Male fertility is at an all-time low.
Total sperm counts have dropped more than 50% in the last 50 years. The average 20-year-old male today has the testosterone levels of 70-year-old.
Furthermore, the quality of the sperm i.e., their shape and how well they swim, has also diminished.
These results have come from studies on men mostly from North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.
So why is this happening? There are many different reasons, but here are some major ones and ways to address them:
- Cell phones
By carrying a cell phone in your trouser pocket, the testicles are being constantly irradiated. The radiation from cell phones has been shown to reduce sperm count, affect their swimming ability, and affect the shape and quality of the sperm.
Try not to carry your cell phone in your pocket unless it is on airplane mode. Equally, avoid working with your computer on your lap (this applies to women too).
These days you can find EMF clothing including underwear to protect you from the radiation of devices.
On the topic of underwear, the testes are meant to hang lower as this reduces the temperature by approximately 2 degrees which is optimal for sperm production. So, avoid tight jeans and underwear.
- Vitamins E and C
Vitamin E is often shown to be low in men with low sperm counts. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps protect the sperm’s cell membrane from damage. Studies have shown that it improves how sperm swim.
Vitamin E can be found in eggs, nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and avocados.
Vitamin C works in synergy with Vitamin E so it is advised to add Vitamin C as well.
- Zinc and Selenium
Men with a low sperm count are often also low in zinc and selenium. Supplementing with both can improve sperm count within a few months.
- L-arginine – an amino acid especially useful for improving sperm count and quality (do not take if you have ever had genital herpes as it helps the virus replicate)
- Alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs all damage sperm. They don’t like being pickled or fumigated.
- Reducing cholesterol reduces testosterone. Cholesterol is the basic ingredient for all hormones for men and women.
- Stress increases cortisol levels. Increased cortisol decreases the production of testosterone. There are many simple ways to combat stress. Take a look at the article on Serotonin for some tips.
The above list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a significant step towards improving sperm health. Ideally, you want all of this in place and then give it another four months before trying to conceive. Speak to your physician around dosages of the above supplements and for further information.
Wishing you all health and happiness.
Dr Maria Amasanti
https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/23/6/646/4035689?login=false
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482179/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048346/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010824/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7701414/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25531191/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-l-arginine/art-20364681
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27546318/
https://www.womensvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Mens-products-fact-sheet.pdf