Maintain a healthy diet:

A nutrient-rich diet helps promote sperm production. There are antioxidant-rich foods that are high in vitamins C and E, which are a must for people facing low sperm count. The sperm are protected by these antioxidants. There are zinc-rich food items like lean meats, pumpkin seeds, and legumes that are crucial for testosterone levels.

In addition to these, adding flaxseeds, oily salmon, and walnuts can improve sperm motility, as they are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. For guys who want to boost their sperm count, one of the most common recommendations from specialists is to cut down on processed meals, sugar, and trans fat.

Indulge in physical exercise:

Better sperm quality results from hormone balance and overall well-being, both of which are enhanced by physical activity. It will be helpful to engage in moderate physical exercise for about 30 minutes each day, such as walking, biking, or swimming. Conversely, overtraining, or excessive endurance training, lowers testosterone and raises stress hormones, which can have negative effects. The key is to be balanced and consistent.

Manage stress:

Stress can lead to sexual health issues and can affect fertility. When you are stressed, your body creates chemicals like cortisol, which blocks the synthesis of testosterone and sperm. In such situations, meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can help reduce stress.

It is recommended to opt for hobbies, socialise with friends, and spend time in nature to lower stress levels. These small lifestyle changes not only increase sperm count but also benefit mental and physical well-being.

Limit alcohol use:

Social drinking shouldn’t significantly affect fertility, but regular drinking and the ensuing alcohol misuse do reduce testosterone levels and sperm quality. Hormonal abnormalities linked to prolonged excessive alcohol usage also result in decreased sperm production. Reproductive health and general vitality can be enhanced by reducing or abstaining from alcohol. An easy lifestyle change that promotes fertility and overall health is to switch from alcoholic beverages to hydrating ones like water, herbal teas, or fresh juices.

Good sleeping habits:

When discussing reproductive health, the importance of both the quantity and quality of sleep can be underestimated. According to numerous studies, men who have trouble sleeping typically have lower testosterone levels and lower-quality sperm. Seeking and obtaining 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep supports healthy sperm production and hormone regulation. Even something as simple as creating a nightly ritual and a regular sleep pattern can make a big difference.

Avoid heat exposure:

It is said that temperature has a significant impact on sperm production. Regular usage of saunas, hot tubs, or even just putting a laptop on your lap can raise the temperature in your scrotal. This, in turn, lowers the number of sperm. Men should limit this type of heat exposure to boost fertility.

Stop smoking:

Smoking is linked with possible DNA damage in sperm cells, impaired motility, and decreased sperm concentration. There are toxins in tobacco that can impact the body’s hormonal environment and blood flow. Both are critical for sperm production.

Once you’ve stopped smoking, you can see an increase in healthy sperm within a timespan of 3 months. The cessation process can be made simpler and more successful by utilising the resources that are accessible from the beginning, such as nicotine replacement medications and healthcare professional services.

How to Increase Sperm Thickness?

To improve sperm thickness, focus on hydration and nutrition. A well-hydrated body produces better-quality semen. Additionally, consuming foods rich in zinc (like oysters) can help enhance semen thickness.

Understanding Male Infertility

Today, male infertility has become a common medical term. It happens when a man’s reproductive system has problems that impact sperm production, function, or delivery, making it difficult or impossible for him to conceive on his own.

The symptoms of male infertility are not usually obvious. After months of attempting to conceive, many men only learn they have a reproductive problem. Nonetheless, some hormonal or physical changes may indicate it’s time for a checkup. The most typical indicators of male infertility are shown here, along with what they might mean.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines infertility as the inability to conceive after 12 months or more of consistent, unprotected sexual activity. Male infertility must be confirmed by a professional evaluation and clinical testing, usually after the female partner’s fertility problems have been ruled out.

Causes of Infertility in Men

Before finding ways to improve the chances of fertility, let us understand what causes infertility in men.

Retrograde Ejaculation

In this condition, during orgasm, the semen enters the bladder instead of coming out through the tip of the penis. There can be several reasons behind the same that can be responsible for retrograde ejaculation, including bladder surgery, spinal injuries, diabetes, and prostate surgery.

Varicocele

It is the enlargement and swelling of the veins that drain the testes. Varicocele is one of the most common cause of infertility that can be reversed. Consulting a specialist can help treat this condition. The exact cause of varicocele is still unknown, but it still affects the quality and quantity of sperms.

Weight

Being overweight can affect fertility in several ways, including sperm directly affecting the hormonal changes in the body, which may lower fertility in men. Men who have a normal range as per their BMI might have a better chance of fertility than men who are overweight. It may lower their testosterone levels, reduce the quality and quantity of healthy sperm, and diminish their chances of fertility.

Cancer

Cancer is a highly fatal condition, and it can affect the male reproductive system and decrease their chances of becoming a parent naturally. Non-malignant cancer and tumours have been linked with the ability of male fertility. Cancer and tumour treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation can damage the glands that release hormones related to reproduction.

Smoking, alcohol, and drug use

The use of tobacco, cocaine, or marijuana may shrink the testicles and reduce the ability of men to produce healthy sperm. These toxic drugs can affect the quality and quantity of sperm for a short period of time.

Consumption of alcohol can affect fertility in men. It may lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction, and reduce the production of sperm. Excessive intake of alcohol may lead to liver damage, thereby affecting fertility in men.

How to Increase Sperm Volume Overnight?

It is not possible to increase sperm volume overnight, but you can help the process go faster with little changes. Here are some of the common tips:

  • Staying hydrated before ejaculation
  • Avoid alcohol or drugs
  • Avoid heavy meals that may cause sluggishness
  • Get adequate rest to ensure optimal body function

If you are wondering how to improve the quality of the sperms, then these tips can help:

  • Maintain a balanced diet with essential nutrients
  • Avoid overheating the testicles by wearing loose-fitting underwear
  • Limit exposure to environmental toxins

The Bottom Line

Improving sperm count and quality involves a holistic approach that includes dietary changes, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding harmful substances. By adopting these practices, you can support healthy sperm production and improve your overall fertility.

Remember, every journey to parenthood is unique. With the right knowledge and support, you can take proactive steps to enhance your fertility and increase your chances of conceiving.

FAQs

What foods produce sperm fast?

Food options like eggs, walnuts, almonds, spinach, pumpkin seeds, bananas, and fatty fish can help support healthy sperm production.

How to increase sperm volume overnight?

It is not possible to increase sperm volume overnight, but you can help the process go faster with little changes, like staying hydrated before ejaculation, avoid alcohol or drugs, and get adequate rest.

How to make sperm stronger for pregnancy?

Eat a healthy diet rich in zinc, protein, and antioxidants (nuts, eggs, fruits, leafy greens, fish), exercise regularly, sleep well, and stay hydrated. Avoid smoking, excess alcohol, stress, and heat exposure, sperm quality usually improves within 2–3 months.

How to make sperm thicker and stronger?

To support healthy sperm quality, eat a diet high in nutrients (nuts, seeds, eggs, leafy greens, fruits, fish), drink plenty of water, exercise frequently, and obtain seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Avoid stress, smoking, excessive alcohol, and overheating (such as in tight pants or hot tubs); improvements often take two to three months.

Does drinking water increase sperm count?

Drinking enough water helps maintain healthy semen volume and overall sperm function by preventing dehydration.

My sperm count is zero how to increase?

Treatment for azoospermia, or having no sperm, depends on the cause, which may be a blockage or insufficient sperm production. For the right testing, see a urologist or reproductive specialist. Many situations can still be addressed with advanced fertility options, medication, or surgery.

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