Normal sperm count to get pregnant The issue of fertility arises when a couple decides to have a family. Although most individuals are preoccupied with the fertility of women, male reproductive health is also a very significant aspect as far as conception is concerned. The commonest question in reproductive health that has been put across is the normal number of sperm required to conceive. Knowledge of sperm count, sperm quality and other factors of fertility can assist couples to better prepare to get pregnant.
Male fertility is subject to a number of factors such as the sperm count, sperm mobility, and the general health of his reproductive system. Having a healthy number of sperm raises chances of successful fertilization but it is not the only component of the fertility process.
This paper will discuss the meaning of sperm count, the normal level and how a male can become healthier to enhance conception.
What Is Sperm Count?
Sperm count is the number of sperm cells that is found in the semen of a man. The fluid that is produced during ejaculation that carries sperm in the male reproductive system is called semen.
Sperm refers to small reproductive cells that are microscopic and are capable of travelling through the female reproductive system to meet an egg. In order to be pregnant, a healthy sperm should penetrate the egg.
The sperm count is normally determined in a laboratory test procedure that is called semen analysis, assessing various attributes of male fertility.
Normal Sperm Count to Get Pregnancies.
Health experts assert that normal range of sperm count to conceive normally implies at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. This standard is developed based on the guidelines of the world health organizations which research on reproductive health.
Nevertheless, fertility is not based solely on the count of the sperm. Sperm movement (motility), sperm shape (morphology) and semen volume are also other factors which influence the likelihood of conception.
The average amount of sperm in a semen sample is 15 million to over 200 million sperms per ml. Men in or over this range are normally at a greater probability of having a natural conception.
Why Sperm Count Matters
The importance of sperm count is due to the fact that most of the sperm cells are lost in the course of passing through the female reproductive tract. Very few of the sperm are able to penetrate the egg.
An improved number of sperm means that there is a high chance of one of the healthy sperm successfully fertilizing the egg. That is why physicians tend to check the number of sperm when couples have some problems with the conception.
The oligospermia or low sperm count can decrease the possibility of natural conception.
Other Factors that influence the fertility of men.
Although a man may be of normal sperm count, other factors may have effects on fertility.
Sperm Motility
Motility is defined as the degree of movement of sperms. Male sperm should be able to swim to the egg.
Provided the count of sperm is normal, then fertilization can be challenging when the sperm movement is weak or slow.
Sperm Morphology
The shape and the structure of sperm cells is known as morphology. Sperm having unusual shapes might fail to penetrate the egg.
Semen Volume
Fertility is also determined by the volume of semen discharged during ejaculation. A sufficient secretion of semen assists in moving sperm along the female reproductive system.
Hormonal Balance
Testosterone hormones are also important in the production of sperms. The hormonal imbalances may interfere with the production of healthy sperm in the body.
Causes of Low Sperm Count
A number of causes can cause the low sperm count.
Lifestyle Factors
Some habits may impact adversely on sperms production and they include:
- Smoking
- Over intake of alcohol.
- Drug use
- Poor diet
- Lack of physical activity
Medical Conditions
There are medical conditions that may disrupt the production of sperm as a result of infection, hormonal imbalance or an abnormality of the reproductive system.
Environmental Exposure
Sperm count can also be decreased in the cases of exposure to toxins, chemicals, radiation or excessive heat.
As an example, high frequency of hot tubs, saunas or tight clothing can elevate the temperature around the testicles and since this can influence sperm production.
Stress
Stress can cause hormonal imbalance and limit the possibility of childbearing.
How Sperm Count Is Tested
Physicians tend to examine sperm count by a semen analysis. In this test semen sample is gathered and tested in a laboratory.
The analysis is an evaluation of some significant factors including:
- Total sperm count
- Sperm concentration
- Sperm motility
- Sperm morphology
- Semen volume
The outcome of these tests enables a physician to tell whether sperm count is normal or not.
Natural methods of improving sperm count.
Men with the desire to maximize their chances of fathering a child can take into consideration a number of actions that they can make to promote reproductive health.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet containing enough levels of vitamins and minerals can be used to promote sperm production. Antioxidants, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, etc, are particularly important to male fertility.
Foods that are supportive to reproductive health are:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Nuts and seeds
- Whole grains
- Lean proteins
- Exercise Regularly
Physical exercise is beneficial in balancing hormones and enhances health. Moderate exercise can help in the improvement of quality and count of sperm.
Reduce Stress
Stress management is relevant to control the hormones. Stress levels can be reduced with the help of such techniques as meditation, relaxation exercises, and proper sleep.
Avoid Harmful Substances
A decline in or complete abstinence of smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs will go a long way in enhancing the health of sperm.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Being obese may influence the hormones and decrease the production of sperm. Fertility can be enhanced by keeping the body weight healthy.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Medical assessment can be helpful to a couple that has been struggling to conceive without any success.
Doctors typically suggest the fertility testing in case:
- One of the couples has attempted to conceive after a year with no success.
- The man has a history of reproductive health problems.
- Symptoms The symptoms indicate either hormonal or reproductive issues.
Consultation with a doctor at an early age will be a way to detect possible problems and prescribe treatment.
Assisted Fertility Options
In case the number of sperm is low and thus natural conception is not possible because of other reproductive issues, medicine and assisted reproductive methods can assist.
Examples of treatments used to help patients conceive include:
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI).
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- A single cell sperm injection (ICSI)
Such techniques have the capacity of raising the pregnancy risks when the sperm count is below normal.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the normal count of sperms to conceive is a big move to couples intending to have a family. The normal healthy number of sperm is approximately 15 million sperm per milliliter although successful conception is determined by a number of factors such as the sperm motility, morphology and reproductive health.
Male fertility can be affected by lifestyle, diet, stress resources, and medical conditions. Men can enhance their reproductive health by adopting good health habits and consulting medical care when the need arises and this will maximize the likelihood of successful conception.
Through proper education and positive efforts, most couples can overcome their problems in fertility and get further towards the realization of their dream of having a family.
