Introduction:
Fertility is largely regarded as a female issue; however, male fertility remains an important consideration in conception. A growing number of infertility cases are emerging in the world, and men need to be aware of how their lifestyle and health, along with the environment, can have a negative influence on their fertility.
The plus side? Male fertility issues are generally reversible and can be improved with intervention and medical support. In this blog, we will investigate how to improve male fertility naturally and medicinally.
Understanding Male Fertility:
General Overview
Male fertility is defined as a man’s potential to create pregnancy in a fertile woman. Male fertility depends on the quality and quantity of sperm production.
Key Fertility Parameters:
Sperm Count: Sperm count is the number of sperm per semen sample. A well-developed sperm count is identified as 15 million sperm/mL or more.
Motility (movement): How sperm can swim effectively through the female reproductive tract to the egg (ovum).
Morphology (shape): The percentage of sperm with a normal shape.
Semen Volume: The total semen produced after one ejaculation.
Common Causes of Male Subfertility:
Lifestyle Considerations: Smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and stress.
Medical Conditions: Varicocele (an enlargement of a vein in the scrotum), infections (such as STDs), and chronic illnesses.
Hormonal Disorders: lower testosterone levels or hormonal imbalance.
Environmental Factors: Chemicals (pesticides, radiation, heavy metals, and industrial chemical exposure).
Must Read: Does Masturbation and Smoking Cause Premature Ejaculation?
Lifestyle Changes to Boost Male Fertility:
By undertaking some simple actions, you can enhance sperm health significantly.
- Keep a healthy weight.
- Eat fruits, vegetables, and nuts, as they are good sources of antioxidants.
- Exercise regularly, but do not overdo it or conduct high-heat exercise like saunas.
- Manage stress by practicing meditation, sleeping restfully, or discussing things with a counselor.
- Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Habits to Avoid That Can Harm Sperm Health:
Some activities and exposures that can be detrimental to fertility include:
- Using laptops on the lap (heat exposure)
- Wearing tight underwear
- Using anabolic steroids or testosterone supplements
- Using recreational drugs (marijuana, cocaine)
- Prolonged exposure to industrial toxins or chemicals
Supplements and Natural Boosters:
Multiple supplements can enhance sperm quality.
- Zinc: An important mineral. It is important for testosterone synthesis.
- Vitamin C and Vitamin E: Antioxidants that protect sperm from degradation.
- Coenzyme Q10: A nutrient that can enhance sperm motility.
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb associated with improved sperm count and quality.
- L-Carnitine: Provides support to produce ATP (energy for the sperm).
Medical Treatments for Male Infertility
If lifestyle changes and supplementation may not be enough, suitable medical interventions could be available:
- Hormonal therapy: For men with hormone-damaging,
- Surgery: For the repair of a varicocele or blockage,
- Antibiotics: For an infection,
- Assisted reproductive techniques (ART), IUI or IVF, which includes ICSI.
Role of Testing and Diagnosis
Appropriate diagnosis is the first step. Your doctor will likely recommend:
- Semen testing
- Hormonal blood tests
- Scrotal ultrasound
- Genetic testing
- Testicular biopsy (not often)
How Long Does It Take to Improve Sperm Health?
Sperm Swimming Cycle = 74 Days
There is a constant production of sperm, and a full cycle takes approximately 2.5 to 3 months. Thus, if you have changed your lifestyle or have been undergoing treatments, you may see results from either of these interventions after this period.
Timetable to Improvement:
Lifestyle changes: 2–3 months
Supplements: May see changes after 3 months.
Medical treatments: it depends on the circumstances.
Regular Assessments:
Repeat semen testing every 3-6 months to assess improvement.
Conclusion
Male fertility can be affected by many factors, and the good news is that there are many factors you can control. You can improve your odds of conceiving naturally by making healthier choices, eliminating damaging practices, and seeking medical attention when necessary. Don’t be afraid to see a fertility specialist if you have concerns, as better outcomes will come from a quicker diagnosis.
FAQ: How do I check my fertility as a man?
You can start with a semen analysis, which will assess semen volume, sperm count, movement, and sperm shape. Typically, it can be done at a fertility clinic or a pathology lab.
How long does it take to improve sperm quality?
Because it takes around 74 days for new sperm to mature, you would typically see a measurable improvement after 2-3 months of changing lifestyle or medical intervention.
Does age affect male fertility?
Yes, male fertility does decline gradually at advanced ages, with decreasing sperm quality and testosterone levels happening more so after age 40, although many men will remain fertile far longer.
