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SEMEN ANALYSIS (SPERM COUNT)
10 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR SPERM COUNT.
WHAT IS NORMAL SEMEN?
Semen is usually white or grey, but can occasionally appear yellowish. Pink or red semen suggests that blood is present. Although this is only rarely due to a serious health problem, men with semen that seems bloodstained should seek advice from their family doctor.
Semen clots almost immediately after ejaculation, forming a sticky, jelly-like liquid. It will liquefy again in 5 to 40 minutes. It is quite normal for semen to form jelly-like globules and this does not indicate any health or fertility problem. Failure of clotting and subsequent liquefaction can cause fertility problems.
The average volume of semen produced at ejaculation is 2 to 5ml. Volumes consistently less than 1.5ml (hypospermia) or more than 5.5ml (hyperspermia) are probably abnormal. Lower volumes may occur after very frequent ejaculation and higher volumes are seen after prolonged abstinence.
The World Health Organisation provides a definition of a 'normal' sperm count:
The concentration of spermatozoa should be at least 20 million per ml.
The total volume of semen should be at least 2ml.
The total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate should be at least 40 million.
At least 75 per cent of the spermatozoa should be alive (it is normal for up to 25 per cent to be dead).
At least 30 per cent of the spermatozoa should be of normal shape and form.
At least 25 per cent of the spermatozoa should be swimming with rapid forward movement.
At least 50 per cent of the spermatozoa should be swimming forward, even if only sluggishly.
It is quite surprising how many dead and abnormal sperm can be present in a 'normal' sample.
Measuring sperm count is a very technical business and results can be affected by many factors, including the length of time between ejaculation and semen sample analysis, and how the sample is kept when being transported to the lab.
There can be enormous variation in sperm count in an individual, even over a few days. It is important that at least two, preferably three or more, samples are analysed, each at least two to three weeks apart. A single sample is inadequate to assess semen quality.
Sperm count is only an indication of fertilising capacity and a normal count does not guarantee success. In addition, more is not necessarily better, as too high a sperm count can also result in fertility problems.
COULD ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS BE AFFECTING MALE FERTILITY TODAY?
Many more environmental factors that can affect male fertility exist today than 50 years ago. The factors include:
Endocrine disrupters
Toxic pollutants
Sexually transmitted infections
Zinc deficiency
Alcoholism
Smoking
Anabolic steriod usage
Ionizing radiation
Endocrine disrupters are chemicals present in the environment that, by virtue of their ability to adversely affect the endocrine (hormonal) system, cause health consequences. Several industrial pollutants can affect fertility, as can smoking and alcohol use. Some of these toxins can cause reproductive disorders, neurological disease, immune system disorders and cancer
HOW CAN I PRESERVE MY FERTILITY?
Adopt a healthy lifestyle, with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Don't smoke or use recreational drugs.
Don't drink alcohol, or keep alcohol consumption within recommended limits.
Try to avoid exposure to industrial and occupational hazards by following safety procedures and wearing protective clothing when provided. Your employer has a legal responsibility to provide information on occupational health risks and to ensure employees have a safe and healthy working environment.
Avoid exposure to sexually transmitted diseases by adopting safer sexual practices, such as using condoms and reducing your number of partners.
The causes of stress in modern life are legion and concerns over fertility or failure to conceive are very important causes of stress. If you are concerned that you have a fertility problem, it is sensible to seek advice from your family doctor.
The chance of conception in a healthy, young couple is about 20 per cent per month, so a delay of three to six months before conceiving is not unusual. It is reasonable to request an initial assessment after six months of regular unprotected intercourse without conception.
10 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR SPERM COUNT.
1. Have sex & masturbate less often - the more times you ejaculate, the less dense your semen will be. Maintain a gap of 3 days between two consecutive ejaculations.
2. Refrain from habits like smoking, alcohol consumption etc. - Alcohol affects your liver function, which, in turn, causes a dramatic rise in estrogen levels. Even two drinks a day will have long-term effects on sperm production
3. Exercise regularly.Exercising your PC muscle can help you shoot further than ever before.
4. Eat Nutritious Food - Diet that's low in fat, and high in protein, vegetables, and whole grains is good for your health and for your sperm. Avoid bitter, astringent and spicy foods.Reduce caffeine intake
5. Avoid heating of testicles - Wear loose, cotton boxer shorts, Avoid hot baths and saunas
6. Lose any excess weight, which tends to cause testosterone/oestrogen imbalances.
7. Reduce stress levels by learning relaxation techniques - Keep your mind and body healthy by regular practice of YOGA and MEDITATION.
8. Massage body with herbal oil, which improves blood circulation.
9. Try supplements - Certain natural supplements promise to increase sperm production. Checkout some Natural and Herbal, no side effects supplements at
10. Make love in the early morning or afternoon. Sperm levels are often highest in the mornings
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