If you’re having problems in the bedroom or if you and your partner are trying to conceive a baby but having no luck, you’ve come to the right place. You’re not alone, since Infertility is more common than you think. And, the belief that infertility only occurs in women is a myth. But, for pregnancy to happen, only one sperm and one egg are usually required, so why does your sperm count matter? 

Well, it increases the odds of a successful pregnancy. Think about it. When you ejaculate into a woman, say your partner, the chances that one of your sperm will reach and implant itself into her egg naturally increases if more sperm are present in the semen. And, while infertility cannot always be treated there are many things that you can do to boost your and your partner’s chances of starting a family. Sperm count can usually be improved with a healthy balanced diet, supplements, and other lifestyle changes.

What is Male Infertility?

Male Infertility occurs when a man fails to impregnate his female partner. This usually depends on the quality of his sperm, and the quantity, that is, sperm count. Infertility usually depends on the quality and quantity of sperm count, but it is also linked to sexual function and performance. 

• Libido

Commonly known as sex drive, libido is a person’s natural desire to have sex. Some of us have a low sex drive and it is common. Some foods or supplements can increase your desire to have sex (aphrodisiacs).

• Erectile dysfunction

 Commonly known as impotence (in layman’s terms), erectile dysfunction occurs when a man is unable to get or sustain an erection.

• Testosterone levels

 Low levels of testosterone, the male sex hormone, is responsible for infertility in some men in most cases. Testosterone shots or Testosterone Replacement Therapy is available to cure low levels of testosterone.

• Sperm count

  This is probably the most important aspect of infertility. Semen quality is the count or the concentration of sperm cells in a given amount of semen. Normal semen is usually said to contain 40 million to 300 million sperm per millilitre. Now, a low sperm count is considered to be anything that falls in the range of 10 and 20 million sperm per millilitre. For a successful pregnancy, if the sperm is healthy, then twenty million sperm per millilitre is adequate.

• Sperm motility 

 Sperm motility is an essential function of healthy sperm cells, it means their ability to swim. Sperm motility can be measured with the percentage of moving sperm cells in a regular sample of semen.

What causes Male Infertility?

Infertility can have a lot of causes and explanations. However, the most common explanation is your genetic disposition. General health and fitness, underlying medical conditions, and diet can also contribute to male infertility. 

How to Increase Sperm Count Naturally?

If you’re wondering how to increase sperm count naturally, you’ve come to the right place. We have curated a list of 5 ways (science-backed) that can help you to increase sperm count and counter infertility in men. 

1. Exercise regularly and stay active

Besides being good for your overall wellbeing, exercising regularly can boost testosterone levels, increase sperm count, and thus, improve fertility. Studies in the past have proved that men who exercise regularly and have a workout routine have a higher testosterone level and better semen quality and quantity than men who do not. It has been seen that weightlifting and outdoor activity can aid sperm health and sperm count. If you’re overweight, losing weight can be the single most effective thing when you’re looking to increase sperm count naturally. Weight loss significantly increases your semen volume, sperm count, concentration, mobility, and the overall health of sperm.

2. Take Vitamins

Many types of vitamins, including the most common ones, that is vitamins D, C, E, and CoQ10 are very crucial and can boost sperm health and sperm count. Taking antioxidant supplements, like vitamin C, also improves male fertility. However, you should consult a doctor and get tests done before getting a vitamin plan. 

3. Avoid substance abuse

It is a no-brainer that substances like weed, alcohol, acid, and other drugs can have negative effects on your body. Well, they can also disrupt your sperm count and in turn, affecting fertility. Low sperm count has always been linked to substance abuse. Thus, you should consider quitting. If you’re having problems quitting substance, it’s good to see a therapist or enroll in a program that treats addiction.

4. Reduce stress

It is hard already to get in the mood for sex when you’re under stress. However, there might be more to it than not having the desire to have sex. Stress not only reduces your sexual satisfaction but also impairs your fertility and can lead to a low sperm count. It is believed that the hormone cortisol can explain these adverse effects of stress on the body and sperm count. Prolonged or extreme stress can raise your levels of cortisol, which can have strong negative effects on testosterone. 

When your body’s cortisol goes up, testosterone levels tend to go down. Thus, if you’re suffering from anxiety and stress you should consider getting an appointment with a therapist. You can also manage your stress by doing small things taking a walk in nature, playing with your dog meditating, exercising, taking a day off with your friends, or trying yoga, etc.

5. Eat Maca Root

Maca Root is an aphrodisiac and can increase your libido, sexual performances, sperm count, and fertility. Studies suggest that consuming maca root may improve sexual performance and give your libido a boost. If you suffer from erectile dysfunction, taking 2.4 grams of dried maca root for 12 weeks will considerably improve erectile function and overall sexual well-being and pleasure. Consuming about 1.75 grams of maca root powder every day for 3 to 4 months will increase sperm count naturally and sperm motility in men.

When should you see a doctor for Low Sperm Count?

If you and your partner haven’t been able to conceive after a year of unprotected sex, it’s best to see a doctor. And, if you have a known or medical condition that is linked to having a lower sperm count, you should consult a doctor as soon as you can before you begin trying to conceive. Some tests can confirm or disprove a low sperm count. A medical professional will be able to guide you.

Also Read: Natural Ways To Increase Your Sperm Volume