Low sperm count, what an alarming condition to be in. well, maybe not everyone wants children, but I do and most men do. Yeah, it feels bad knowing that you can’t give your wife her dream babies sometimes, inability to do so can make you feel insecure. I want to enlighten you and help you out of this situation. Ready? Then keep reading
First of all, you should know what is responsible for sperm production and low sperm count. Most times, ignorance of these factors is the major cause. You need three things to produce sperm, your testicles (where sperm is produced), the hypothalamus (which produces the hormone responsible for sperm production) and your pituitary glands. Any malfunction from either of them could lead to low sperm count.
Now, what actually could cause low sperm count? There are many causes. I’ll brief you through the most common ones and list the rest.
Drug abuse and some medications
Smoking or usage of some drugs like cocaine, marijuana and even long usage of steroids (which can cause testes to shrink) can cause decrease in sperm count and quality of sperm. Also, medications like testosterone replacement therapy, chemotherapy, ulcer medications and some antifungal and antibiotic medication can deteriorate sperm production.
STDs (sexually transmitted diseases or infections)
Sexually transmitted diseases or infections can affect sperm count. Diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea and HIV. Infections such as epididymitis (inflammation of epididymis), and orchitis (inflammation of testicles) can also affect sperm count.
Heat
Now this factor is what most people don’t know or are just ignorant of. Allowing too much heat near your testicles can deteriorate sperm count. Things like over usage of hot tubs, long usage of laptops, tight clothing or even occupations that require long hours of sitting. All these can affect sperm count.
Varicocele and tumors
Varicocele, a common cause of male infertility, is an enlargement and convolution of veins that drain de-oxygenated blood from testes. This condition affects sperm count. Also, cancers and tumors that affect glands like pituitary gland which are related to reproduction can reduce sperm count.
Environmental factors
Over exposure to environmental hazards like industrial chemicals (benzenes, pesticides or herbicides), heavy metals e.g. lead, electromagnetic radiation or x-rays can lead to low sperm count.
Failure of testes to descend into the sac (scrotum) during fetal development can lead to low sperm count.
Chromosome defects
Chromosome disorders (which could be inherited) like Klinefelter’s syndrome (male born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome), Kalman’s syndrome and Keratogenesis syndrome can lower sperm production.
Surgery
Surgeries like vasectomy, testicular surgery, prostate surgery, inguinal hernia repairs and some large abdominal surgeries can affect sperm production.
Age
As you grow older, you become less sexually active. Usually, men above the age of 70 experience low sexual performance and low sperm count that comes with aging.
Other causes include; obesity, erectile dysfunction, antibodies (that mistakenly attack sperm), bicycle riding, physical and mental stress, retrograde ejaculation and celiac disease among others.
Now that you know what could cause low sperm count, check yourself and make necessary changes needed. Stop believing myths about low sperm count. Okay as promised, I’ll be giving natural remedies for low sperm count.
Natural remedies and ways to boost low sperm count
Exercise
A sufficient and moderate amount of exercise, at least 30 minutes a day can boost your sperm count up to 70%. Except cycling that increases the temperature and pressure near your scrotum.
Maca roots
Add Maca root of the black variety to your diet. It helps boost sperm production. 2 teaspoons twice a day or taking it with a glass of water or smoothie for a month is very good.
Ashwagandha
Its wonderful root extract is an all-round sperm booster. Increasing sperm count, volume and motility. ½ teaspoon of ashwagandha with a glass of milk twice a day for a month should yield positive effects.
Garlic
A very common spice that is essential in increasing sperm production. Two vital substances, allicin and selenium contained in garlic aids sperm endurance and motility. Make sure to include it in your diet.
Tribulus
Also known as gokshura, an ayurvedic remedy used to boost sperm count and quality. Popular for being used to treat low sperm count.
Zinc
An essential nutrient that increases sperm count and boost sperm formation. Studies have shown it to boost sperm count up to 74%
Reduce alcohol intake
Alcohol triggers stress, which in turn lowers sperm count. So, a reduction in alcohol intake will increase sperm count.
Avoid masturbation
The more you ejaculate without giving sperm time to rebuild can lead to low sperm count. Chronic masturbators suffer from low sperm count.
Bananas
A good sperm count boosting fruit. Some people say, the shape of a fruit determines the organ it helps…. just saying.
Avoid overheating your testes
Well, you have seen the consequences of doing the opposite as mentioned earlier. So try to avoid long usage of laptops, cycling and prolonged sitting.
Don’t smoke!!!
Smokers have low percentage of oxygen in their blood and oxygen is very important to the flow of blood. It also causes stress which is bad for sperm count.
Other food substances you should try are; dark chocolate, green tea, eggs, spinach, pumpkin seeds, panax ginseng, pomegranates and damiana.
With all these, low sperm will be history. Try these for two months and go for a test. You’ll thank me later.
Written By Kalu Faith
Dark Tales of Understanding 