Tips to Increase Sperm Count

What is a low sperm count?
Low sperm count (oligospermia) is one of the main reasons for male infertility. The World Health Organization defines low sperm count as the presence of fewer than 15 million sperms/ml of semen or fewer than 39 million sperms/ejaculate.  
As a thumb rule, it recommends getting yourself checked for infertility by a trusted doctor if there is no conception after one year of having regular unprotected sexual intercourse.

Let us look at lifestyle changes and dietary habits that could help to improve sperm count and quality, directly improving the chances of extending your family.

1. Weight loss
Shedding those few extra kilograms has been proven to increase semen volume, sperm count and motility. If you have always wanted to lose some weight, this finding gives you more reason to do so.

2. Quit Smoking
One of the wider trends in this generation, the prevalence of smoking has been rising off late. Cigarette smoking harms several semen parameters. Stubbing the butt could not just improve your lung capacity but also help in improving your sperm quantity.

3. Physical exercise
If weight loss is something that you cannot pursue, spending time to keep yourself physically fit by engaging in physical exercise at regular intervals is one way to improve sperm count.

4. Reduce stress
A study conducted in Europe shows that high-stress levels were related to lower semen volume, sperm count and sperm health. Men who admitted to having high levels of stress in their daily lives are most severely affected. Take a chill pill. Calm down and let life take its course.

5. Say no to alcohol and drugs
One of the most widespread titbits of information is that excessive drinking of alcohol lowers sperm count. This is not a myth and has been backed up by research studies, with results confirming that too much alcohol decreases sperm count.
Anabolic steroids and recreational drugs like marijuana, when used at extreme levels affect your reproductive health. If you are a drug user and are having problems with fertility, you should stop this habit at once to improve your chances of becoming a parent.

6. Get the right amount of sleep
Excess sleep or extreme lack of sleep may affect semen quality. According to one published study, an average night’s sleep of 7-7.5 hours would be the optimal amount.