A Danish study concluded that between 1938 and 1990 sperm concentration has fallen from 113 million per milliliter (ml) to 66 million per ml—a decrease of almost 50 percent in fifty years. Based on these statistics, male infertility is on the rise. Why is this? What can you do about it so you don't end up shooting blanks?
Avoiding known factors that damage sperm while increasing those that boost and protect sperm is the key to high numbers of good quality sperm long term. Male factors represent approximately 40% of the reason some couples have difficulty conceiving so it's time to do some homework men!
Natural treatments with diet and lifestyle changes, herbal medicines and nutritional supplements can make a dramatic improvement in sperm parameters. However, you need at least 3 months of targeted treatments for the beneficial effects to follow through as it takes 100 days to produce and mature sperm.
Sperm Busters:
- Plastics disrupt hormonal balance by exerting an oestrogenic
effect. Avoid using squishy plastic containers No. 5 or plastic cling wrap, especially for hot foods. Use a water bottle which says on it BPA-free (you can
buy from
- Mobile phones snuggled up close to your privates is not a good idea. Sperm are particularly vulnerable to radiation damage so try carrying it in your top pocket instead, place it on the corner of the desk rather than on your body when you can, and switch it off at night so you get at least 8 hours when your body is not being radiated by the mobile constantly picking up a signal.
- Phytoestrogen foods Excessive intake of foods that naturally contain plant oestrogens will not help your testosterone-driven sperm production! The main ones are beer and soy. Be aware soy is now an additive in many processed and packaged foods so eat natural whole foods - the basics: vegetables, protein, salads, fruit, grains.
- Medications such as anti-depressants, steroids such as Prednisolone and anabolic steroids actually decrease fertility so seek alternatives or avoid.
- Hot is not sexy Cotton boxer shorts are better than briefs, stop crossing your legs and avoid heated car seats. Squashing the testes for long periods can harm nerves and impede blood flow so long hours of cycling on narrow bike seats has been shown to reduce male fertility. If you love cycling, keep it short and fast instead and try mixing it up with some other sports.
- Toxins We are surrounded by chemicals in our environment nowadays from cleaning products, pest control, building materials, paints to heavy metals so try to avoid wherever possible by asking or doing some investigation yourself into alternatives, wear protective clothing, masks or ventilation, especially in the workplace.
- Stress Chronic stress exhausts your adrenal glands, reduces testosterone and causes inflammation in the body which damages sperm as well as all other body cells. Find an outlet for your stress whether it be exercise, meditation, nature, creativity but more importantly, change your thoughts and perspective on your life. Life is wonderful and you are great!
Sperm Boosters:
- Zinc is the number 1 male fertility mineral. It is essential for all aspects of fertility (both male and female) from testes and prostate development, sperm count, motility and morphology to DNA replication for genetic material. Highest food sources include beef, lamb, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds.
- Healthy Diet The healthier your diet, the better your fertility. Keep it simple with lots of fresh, unprocessed meals of vegetables, salads, protein, fruit, Omega 3 oils which provide all your nutrients and antioxidants. Start cutting out junk food, cigarettes, alcohol, caffeine and sugar.
- The Good Oils These are oils with anti-inflammatory properties that make up the cell membranes of sperm, keeping them supple and fluid for fertilisation to occur: oily fish such as salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel, avocado, extra virgin olive oil, flaxseed oil, nuts and seeds.
- Be Cool As mentioned above, keep it cool, wear breathable cotton and avoid daily saunas and hot spas.
- Pump Your Muscles When you build muscle, you boost your testosterone levels so include some weight training or resistance training, rather than all cardio exercise - mix it up for benefits all round.
- Think Sexy Your thoughts and emotions have an enormous impact on your testosterone levels. One study tested men before and after watching a football match, showing a rise in testosterone level after the game. You are the star of your own life - get out there and embrace it!
