Understanding what affects whether sperm is healthy or not is crucial to understanding sperm health. Sperm health is determined by the quantity of sperm, sperm quality, and sperm motility (ability to move). Men who have a low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or poor sperm motility may have trouble getting pregnant. In some circumstances, lifestyle habits affect male sperm quality, frequently the same ones that doctors advise patients to avoid due to long-term health hazards. Here we have included some lifestyle changes that can improve sperm quality.
Control Blood pressure & diabetics
Pre-diabetes and diabetes are on the rise among young people, so any negative impact on fertility is a major health concern. High blood sugar levels in diabetic men are known to reduce fertility. According to a recent study of men attending a fertility clinic, men with diabetes issues were suspected to have higher levels of sperm DNA damage, more likely to have azoospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate), had low testosterone levels, and had more disruption of other fertility hormones.
Similarly, there is a link between sperm quality and blood pressure. Healthy sperm must fertilise an egg during conception for a successful pregnancy. The male must generate sperm with sufficient concentration, quality, and motility for the sperm to be healthy. According to studies, men with hypertension are more likely to generate low-quality sperm.
Take a healthy diet
Your sperm quality is influenced by your diet, which is directly linked to your weight.
What can I do to improve?
Sperm health can be improved by eating a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It also helps with weight loss, which can help with sperm quality because obesity is linked to male factor fertility issues. Before making any significant adjustments to your existing food pattern, you should consult with a nutritionist to ensure that your progress is made safely and responsibly.
Learn how to diagnose and treat a short cervix during pregnancy.
Incorporate nuts into your diet.
Almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, and antioxidants including vitamin E, zinc, and selenium, all of which have been associated with better sperm.
These nutrients are known to protect sperm from free radical damage and to keep sperm structurally sound. Healthy sperm have oval heads and long tails that allow them to reach and fertilise an egg.
These sperm-friendly nutrients also help regulate hormones, which are necessary for the formation of strong, healthy sperm.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Men who are overweight or obese have poorer sperm quality on average than men who are of normal weight. Being underweight can also affect the quality of a man’s sperm and thus his fertility.
Obesity can lead to hormonal changes that impair fertility and make men less interested in sex. Men who are severely overweight are more likely to have difficulty obtaining and maintaining an erection. These characteristics, taken together, diminish the likelihood of fathering a child.
The quality and quantity of your sperm may be affected if you are overweight (BMI > 25). If you’re attempting to conceive and are overweight, you should strive to lose weight by combining healthy nutrition with frequent exercise.
Avoid smoking, alcohol, and drugs
- Smoking
The list of health problems that smoking can cause is extensive. Toxins in cigarettes have been shown to reduce sperm count, motility, and density. In recent studies, smoking has also been linked to poor sperm morphology.
- Drugs
Marijuana and cocaine usage can lead to a reduction in sperm count, motility, and morphology. It affects the hormonal axis, causing a decrease in plasma testosterone production. It could potentially have a direct negative impact on Leydig Cells.
- Alcohol
Excessive alcohol use disrupts the hormonal axis, resulting in liver dysfunction and nutritional deficits, both of which are detrimental to sperm development. It has the potential to significantly lower testosterone production.
Read more to know how to increase your chances of IVF success.
Intake of multivitamins and antioxidant supplements
- Multivitamins
Sufficient nourishment is important for the reproductive system, just as it is for every other organ in the human body. Men’s reproductive health can be maintained by eating a diet high in vitamins C, E, B9 (folic acid), and zinc. While Vitamin C is required for optimal sperm synthesis, growth, and preservation, Vitamin E protects against free radical damage.
Sufficient Vitamin E prevents the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and other oxygen-sensitive compounds, including vitamin A and ascorbic acid. Folic acid is required for sperm count and concentration to be normal. Zinc also helps the prostate, which produces a component of the seminal fluid, to function normally.
- Antioxidant supplements
Free radicals, which cause cell damage, are deactivated by antioxidants. Antioxidants can be present in a range of vitamins and minerals, and some research has linked antioxidant intake to increased sperm count.
According to a 2019 study, the following antioxidants may help maintain a healthy sperm count:
- beta-carotene
- beta-cryptoxanthin
- Lutein
- vitamin C
These are the healthy recommendations from the best doctors in Kerala on men’s lifestyle changes that can improve sperm quality. Adopting healthy lifestyle choices to support your fertility and avoiding items that can harm it can help you get pregnant. If you and your partner haven’t become pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse, you can always try male infertility treatment options like intrauterine insemination (IUI), which is a type of artificial insemination. When a woman is ovulating, an IUI technique involves injecting sperm straight into her uterus. The distance sperm must travel to reach the egg is greatly reduced, making fertilisation easier.
Why Choose KJK Hospital for Male Infertility Treatment
KJK is a cutting-edge fertility clinic in Kerala that offers couples high-quality fertility treatments and assists them in starting families through Assisted Reproductive Techniques. We are known for our IUI treatment in Kerala. The centre is led by a team of sympathetic and highly skilled fertility doctors, as well as obedient medical staff, who guarantee that each patient receives individualised therapy and care tailored to their specific needs. KJK provides a comprehensive range of infertility diagnoses, as well as a devoted staff, affordable pricing, hassle-free administration, top-notch fertility treatments, and a high success rate.
