Male Fertility: Optimize Your Sperm Health

Posted on May 31, 2022 by root

When it comes to infertility, both parties play a role. Without healthy sperm, an egg will not be able to be fertilized and vice versa. Research shows that complications to sperm health are either the only cause of infertility or a contributing factor in nearly half of the issues couples face. This means that optimizing the health of your sperm by lowering certain risk factors that can lead to poor sperm health is essential for you and your partner’s reproductive health.

Low sperm counts and other issues may also indicate additional health complications, such as high blood pressure or endocrine disorders, which is another reason sperm tests are sometimes ordered when struggling with infertility.

Three Sperm Issues That Affect Fertility

Most people are aware that a low sperm count can affect a man’s fertility, but a lack of sperm isn’t the only reason a couple can’t get pregnant. These three factors of sperm health can all be present at once, or fertility may only be affected by one. In any case, they account for the vast majority of male fertility issues.

Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count is the most common cause of male infertility, however, a low sperm count does not always implicate infertility. Sperm is created regularly beginning at puberty during a 70-day cycle and then stored in the prostate until ejaculation. Semen is a combination of fluids and sperm cells, and a low sperm count would be any amount of sperm cells below 20 million per milliliter of semen.

Low Motility

Another common contributor to male infertility is not necessarily a lack of sperm, but a lack of movement. Low motility is caused by a problem with how sperm cells generate energy or how their tails (flagella) work to propel the cells around. Motility issues can make it more difficult or impossible for sperm cells to navigate the vaginal canal to make it to the egg.

Irregularly Shaped Sperm

In addition to functional issues, sperm cells may not always form in the normal way. Normal healthy sperm cells contain three major parts: the head, where DNA is stored, the midsection, and the tail. Improper formation of any of these parts of the cell can lead to fertility issues, including lacking one of the parts.

Ways to Optimize Sperm Health

If you want the best chance at fighting male fertility issues, there are a few lifestyle tips and wellness habits to enact.

Lower Testicle Temperature

Studies show that sperm cells can be damaged by high heat and not mature properly in the testes when exposed to warm temperatures for prolonged periods of time. If your lifestyle puts you in warm environments such as the spa or sauna, you may be at higher risk for developing male fertility issues. Limit this activity if you’re trying to conceive.

Protect Yourself

There are plenty of popular activities that can physically injure your vulnerable testicles, from every sport played with a ball to martial arts and cycling. When possible, wear the appropriate protective gear, such as a cup or specially designed equipment to prevent long periods of compression.

Eat Healthfully

The key to a healthy lifestyle is good nutrition. When it comes to male reproductive health, a diet rich in antioxidants is the most beneficial. Antioxidant-rich foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, but not soy products. Some studies link soy intake with DNA damage in sperm cells.

Male Fertility Treatments in Los Angeles

Take control of your sperm health by getting advice from the expert himself, Dr. Justin Houman, a Male Reproductive Medicine specialist. He can order tests and offer treatments for men looking to enhance their reproductive health and sexual function to help them get the life they are looking for. Call or contact us online today to schedule your first appointment.