Every year, about 11 million couples try to conceive a child, and about 7 million of them have male fertility issues. In the US, about 1 in 8 couples experience this. The reason? Low sperm count. Almost 80% of men with fertility issues do not get tested. Some men are ashamed to test their sperm count or admit that they are the reason for infertility. Others will feel as if a low sperm count means low masculinity. Because of this theory, a lot of men will not seek results. Thanks to science, there are now at-home sperm count tests that men can perform. Testing can help a couple pinpoint their fertility issues, and allow them to take action should that be the cause. Infertility is not always treatable, but it can be improved with a healthier lifestyle.
The Test
Home sperm tests can be found at grocery stores and pharmacies. They are easy to use and provide fast results. It is done in the privacy of their home, so men do not have to share their results with anyone but their spouse. Here’s how it works:
- First, the man will ejaculate into a collection cup.
- Then the solution provided will be mixed with the semen.
- Next, four drops of the mixture are put into the testing device
- Lastly, within 10 minutes the results will show. During the 10 minutes, the test detects a protein only found in sperm.
How To Read The Results
A positive result (2 lines) means that the sperm count is normal. A negative result (1 line) indicates below normal. What this means is that if the sperm concentration is below 20 million sperm per milliliter, then it is considered low and needs to be brought up. If it is over 20 million sperm per milliliter, then the sperm count does not need improvement.
How To Increase Sperm Count Naturally
Switching to a healthier diet, and exercising regularly will improve a person’s overall quality of life and health. This goes the same for a man’s sperm count. Fortunately, there are ways to improve sperm count naturally and at home. Here are a few to consider:
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- Avoid smoking and any drugs that can affect sperm count.
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- Ice the testicles- studies show that colling the testes for 30-60 minutes a day for a few months improved sperm count up to 100%.
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- Avoid jacuzzis, hot baths, and steam rooms. The heat will reduce sperm count.
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- Take multivitamins every day- the same way women take prenatal pills while trying to conceive, men should be taking vitamins that help their sperm count Vitamins D and C are essential to sperm health. Take Fenugreek supplements because studies have shown that men who took them experienced increased testosterone levels.
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- Eat a healthy diet that is rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Add monounsaturated fats like olive oil when you cook. Choose sweet potatoes over regular potatoes, and salmon over tuna. Superfoods will provide the body with nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants that help boost testosterone levels.
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- Weight can play a big role in sperm count. Being overweight or underweight will impact sperm levels. The more weight you have, then the more estrogen your body has. Studies show that 20 minutes of exercise a day can
In order to increase sperm count, you must eat healthy, exercise, and avoid being overweight. increase sperm count.
- Weight can play a big role in sperm count. Being overweight or underweight will impact sperm levels. The more weight you have, then the more estrogen your body has. Studies show that 20 minutes of exercise a day can
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- Get 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Science shows that is the right amount for your health and sperm because your body recovers during sleep and produces testosterone.
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- Ejaculate regularly! Ejaculating every 2-3 days helps keep sperm healthy. Ejaculating less frequently can lead to a buildup of dead sperm cells. Just beware, if you ejaculate more frequently than every 2-3 days, then you can reduce sperm count.
If you want to eliminate the discomfort of talking with your doctor about your sperm count, there are tests you can take in the comfort of your own home. If the sperm count is low, then there are natural remedies to help increase sperm count. If it is normal, and you are still having issues having a baby, then a doctor visit may be necessary.
A normal sperm count does not guarantee male fertility. Other factors go into being infertile. A semen analysis will produce more answers. June is Men’s Health Month, and the more you know about your body, then the quicker (and more successful) you can conceive, and live healthier. There is nothing to be ashamed of. Infertility is an ongoing issue worldwide. “When coming to making kids: Size doesn’t count, it’s sperm count that counts.” ― Mokokoma Mokhonoana