Posted by Dr. (Mrs.) Manisha Mehta on 07 February 2024
Have you ever wondered how babies come into the world? It all starts with two tiny things you can’t even see without a microscope: sperm and egg. The sperm belongs to the male whereas the egg belongs to the female. Since couples planning to become parents have a lot of concerns regarding sperm count, we are here with a beginner’s guide to build the right base.
On that note, Apex Hospital brings an extensive FAQs guide explaining everything about the minuscule entity that carries the genetic material from the male parent. Read on!
What is a Sperm?
Sperm is the reproductive cell that carries genetic material from the male parent. This tiny entity plays a pivotal role in the creation of life. Each sperm carries a unique set of instructions that, when combined with the egg, forms the blueprint for a new individual. Understanding the fundamental nature of sperm is the first step in appreciating its significance in the process of conception.
How many sperms does a healthy male produce?
A normal sperm count ranges from 15 million sperm to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen. Anything less than 15 million sperm per milliliter, or 39 million sperm per ejaculate, is considered low and can be the reason behind difficulty in conception.
How to Increase Sperm Count?
Many individuals trying to conceive often search for ways to increase sperm count. While various factors can affect sperm production, here are few considerations to increase sperm count:
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep contribute to overall health, positively impacting sperm production.
Avoid Excessive Heat: High temperatures can affect sperm production. Avoid prolonged exposure to hot tubs, saunas, or tight underwear that may increase testicular temperature.
Limit Alcohol and Tobacco: Excessive alcohol and tobacco use have been linked to reduced sperm count. Moderation or quitting may positively impact fertility.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress can affect reproductive hormones. Engaging in stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga may be beneficial.
What are the best foods to increase sperm count?
For those who don’t know, eating a well-balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods has been associated with promoting sperm health and increasing sperm count. Here are some foods that may help boost sperm count:
Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Antioxidants, found in fruits and vegetables, help combat oxidative stress, which can negatively impact sperm health. We highly recommend adding 2 bananas a day to your diet if you wish to boost sperm count.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Foods like fatty fish (salmon), walnuts, and flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, promoting sperm production.
Zinc-Rich Foods: Zinc is essential for sperm production. Include zinc-rich foods such as oysters and pumpkin seeds in the diet.
Vitamins C and E: These vitamins, found in citrus fruits, nuts, and seeds, have antioxidant properties that may benefit sperm quality.
A normal sperm count typically ranges from 15 million to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. However, fertility depends on various factors, including sperm motility (ability to move) and morphology (shape). While a higher sperm count increases the chances of fertilization, other factors like sperm quality and the woman's reproductive health also play crucial roles.
Sperm count decreases with age and this refers to the concentration of sperm in semen. Once a man crosses the age of 40, his body produces fewer sperms compared to the amount of sperm produced by a man in his 20s or 30s. Also, the quality and morphology is affected as a man ages.
If your sperm count is normal, you will ejaculate millions and millions of sperm cells. However, only one of them is required to fertilize an egg and start a pregnancy. Other sperms help loosen the tough covering called the zona of the egg so that one egg can penetrate.
Sperm cramps are not a term commonly used in reproductive health. If individuals experience discomfort or pain in the testicular area, it may be due to various reasons such as injury, infection, or inflammation. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if such discomfort persists.
Understanding the basics of sperm is vital for couples interested in reproductive health. To enhance fertility, adopting a healthy lifestyle, managing stress, and incorporating nutrient-rich foods into the diet are essential steps.
If you still have concerns about sperm quality and pregnancy, please call us on 82229-66666 to schedule a visit at one of our centers. Our medical experts will be happy to address them.
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Dr. (Mrs.) Manisha Mehta
Medical Director
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