Can You improve Sperm Health? Part 2
We know that men’s sperm health is important in babymaking.
However, it can feel overwhelming embarking on a fertility journey and a reality check when the man’s semen results come back as less than average.
Rest assured that it is not just you, this is a phenomenon affecting men worldwide.
Read part 1 of this blog to learn why.
What is important to remember is that there are a number of factors that can impact sperm health and many of these ARE within your control.
Some possible causes of low sperm results
(that are out of your control)
Hormonal imbalances: Including the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. Low testosterone and other hormonal problems have a number of possible underlying causes.
Damaged testes: Trauma to testicles (such as sporting injuries; prior surgeries) or undescended testes
Varicocele: Enlargement of the veins within the scrotum can lead to reduced sperm quantity and quality. (You can’t always see these!)
Orchitis: Inflammation of one or both testicles generally due to infection
STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) such as Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Genital Herpes, HIV, Hepatitis, Mycoplasma Genitalium.
Ejaculation problems: The inability to ejaculate semen efficiently make it harder for sperm to reach the egg. Problems can be caused by a range of factors, including prostate and thyroid issues, recreational drug use, alcohol, medication, age, and conditions such as Diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and Multiple Sclerosis.
Some possible causes of low sperm results
(that you do have control over!)
Alcohol consumption Can have a negative effect on sperm count and function especially in high volumes.
Smoking: Research shows that smoking tobacco, marijuana or vaping has a harmful effect on sperm.
Coffee: More than 2 cups a day has been shown to damage sperm DNA. If you tend to run on the hot side, your Acupuncturist will advise you to avoid coffee altogether.
Weight: A high BMI is associated with low testosterone which can negatively affect sperm count and/or quality.
Sex: Frequent sex improves the quality of the sperm, whilst a few days of abstinence increases the quantity of the sperm. If your partner knows when she ovulates then daily sex is suggested during this window.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): have been shown to affect the endocrine system and negatively affect semen parameters and reproductive health in men. EDCs are of man-made origin and found in everyday products such as canned food, water bottles, plastics, cosmetics, fertilizers, kid’s toys and many other goods.
Stress: It’s endemic in our society and tends to increase during a fertility journey. Research shows that high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline can decrease sexual function and interfere with the hormones needed to produce sperm.
Diet: Too much sugar, artificial flavourings, additives and colourings can negatively impact sperm quality as it ruins the gut lining and nutrient absorption decreases.
Heat: Sperm formation improves in cooler temperatures and that is why the testicles are carried outside of the body.
Exercise: Moderate physical activity can increase our levels of powerful antioxidant enzymes which help protect the sperm. Just dont do cycling!
Mobile phones and laptops: Some studies show that electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in mobile phones lowers sperm count and progressive motility). It is best to keep the phone away from testicles e.g., trouser pocket and laptop away from your lap. More on phones here
Need some help?
Rome wasn’t built in a day! Making lots of changes can be tricky. Knowing what your body needs SPECIFICALLY to improve the sperm results (and have you feeling great!) can be tricky.
This is where we come in. Not only do we customise your treatment plan according to your semen analysis, blood test results & Chinese Med diagnosis, but we also give you loads of encouragement & hacks to make those new changes stick.
And did we mention Acupuncture works wonders?
Acupuncture helps reduce stress. This helps the body make fertility hormones like Testosterone and improves pelvic blood flow (no Acupoints near the groin area!) By helping improve sleep and digestion, your body has enough resources to do extra things like make great sperm!