Natural Ways to Increase Sperm Count
If you’re a man hoping to start a family, it’s only natural that you would want to increase your sperm count. The higher quantity and quality of sperm that you produce each time you ejaculate should improve your chances of pregnancy.
Fortunately, there are several things you can do to increase or improve your sperm count that require little in the way of medical intervention and just slight changes to your day-to-day lifestyle. In this article, we’re going to take a look at 7 of those options.
Consult your doctor
It’s always worth speaking to your GP before engaging in any lifestyle change, even those as simple as the ones we will be laying out here. It’s not that there’s a risk to any of these activities, but a doctor’s appointment might rule out any illnesses, infections, or other medical conditions that might be having an effect on your sperm count.
Increase your intake of antioxidants
Studies have shown that men taking regular antioxidant supplements have fewer damaged sperms in their semen analysis and that couples where the male is taking such supplements have an improved chance of pregnancy. Common antioxidants include folic acid (found in beef liver, leafy green vegetables, legumes, fruits, and grains), lycopene (found in watermelon, apricots, and tomatoes), selenium (found in beef, turkey, cod, chicken, and especially Brazil nuts), Vitamin C (found in most fresh fruits and vegetables), Vitamin E (found in most nuts, seeds, and oils), and zinc (found in shellfish, poultry, red meat, and legumes).
Aim for a Healthy Weight
A good balance of the foods listed above won’t just provide you with essential antioxidants, it can help you maintain a healthy weight. Being either underweight or overweight can affect hormone production in men, which can result in lower sperm counts. To assess a healthy weight for your body type and lifestyle, you can use the NHS BMI calculator.
Have Frequent Sex
Naturally, if you’re trying to conceive, you and your partner will be having regular sex when she is ovulating. A study by the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found that it was also beneficial to have daily sex or ejaculate for the 7 days leading up to ovulation as this improved the sperm quality and improved motility, increasing the chances of conceiving both naturally and by IVF.
You will, of course, notice a reduction in semen volume, but in this case, quality wins out over quantity!
Be Mindful of Your Soy Intake
Soy is a common ingredient in protein supplements (including protein bars and powders) as well as several plant-based meat alternatives, including tofu. While research into soy’s impact on fertility is not conclusive, some older studies suggest that the phytoestrogens found in soy, when consumed in large quantities, can have a detrimental effect on reproduction in men and women.
Quit Smoking
There are plenty of health-related reasons for giving up smoking and the quality of your sperm is one of them. Studies have shown that smoking affects the amount of sperm produced, as well as their shape and motility. Smoking also has a negative impact on IVF success rates.
Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
While moderate drinking has shown no clear effect on the quality or quantity of sperm samples, when drunk to excess, it can result in lower sperm counts and reduced sperm motility.
If you have any concerns about your sperm count, book a sperm test with the Male Fertility Clinic today. You can produce your sample at our private clinics in London and Surrey or in the comfort of your own home and receive a fast and accurate analysis from our team of medical professionals.