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Struggling getting pregnant? Discover effective strategies to improve low sperm count and increase your chances of getting pregnant in this guide!
by Dr. Kelly Walker
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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Are you struggling with getting pregnant? Infertility can be a difficult and emotional journey to navigate for any couple; 1 in 6 couples experience infertility and in over 50% of cases, a male factor is involved. If you and your partner are struggling with getting pregnant due to low sperm count, don’t lose hope!
Low sperm count is one of many possible contributing factors to infertility in men. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to increase your chances of getting pregnant if you are affected by a low sperm count. From lifestyle changes to medical interventions, we’ve gathered several of the most reliable tips to help improve your chances of conceiving. Keep them in mind as you navigate your path to pregnancy.
What Can Cause Low Sperm Count?
Male fertility is dependent upon multiple factors, which include a multitude of sperm parameters. These include:
- Sperm count or concentration (number of sperm in the ejaculate)
- Sperm morphology (shape and size of sperm cells)
- Sperm motility (movement)
- And many others
When one or multiple sperm parameters are abnormal when compared to expected ranges, it may contribute to infertility in men. It’s important to understand that the only way to assess for male factor contributing to infertility is to complete a semen analysis.
Many young, healthy, males with no history to indicate infertility will have an abnormal semen analysis. When there is an abnormal semen analysis, the best way to determine the exact cause of a male’s infertility status is to see a Reproductive Urologist (male fertility specialist). They’ll be able to narrow down possible causes and determine the most appropriate treatments.
Low sperm counts can be caused by a variety of factors, including the presence of infections, particularly sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can harm the reproductive system and diminish sperm production. Additionally, infections like infections of the testicles (orchitis), epididymis (epididymitis) or prostate (prostatitis) can impair sperm function and result in a low sperm count.
In rarer cases, genetic diseases and disorders can also contribute to a reduced sperm count. For instance, Klinefelter syndrome, a condition characterized by an extra X chromosome in males, can contribute to the development of small testicles and thus a low sperm count. Other genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis and chromosome deletions can also affect sperm production and a male’s fertility status.
Because the reproductive system is so closely regulated by hormones, imbalances in your hormones (e.g., low levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone, etc.) can contribute to low sperm counts. Hormonal disorders like hypogonadism may cause fewer sperm to be produced than usual. Furthermore, structural issues like varicocele (swollen veins in the scrotum) or a history of undescended testicles can also have an impact on sperm production.
In addition, you also need to consider your surroundings and your own personal behaviors. Many environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, pollutants, and heavy metals can also contribute to a low sperm count. Lifestyle choices such as excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, tobacco products, obesity, and stress can play a major role in sperm production.
5 Strategies for Men Experiencing Low Sperm Counts
As mentioned earlier, the most effective way assess low sperm counts in men is to get a semen analysis and complete a workup with a male fertility specialist. This evaluation offers the most effective way to identify all of the potential causes of infertility, and your fertility specialist will then be able to provide personalized recommendations to improve your fertility status. That tailored treatment will provide the most optimal support to improve your chances of conception.
There are various treatment options available for men facing this condition. These options range from non-invasive lifestyle changes and medications to more advanced ones like procedures and assisted reproductive technologies. Let’s explore the various options available to men with low sperm count, as well as the success rates and potential risks associated with each treatment method.
1. Adjust Your Lifestyle Habits and Behaviors
In many cases, sperm parameters can improve on their own and your infertility status can as well, all thanks to a handful of lifestyle adjustments. Small changes can make big impacts on your fertility status. Here are a few recommended changes to embrace:
- Curb your alcohol consumption
- Avoid tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars, chew, and vaping)
- Avoid marijuana (including smoking and edibles)
- Establish a healthy diet and exercise routine aiming for a normal BMI (body mass index)
- Embrace healthy de-stressing practices to relax (e.g., meditation, journaling, etc.)
After practicing these healthier habits for 3 months, you can see improvements in your fertility status.
2. Pay Attention to Your Environment and the Details
It’s important to foster the ideal environment for quality sperm to be produced. As such, it’s a good idea to keep these tips in mind for your sperm production.
- Avoid toxins and environmental hazards – Whenever working with hazardous materials, make sure you wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like facemasks, goggles, and rubber gloves.
- Keep your area down there cool – Avoid hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms. Excessive heat exposure has been shown to negatively affect sperm production.
- Don’t use some lubricants during sexual intercourse – Some evidence suggests that lubricants may negatively affect sperm quality and other fertility parameters. If a lubricant is needed, consider using a fertility-friendly lubricant like Pre-Seed or mineral oil.
3. Optimize Your Diet
They say, “You are what you eat,” and that’s true for your fertility status, too. Your diet plays a significant role in your fertility status and should be one of the first things to rethink if one of your sperm parameters is abnormal, like your sperm count.
It’s best to maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and proteins, like fish and nuts. Some studies have suggested that males avoid certain types of foods, as they may contribute to male factor infertility. These include:
- Soy products
- High-fat dairy products like whole milk
- Processed meats like salami or hot dogs
- Foods with a high number of trans fats
When your diet is well optimized, you’ll not only feel better, but you can boost your overall health and your reproductive health too.
4. Talk to Your Healthcare Provider About Your Medications
While it does not occur in every case, certain prescription medications have been shown to contribute to fertility issues. These include calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-androgens, opioids, and other medications. Your healthcare provider may be able to switch your prescriptions to give your fertility a boost without sacrificing your mental or physical health.
It’s also worth noting that certain drugs like testosterone, or anabolic steroids can negatively affect your fertility status too. If you’re struggling with getting pregnant with your partner, it’s a good idea to avoid those types of drugs, too.
5. Seek Treatment with a Male Fertility Clinic
The field of fertility healthcare has come a long way in recent decades, as our collective knowledge of reproductive health has expanded drastically. This has allowed the development of many innovative treatment options for male factor infertility. Depending on your diagnosis and other factors, your reproductive urologist/male fertility specialist may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Hormonal treatments – There are all kinds of unique therapies and treatments that will help rebalance your hormonal levels for optimal fertility.
- Antibiotic treatments – As noted earlier, infections in the reproductive system can have a significant impact on male fertility by reducing sperm production and quality. Physicians may prescribe specific antibiotics to help address these conditions and clear up your system.
- Surgical treatments – For certain conditions like varicocele, your male fertility specialist may be able to perform surgery to correct the condition and improve your fertility status.
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) – Procedures like in vitro fertilization are highly successful, achieving healthy pregnancies in around 40-45% of cases. Your male fertility specialists can advise on this option, optimize your sperm for the best success, and if needed, perform a sperm retrieval to achieve conception with ART techniques.
Make the Right Choice for Your Fertility
Low sperm counts can be a frustrating challenge for couples trying to conceive. But with these five tips, you can take clear steps to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Remember, don’t let the news of a low sperm count prevent you from doing something about it! It’s important to stay positive and keep communication open with your partner and healthcare provider. The path to getting pregnant isn’t always clear for everyone and even if you’re frustrated with your journey thus far, there are plenty of options available to help.
With patience, perseverance, and the right strategy, you can achieve your dream of starting a family. So, keep our insights in mind, and don’t give up!
Author’s Bio: Dr. Kelly Walker is a Reproductive Urologist who specializes in treating male patients experiencing infertility. He is the Medical Director of Posterity Health, a digital male fertility platform that helps couples achieve their conception goals through a variety of personalized treatments and services.