Normal semen contains 40 million to 300 million sperm per milliliter. A low sperm count is considered to be between 10 and 20 million sperm per milliliter. 20 million sperm per milliliter may be suitable for pregnancy if the sperm are healthy.
To learn more about keeping your sperm healthy, read on!
1. Lose weight
Losing weight if you are overweight is one of the most effective things you can do to increase your sperm count. Studies have shown that weight loss can significantly increase semen volume, concentration and mobility, as well as overall sperm health. Changes in sperm count are more significant in men who have a higher body mass index, so if you have a lot of weight to lose, even losing a small amount of weight can help.
2. Exercise
Even if you don't need to lose weight, staying active and leading a healthy lifestyle can help boost your sperm count. One study found that weight lifting and outdoor exercise can help sperm health more than other types of exercise. Consider incorporating these types of activities into your routine. Exercise can also help you maintain or lose weight, which can have additional benefits for your sperm health.
3. Take vitamins
Some types of vitamins, including vitamins D, C, E, and CoQ10, are important for sperm health. One study showed that taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C every day can help men's sperm concentration and mobility. The overall sperm count will not improve, but the sperm may become more concentrated and able to move more efficiently.
4. Avoid substance abuse
Low sperm counts and unhealthy sperm have been associated with people with a history of:
heavy drinking, which is defined as drinking two or more alcoholic drinks a day
use of tobacco of any kind
illegal drug use, including cocaine and anabolic steroids
If you use any of these substances and are having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor. He can recommend programs to help manage and treat addiction.
5. Check your environment
Consider changing clothes and showering as soon as possible if you have been exposed to:
- metals
- solvents
- pesticides
- strippers
- degreasers
- non-aqueous glues or paints
- other endocrine disruptors
These toxins can affect sperm count. If you are exposed to any of these things because of a hobby, consider putting your hobby on hold. Jobs that expose you to excess heat or radiation, or even extreme sedentary work, can also affect your sperm count.
6. Wear cotton underwear
Keeping your sperm at the right temperature and allowing plenty of airflow into the scrotum can help cultivate the right environment for healthy sperm. If you're not comfortable wearing boxers, choose cotton underwear instead of synthetic. This will also help control airflow and temperature.