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How to boost sperm count- Myths and Facts

In India, infertility is now becoming a common problem. Men contribute about 40%-45% to infertility cases in our country. One of the main issues when it comes to infertility in men is the low number and quality of sperm. Many herbal, ayurvedic, ancient medical practitioners follow natural ways to boost sperm count. Research has shown that some of these tips to increase sperm count work, while some are just misconceptions. In this blog by Dr. Manish Banker, Gujarat, let us look at the myths and facts on how to boost sperm count.

How to boost sperm count?

1. Adequate amount of exercise:
According to studies, weight loss and regular exercise helped increase sperm count and quality. The study included people who are overweight, who showed good improvement. Men who worked out for 50 minutes 3 times a week observed several health benefits including improved sperm health. Consider including easy exercises in your daily activities such as walking, swimming, or even playing a sport. For people who are overweight, losing even a small amount of weight helps boost sperm count.

2. Avoid unhealthy habits such as substance abuse:
An excellent way to increase fertility in men is to avoid substance abuse. Many studies have linked smoking to poor quality of sperm in men and a diminished ovarian reserve in women. Poor sperm health is found in people who consume more than two alcoholic drinks a day, use tobacco in any dose, use drugs like cocaine and anabolic steroids. However, addiction or dependency of any degree can be quite tricky to deal with. If you have this problem and wish to improve sperm health then visit a doctor to seek proper guidance and help

3. Maintain a nutritious diet:
Infertility is becoming increasingly common in India. Thankfully, there are numerous natural ways that can help in having overall health including fertility. Here are some foods that can help improve overall health including fertility:-

  • Spinach and leafy greens are a fantastic category and are rich in folic acid.
  • Vitamins A, B1, C are all essential nutrients found in bananas. Bananas contain a rare and crucial enzyme known as bromelain which decreases inflammation, therefore increasing sperm production.
  • Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fat are an excellent group of food to consume and maintain fertility health. Walnuts, for example, is a fantastic nut that is full of proteins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. An important nutrient called Arginine is present in walnuts which helps in the removal of toxins in the body.
  • Eggs are an excellent source of protein They provide the body with the required nutrients However, they must be consumed in a healthy way- such as boiled eggs or omelettes and not through cakes or pastries.
  • Seafood such as crabs and lobsters, whole grains, and beans are all rich in Zinc. Foods rich in zinc also help in improving overall health.

4. Regulate stress levels:
According to several studies, stress has a direct impact on both the quality and number of sperm your body produces. Research has shown that stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues can release steroid hormones. Hormones such as glucocorticoids decrease testosterone levels in the body, hence affecting sperm production. Here are some tips on how to boost sperm count by regulating stress levels:

  • Meditate- Take a few minutes of your day to regulate your stress levels by meditation and yoga. This helps in boosting up your immunity and hence improves overall health.
  • Adequate sleep- Adequate sleep allows the body enough time to relax and produce hormones. Men who sleep less than 6-7 hours a day have a 31% lesser chance of achieving pregnancy.
  • Additional interests- A tested and trusted way to keep a check on your mental health is to engage in activities that help you feel happy. For example, taking a day off from work, spending time with friends and family, watching a movie, etc all boost dopamine and serotonin levels in your body. Therefore, your stress levels are regulated.

5. Regular visits to the doctor:
Visiting the doctor for general check-ups at least once a year is a highly recommended practice. It is important to take one day off to check if your hormone levels are all regulated. Regular check-ups help doctors diagnose problems at a very early stage. Furthermore, a meticulous report of your health helps doctors customize treatment plans or prepare for fertility preservation accordingly. Book your appointment in just two minutes with fertility specialists such as Dr. Manish Banker, Gujarat.

Myths on how to boost sperm count:

 

  • Hot showers can impact fertility:

Many people believe that hot showers can affect sperm count. While regular showers in hot bathtubs and extreme heat do affect sperm count, lukewarm showers do not affect male infertility. They help alleviate stress, which has an indirect and positive effect on sexual performance. Cold showers, on the other hand, do boost testosterone levels. However, there is no reason to stop taking hot showers regularly as Sperm counts revert to normal levels once the temperature is normal.

  • Pineapples, cranberries, celery etc improve sperm health:

There are some myths that fruits like pineapple, cranberries, celery, etc have an impact on male fertility. There are many articles available on the internet that show consumption of these foods can improve sperm motility etc. These foods indeed have loads of nutrients that contribute to your overall health but there is no scientific evidence that shows that they have a direct impact on sperm health. Food or drugs that contain Aphrodisiacs can help stimulate sexual desire. Some people claim celery has aphrodisiac but there is very little data and research that has been linked to this claim.

  • You are more fertile in winter:

There is no study that proves that the fertility rate of you or your partner increases during winter. There can be an increase in sexual activity during the winter season but the fertility window remains the same, be it summer or any other season.

  • Innerwear can decrease sperm count:

It is partially true that your innerwear can impact fertility. Any uncomfortable, tight underwear for that matter does cause discomfort and can impact your testicles by increasing the local temperature. That being said, no proof wearing cotton, or white underwear can boost sperm count. Fertility specialists and doctors recommended wearing breathable, comfortable, and clean underwear.

  • IVF success doesn’t depend on sperm count:

Your sperm count has an impact on IVF as the health of your sperm determines if the sperm count is low or high. In case there is low sperm count, the sperm can be injected directly through a process called intracytoplasmic sperm injection. If you are planning on getting pregnant, improving sperm health can improve your chances of having a successful pregnancy.

  • Masturbation can cause low sperm counts:

A very common misconception is that masturbation decreases sperm quality and count. On the contrary, regular ejaculation through self-pleasure can help alleviate stress, reduce the risk of prostate cancer, promote testosterone levels, and avoid heart diseases. Studies have shown that men who ejaculate often have better sexual health.

In conclusion, a healthy diet and lifestyle are some easy and natural ways to maintain your fertility. Avoiding stress, and unhealthy habits such as smoking or drinking helps in avoiding further deterioration of normal semen parameter, Keeping a close tab on your health through regular check-ups can help in the early diagnosis of fertility issues. While these are common tips to increase fertility in men, the best advice can only be given by fertility experts such as Dr. Manish Banker. Before making drastic changes to your lifestyle and diet, do seek advice from doctors to understand side effects or risks, especially if you are above 35 years. For more such blogs on infertility options, counselling for infertility, visit our blog page.

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