Approximately 1 in 5 men in the UK suffer from low sperm count. This means that nearly 20% of men need help conceiving. Couples turn to fertility clinics to diagnose and treat a myriad of fertility issues, including those in men. Some of the most common are low sperm count, low mobility, blockages, and sperm morphology.
The good news is that you can do things at home to improve sperm count naturally and increase your chances of conception. Keep reading to learn more and recognise signs that it’s time to find a specialist.
What is Considered a Low Sperm Count?
The average healthy male should have between 40 million and 300 million sperm per millilitre of semen. Low sperm count, or oligospermia, is diagnosed when a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen.
When numbers dip this low, it can affect fertility, making natural conception difficult. While this isn’t always the case, low sperm count can be a cause for concern and may require medical intervention. A fertility clinic can evaluate your condition and offer guidance on treating the issue.
How to Improve Sperm Count Naturally
But before you find a local fertility clinic and start testing, you can take steps to improve sperm count naturally at home. Things like altering your diet, lifestyle changes, and avoiding certain environmental factors can all help.
Keep reading to discover more ways to promote a healthy sperm count.
1. Make Time for Exercise and Adequate Sleep
Exercise and sleep go hand-in-hand. Studies show that people who exercise experience better sleep quality, including falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. But exercise does more than just support a restful slumber. Research suggests that physical activity can lead to increased sperm count in some men and increased motility. Exercise also promotes a healthy BMI (body mass index), which older studies link to healthier sperm counts.
2. Avoid Nicotine and Alcohol
Improving sperm count naturally isn’t just about what you do, but also about what you choose not to do. Frequent alcohol and nicotine use can have a direct negative impact on sperm health, including count, volume, concentration, and motility. Certain studies also suggest that the use of recreational drugs, including cannabis, can cause low sperm production. While research is ongoing, it’s best to avoid these unhealthy habits to support healthy sperm and conception.
3. Check Your Medicine Cabinet
Certain prescription medications can interfere with sperm count, motility, and overall health. If you’re experiencing fertility issues or were recently diagnosed with low sperm count, take a look in your medicine cabinet.
The following prescription medications have been linked to low sperm count.
- Certain antibiotics
- Anti-inflammatories
- Antipsychotics
- Antidepressants
- Anabolic steroids
- Opiates
- Methadone
- Testosterone supplements
In most cases, sperm counts and levels returned to normal when these medications were discontinued. Consult with a medical professional before stopping any medications, and for more information on how your prescriptions may be affecting your sperm count.
4. Overhaul Your Diet
The foods you consume can significantly impact sperm count and health. Men facing fertility issues can improve sperm count naturally by including more antioxidant foods and healthy fats in their daily diet. Antioxidants destroy free radicals in the body, while healthy fats support sperm membrane development.
Here are just a few foods linked with healthier sperm counts in men.
- Berries
- Green leafy vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Sweet potatoes
- Red cabbage
- Spices
- Herbs
- Oily fish
- Eggs
Foods containing vitamin C, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and exposure to vitamin D can also help increase antioxidants and support healthy sperm counts, motility, and more. While adding certain foods to your diet can improve sperm health, you should eliminate others. Many soy products contain plant estrogen, known to interfere with testosterone binding and reduce sperm production. One study showed that men with higher concentrations of plant estrogen in their semen also exhibited lower quality sperm.
5. Beware of Environmental Contaminants
In addition to the foods you consume, you should also pay close attention to your environment and exposure to certain contaminants. For example, research shows that poor air quality and exposure to certain toxic materials could reduce both sperm count and sperm health. A 2019 study showed that men living in highly industrialised areas with higher-than-normal levels of air pollution showed lower sperm counts than those living in areas with fewer contaminants. 
6. Reduce Stress
Stress can impact a person’s overall health in various ways, including an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and mental health disorders. Daily symptoms include headaches, stomach issues, muscle tension, and fatigue. Stress can also impact sperm count and make it difficult to conceive.
Two separate studies indicated that stress may lead to erectile dysfunction in some men and reduce sperm quality in others. One cause may be a spike in cortisol levels. Over time, this stress hormone can negatively affect testosterone levels and sperm count. Incorporate stress-relieving activities into your daily routine, like walking, meditating, exercising, journaling, and socialising. By reducing stress and cortisol levels, you may improve sperm count naturally.
Knowing When It’s Time for Male Fertility Treatment in London
While there are plenty of ways to improve sperm count naturally, without intervention, some patients require male fertility treatment in London. Here are a few signs that lifestyle changes may not be enough to boost sperm health naturally.
Inability to Conceive
This is the first sign that you may need to visit a fertility clinic or andrology specialist. While inability to conceive can be linked back to either the male or female partner, testing both individuals is the quickest way to identify and treat the problem.
Testicular Pain
If you notice testicular swelling, lumps, or pain, it could affect your sperm count and production. Common conditions include varicoceles, testicular cancer, and other infections that require medical attention. Never ignore testicular pain or visual abnormalities.
Difficulty Having Intercourse
Men experiencing erectile dysfunction, low libido, or problems ejaculating, in addition to low sperm count, may need to see a medical professional for further analysis. These conditions combined could be a sign of a larger underlying problem. Most male fertility clinics in London offer andrology expertise, fertility testing, and other evaluations to help get to the root of the problem.
Natural Remedies Don’t Work
Lastly, if you’ve tried the abovementioned methods for increasing sperm count naturally, but with no results, you may need additional support. Finding a reliable fertility clinic nearby is the first step in addressing fertility issues and getting the help you need to improve your chances of conception.
Let us help you find a reputable clinic in your area.
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