When it comes to the topic of infertility, society often defaults to the assumption that if a couple is struggling to conceive, it must be the woman’s fault. However, the reality is far from this biased perspective. In fact, men play a crucial role in fertility, and understanding their contribution is essential for couples trying to conceive. One of the primary factors in assessing male fertility is semen analysis. This test examines the fluid released during ejaculation and provides valuable insights into various aspects of male reproductive health. During semen analysis, the pathologist examines the semen under a microscope to evaluate key factors, including total sperm count, morphology (shape), motility (swimming speed), and signs of infection.
Let’s dive deeper into what semen analysis reveals
1. Volume: Semen analysis helps determine the amount of semen a man produces during ejaculation. Adequate volume is necessary for sperm to travel through the female reproductive system and reach the egg.
2. Sperm Count: The total number of sperm in the semen is an essential parameter. Ideally, a healthy semen sample contains between 15 and 300 million sperm per milliliter.
3. Concentration: Concentration refers to the number of sperm in each milliliter of semen. This metric helps gauge the density of sperm and their potential for fertilization.
4. Motility: The percentage of sperm that are actively moving is crucial for successful fertilization. At least 40% of sperm should exhibit motility, enabling them to navigate through the female reproductive tract.
5. Morphology: The shape and size of sperm also plays a significant role. Ideally, at least 4% of sperm should have long tails and oval heads, indicating healthy morphology.
Additionally, semen analysis can reveal signs of infection within the reproductive system, helping identify any underlying health issues that may impact fertility. Understanding what constitutes healthy sperm is equally important. Only the healthiest, strongest, and fastest sperm have the potential to fertilize an egg.
How to boost male fertility
Now that we have established the significance of healthy sperm, let’s explore some non-invasive, science-proven strategies to boost male fertility.
1. Diet: Maintaining a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats can positively influence sperm health.
2. Supplements: Several supplements have been studied for their potential to enhance male fertility. Consult with a healthcare professional to identify the most suitable options.
3. Red light therapy: Exposure to specific wavelengths of red light has been shown to improve semen parameters, offering a promising non-invasive approach.
4. Avoiding electromagnetic fields (EMF): In today’s era of extensive Wi-Fi and 5G coverage, limiting exposure to EMF radiation is crucial for maintaining optimal sperm health.
Why does healthy sperm matter beyond fertility?
Sperm quality serves as a vital sign, providing valuable clues about a man’s overall health status. Abnormal semen parameters can indicate potential health issues such as pre-diabetes, hypertension, atherosclerosis, or other cardiometabolic diseases. Factors that can contribute to both fertility challenges and cardiometabolic diseases are:
- Chronic inflammation
- Oxidative stress
- Hormonal imbalances
- Toxic exposures
- Lifestyle
Therefore, addressing any underlying issues identified through semen analysis is essential for overall health and well-being. Men with abnormal semen parameters are more likely to develop early cardiometabolic diseases like diabetes and ischemic heart disease.
How to improve male fertility by reducing EFM exposure?
Wi-Fi is becoming a core part of modern society and our use of these technologies is increasing daily. Living without cell phones or the internet would be hard to imagine for most of us due to how we work, connect, and learn using technology. However, we forget that cell phones and wireless technology can carry health risks due to wireless/electromagnetic radiation (EMF).
Here are some EMF protection tips for male fertility:
- Don’t carry your smartphone in your trouser pocket.
- Don’t follow SAR ratings.
- Put your phone in airplane mode whenever possible.
- Use speakerphone or wired headphones and not Bluetooth.
- Steer clear of the hip area.
- Wear anti-radiation underwear/special EMF blocking cloth.
- Don’t work with your laptop on your lap.
- Create Wi-Fi free zones.
- Invest in an EMF meter.
- Reduce EMF radiation around you by using a mobile or stationary EMF neutralizing device called vivobase. It generates a sferic field protecting the entire home, shielding, and preventing EMF’s from entering the body.
10 Foods that increase sperm count and motility
Eating a balanced diet is a good place to start, but some foods are particularly helpful.
1. Beef (organic, grass-fed): Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin B12, and Carnitine for sperm count and motility.
2. Liver: Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Folate
3. Salmon (organic, wild-caught) & Sardines: Omega-3
4. Oysters: Zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and Selenium
5. Brazil nuts, Tuna: Selenium
6. Pork: Selenium
7. Tomatoes: Lycopene, Vitamin C
8. Walnuts: Omega-3, Folate, B6, Zinc, Antioxidants
9. Garlic: A surprising food to increase sperm count
10. Amla Berry (Indian Gooseberries)
An insight from mamahood
It’s important to remain optimistic and patient throughout the process. Infertility can be emotionally challenging but remember that you are not alone. Understanding the significance of healthy sperm and its impact on fertility is vital for couples trying to conceive. By recognizing the role of men in infertility, we can dispel the misconceptions surrounding this topic and approach it with empathy and understanding. For more support, please feel free to explore fertility packages in the lab test section on Mamahood app.
