Welcome to our exploration of male infertility and the ways to increase fertility in men and increase sperm count. If you’re facing challenges in conceiving, male infertility or subfertility can be a cause. Understanding the causes behind low sperm count in men and discovering effective solutions can pave the way toward parenthood. In this article, we will highlight the causes of male infertility and the potential treatments that will fulfil your dream of being a father.
What is Male Infertility?
Male infertility refers to the difficulty in achieving pregnancy due to male factors. By unraveling the underlying causes, we can develop effective strategies to Increase Fertility in Men and increase the chances of successful conception.
What Causes Male Infertility?
Several causes can lead to male infertility. Let’s explore the major ones before we figure out how to Increase Fertility in Men:
1. Azoospermia
Azoospermia refers to the absence of sperm in the ejaculate. This happens due to blockages in the tubes that prevent sperm from reaching the semen or it also could be due to some causes affecting the sperm production in the testicles. This condition happens due to genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, environmental factors or previous surgeries.
2. Oligospermia
Oligospermia is defined by a low sperm count, decreasing the likelihood of successful fertilization and pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances, testicular problems, genetic abnormalities, infections or lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol use or smoking can cause it.
3. Genetic Diseases
Certain genetic conditions can affect sperm production or function, leading to male infertility. Conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, Y-chromosome deletions or cystic fibrosis-related infertility can impact the quantity and quality of sperm.
4. Malformed Sperm
Abnormalities in sperm shape or structure can hinder their ability to fertilize an egg. These abnormalities can be genetic or caused by environmental factors, infections, or any toxicity in the body.
5. Medical Conditions
Various medical conditions can contribute to male infertility. Sperm production can be majorly affected by diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or certain autoimmune disorders. Overall male fertility can fall due to this.
6. Varicocele
Varicocele is the enlargement of veins within the scrotum. It can increase scrotal temperature, negatively affecting sperm production and quality. Varicoceles are a common cause of male infertility and can be detected through physical examination or imaging tests.
7. Hormonal Disorders
Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the delicate hormonal environment for sperm production. Male testosterone levels get affected by Hypogonadism, thyroid disorders, or pituitary gland abnormalities. This can lead to infertility.
It’s important to understand the causes of male infertility so that IVF doctors can choose the correct treatment to increase sperm count in men.
How to Increase Fertility in Men and How to Increase Sperm Count
To increase sperm count and enhancing fertility are key factors in increasing the chances of conception. Let’s explore effective strategies to achieve these goals:
1. Exercise Regularly
To stay healthy, it’s a good idea to aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise that gets your heart a good dose of fresh blood – like brisk walking or jogging. It improves testicular function and hormone production.
2. Get Enough Vitamin C to Increase Sperm Count
Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, supporting sperm quality and motility, ultimately boosting sperm count. You can get your daily dose of vitamin C by consuming foods like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers, or take vitamin C supplements under medical advice.
3. Get Enough Vitamin D to Increase Sperm Count
Research has proven that enough vitamin D levels lead to higher sperm count and improved semen quality. Suppose you work mostly indoors and get limited Sunlight (which helps generate Vitamin D in the body). You must eat vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified dairy products, and egg yolks. Can also take a vitamin D supplement if your doctor advises.
4. Get Enough Zinc
Zinc for sperm is crucial for its ample production and motility. Zinc-rich foods include oysters, beef, poultry, nuts, and seeds. A zinc supplement may be beneficial if you struggle to meet your daily zinc requirements through diet alone.
5. Consider Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, an adaptogenic herb, exhibits the potential to enhance sperm count, motility, and overall fertility by reducing oxidative stress. You can find Ashwagandha supplements in health stores or online, but consult a healthcare professional before use.
6. Limit the Consumption of Soy and Estrogen-rich Foods
These days, there is a food fad to have soy milk, etc., but people do not know that high levels of soy will cause hormonal imbalance, especially high estrogen levels. So please avoid following diet influencers, and consult proper medical practitioners for your diet charts. Also, avoid estrogen-rich foods such as flaxseeds and certain dairy products that cause male infertility.
7. Relax & Relieve Your Stress
Chronic stress negatively impacts fertility. Engaging in stress-relieving activities like meditation or pursuing hobbies can improve reproductive health.
Male Infertility Treatment Options
In certain cases, specific treatments can address the causes of male infertility. Let’s explore some viable options:
1. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
In this advanced technique to treat male Infertility, single sperm is injected directly into an egg under the microscope in favorable conditions; it is a part of in vitro fertilization (IVF). This helps in increasing the chances of successful conception.
2. Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
It is a technique in which sperms are washed and inserted directly into the uterine cavity with the help of a plastic catheter to help in fertilization in sperms when the count is low, or motility is low. Increases the chances of conception in the woman’s fallopian tubes are normal and the uterus is normal.
3. Sperm Retrieval
Techniques like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or percutaneous epidydimal sperm aspiration (PESA) retrieve sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis for use in assisted reproductive techniques, offering a viable solution among various Male Infertility Treatment Options when there is an obstruction.
4. Vasectomy Reversal
Vasectomy reversal surgery aids in restoring fertility in men who have previously had a vasectomy. The vas deferens are reconnected, allowing sperm to flow again during ejaculation. If a man changes his mind about having a vasectomy, this treatment allows him to have children again. It is among the top most preferred and done Male Infertility Treatment Options.
Conclusion
Understanding what causes male infertility and exploring effective solutions on ‘How to Increase Fertility in Men’ is crucial for couples facing challenges in conception. By adopting lifestyle modifications, incorporating essential nutrients, and considering appropriate treatments, individuals can increase their chances of successful conception. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for correct medical advice per your body history.
