Part of the problem is most certainly the way we work and live. Being stressed out and sedentary is no good for sperm and it's even worse if you smoke, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs. For example, a large review of studies from 26 regions across the world found that smoking decreased sperm by 13-17%.
Sperm production or function can be affected by overexposure to certain environmental elements, including: Industrial chemicals. Extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead might contribute to low sperm counts. Heavy metal exposure.
excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and using drugs such as marijuana or cocaine. certain medications, including testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), some antibiotics and some antidepressants. being overweight or obese.
Smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking certain medications can lower sperm numbers. Other causes of low sperm numbers include long-term sickness (such as kidney failure), childhood infections (such as mumps), and chromosome or hormone problems (such as low testosterone).
A trained expert checks your sperm count, their shape, movement, and other characteristics. In general, if you have a higher number of normal-shaped sperm, it means you have higher fertility. But there are plenty of exceptions to this. A lot of guys with low sperm counts or abnormal semen are still fertile.
Causes of male infertility
Abnormal sperm production or function due to undescended testicles, genetic defects, health problems such as diabetes, or infections such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, mumps or HIV. Enlarged veins in the testes (varicocele) also can affect the quality of sperm.
Sperm is being produced by the testicles constantly, and as it waits in storage, quality declines. There's no evidence that “semen retention” or avoiding ejaculation is beneficial for fertility.
Treatments for low sperm count include: Surgery. For example, a varicocele can often be surgically corrected or an obstructed vas deferens can be repaired. Prior vasectomies can be reversed.
Yellow semen may also indicate urine in the semen. This can be an issue that requires attention from a fertility specialist, as it may indicate infertility. Pink or reddish-brown semen suggests that you may have some bleeding from or inflammation of your prostate.
Some at-home tests also check how well sperm can move. For a home sperm test, you collect a semen sample by ejaculating into a small cup. A home sperm test may be appealing because you can do it in the privacy of your own home. Results are often ready within a few minutes.
Some research shows that caffeine is associated with a decrease in sperm quality, especially when consumed in excess; other studies demonstrate that moderate caffeine consumption might actually be good for sperm. Caffeine intake may negatively impact a couple's chances of conception.
Can an abnormally shaped sperm fertilize an egg? Yes, it can. However, having higher amounts of abnormally shaped sperm has been associated with infertility in some studies. Usually, higher numbers of abnormally shaped sperm are associated with other irregularities of the semen such as low sperm count or motility.
This study concluded that with longer abstinence time of 6 or 7 days, the total number of viable sperm increased.
Men start losing their fertility at age 40.
In a study of more than 1,900 couples, irrespective of the woman's age, IVF attempts involving men 40 or older failed 70 percent more often than IVF attempts involving men younger than 30. Previous theory: Older men produce fewer kids because they get less sex.
Sperm health is assessed by measuring 3 things: your sperm count, how your sperm move and their shape. If you and your partner are having trouble getting pregnant, your doctor may recommend a sperm test, known as semen analysis.
The concentration of sperm is what makes the semen cloudy and thick, so if your ejaculate is watery it is possible that you have a low sperm count. This doesn't mean you're infertile (so precautions to prevent pregnancy still need to be taken for couples that don't want to get pregnant).
Signs and symptoms you may notice include: Problems with sexual function — for example, difficulty with ejaculation or small volumes of fluid ejaculated, reduced sexual desire, or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area. Recurrent respiratory infections.
Some studies suggest that moderate ejaculation (2–4 times per week) is associated with a lower prostate cancer risk. However, ejaculating more often doesn't mean your cancer risk drops even more.
Diet, weight and exercise
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight is essential for keeping your sperm in good condition. The Eatwell Guide shows that to have a healthy diet you should: eat at least 5 portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables every day (see 5 A Day)
Most research supports the use of lifestyle changes, natural remedies, and dietary adjustments to help a male manage and improve a low sperm count. Such lifestyle changes include adopting a regular exercise regimen and sleep schedule, as well as avoiding tobacco, excess alcohol, and illicit drugs.
The good news is that, most of the time, those levels aren't permanent. “Normal sperm production takes 60 to 90 days,” says Ari Baratz, a fertility doctor at Create Fertility Centre in Toronto. That means the effects of poor lifestyle choices can be reversed in just two or three months.