How to Increase Sperm Count

That being said, there are definitely some steps you can take to make sure you have a fighting chance at fatherhood. Whether an improvement in your sperm count and quality comes about via male fertility supplements, related vitamins, lifestyle choices, or other factors, the aim remains the same — bringing your own bundle of joy into the world. With all of this in mind, it becomes very important to understand fertility and where to get male fertility advice.

How Can You Test Your Sperm Count?

According to Dr. Aaron K. Styer of CCRM Fertility in Massachusetts, a semen analysis, the typical test for sperm, is comprised of three basic portions. “These include concentration (the total number sperm per volume [milliliter (ml)] of semen produced), motility (the number of sperm that swim in a sample) and morphology (the percentage of all sperm that have a normal shape [i.e. normal shaped head and tail]. Normal values include: concentration of 15 million/ml or greater, a total motility of 15-20 million per sample, and 4% or more normal morphology (performed with something called Strict criteria). “If any of the semen analysis parameters are less than the above values, then further evaluation is recommended by your healthcare provider,” says Styer.

There are also options for testing your sperm count at home. These include home testing kits which can provide some degree of accuracy.

SpermCheck Fertility Home Sperm Test Kit

The SpermCheck Fertility test kit seems to have been a resounding hit with Amazon buyers, having racked up a 4-star rating over a substantial number of customer reviews. The product is advertised as having been cleared by the FDA, as well as having the capability to determine – within minutes – if your sperm count is within a regular range. Claiming a 98 percent accuracy rate, it seems that the reviews are well-warranted.

YO Home Sperm Test for Apple iPhones

The YO sperm count test kit includes two test slides and a reader which attaches to various iPhone models. Involving test cups, slides, and pipettes, this process may make you feel like a lab assistant as you prepare a sample for reading via the included hardware. Including the ability to take video of the sperm captured on the slide, the YO sperm count test kit seems to have earned its largely-positive customer reviews. A version for Samsung flagship smartphones is also available from the same manufacturer, and this product is also advertised as FDA approved.

Trak Male Fertility Testing System

The Trak Male Fertility Testing System promises a lab-accurate result for a slightly increased price point, touting their proprietary CentriFluidic technology as part of the plan. Pointing out that their product is eligible for Health Savings Account or Flex Spending Account monies – and advertising a military discount – Trak seems to be targeting the high end of the sperm test kit market.

Nearly all of the on-site reviews had five-star ratings. If the numbers tell the tale, this kit is one to be considered for those men looking for a very accurate, very in-depth result.

As Dr. Todd Nippoldt of the Mayo Clinic indicates, however, men dissatisfied with the results – or mysteries – generated by home-based sperm test kits should consult a qualified infertility specialist. An infertility specialist may be able to give male fertility tips on a professional, educated level and will almost certainly offer up some ways to increase sperm count.

Laboratory technicians can assess the following qualities of your semen sample:

• Total sperm count
• Overall semen volume
• Sperm concentration or density
• Sperm vitality, aka how many are living
• Sperm movement, or motility
• Sperm shape, aka morphology

How to Improve Sperm Count

So, you have a low sperm count… now what? The good news is, there is certainly no shortage of ways to increase your sperm count and to improve your chances of conception. “There is no consensus or generally accepted recommendation for any interventions or changes in dietary intake that can improve sperm counts,” says Styer. “It is generally advised that men trying to conceive should avoid any tobacco use, excessive placement of a laptop near the testes, excessive bike riding and use of tightly fitting underwear.”

Other ways to improve sperm count:

• Get to the gym and start exercising: a sedentary lifestyle can be very detrimental to your sperm count. Obesity has been directly implicated as having direct consequences in terms of sperm health, as well as in terms of general health. Now might be the time to hit the treadmill, and to shed a few excess pounds.
• Sleep is not for the weak: Conventional wisdom demands that you get your eight hours of sleep every night on a regular basis. This is even more vital if you are attempting to conceive. If you’re not well-rested, you can’t expect your sperm to be vigorous and plentiful, either.
• Stress is the enemy: According to the Mayo Clinic, severe or prolonged stress can cause hormonal imbalances in your body. These hormonal shifts can be very damaging in terms of your reproductive health. Clear your mind, and consider therapy or even a long, brisk walk to bring your thoughts to heel.
• Calm down, party animal: Excessive drinking, smoking and consumption of recreational drugs are negative influences on your sperm count and quality – as well as regards your life as a whole. Abstaining from alcohol and attempting a smoking cessation program may be in the cards if you are truly wondering how to improve sperm count in a big way.