Low Sperm Count -
Do numbers matter?
The significance of having a low sperm count should not be underestimated, in the role a man plays in the conception cycle. A mans reproductive system is not supposed to be as complex as that of the woman. Why then, if there are millions of sperm released during sex, would an extra few matter? The causes of male infertility may not be as complex or as many as experienced by females, but none the less, these conditions can have the same effect on fertility.
Virility
There is no connection, between infertility and virility. Confusion between the two can be instrumental in a male not seeking the medical assistance he may need. Infertility is the inability to conceive naturally, and virility is about the ability to have sexual relations. Two very different situations. An explanation around this can be found on infertility support.
Low sperm count and infertility
Many men with this situation father children, but it may take longer than normal. Sperm, is the males contribution to the conception of his child. These are formed in his testes (testicles). Sperm formation begins at puberty under the influence of testosterone from the testes and luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are produced by the pituitary gland and act on the testes similarly as to the ovaries.
Production continues throughout a mans fertile life. Sperm production speeds up at times of sexual activity, but if ejaculation is very frequent, sperm numbers decrease, which could also lower a mans fertility. However, do not abstain from intercourse for longer than 10 days, or the sperm count will also start to fall.
Does sperm activity matter?
The average amount of seminal fluid ejaculated is about three and a half milliliters (two thirds of a teaspoon). Normal range being from two to six milliliters. Each milliliter contains 60-150 million sperm, of which nearly a quarter are abnormal. Only about three quarters are motile (able to wriggle). Sperm morphology (shape and size) is as important as having the right count.
Winning the most important race!
Although sperm can move two to three millimeters per minute, their actual speed will vary with the acidity of their environment. The higher the acidity, the slower their movement. The vaginal secretions are slightly acidic; thus sperm ejaculated into the vagina probably move quite slowly until they reach that friendly alkaline environment of the uterine cavity.
After having withstood the battle of the acidic vaginal conditions, they then face a longer and much more dangerous journey before they reach the egg way down a fallopian tube. Of a total sperm count of about 300 million per ejaculation, only a few hundred will actually reach the egg. What a boy! A large quantity of the remainder may trickle out of the vagina, or be destroyed by that acid! Others may be swallowed up by cleansing cells within the uterus, or they could enter the wrong fallopian tube, or just miss the egg completely. So what does this all mean? A low sperm count would immediately place the sperm produced in jeopardy. To go through this incredible journey, there needs to be millions to survive, they need to be very strong mobile swimmers, and healthy to sustain the environment they are in.
Counting where it matters!
Clearly the male reproductive system, plays a significant role in sperm production. How do you know that you fall into the category of "low sperm count". Only a visit to your physician will be able to establish this condition. A semen sample will be taken for a semen analysis. This test will determine the all too important numbers information you need. Once you know your status, your male infertility treatment can begin.Step one has been completed, that all important visit to your doctor. Now you are able to move into action - treating and overcoming this condition. Here are some important points to consider:
Apply in your daily lifestyle
| FOR A HIGHER SPERM COUNT: | - Give up smoking and reduce the toxins in your system
| - Don't smoke marijuana - there is a direct link between sustained cannabis use and low sperm count.
| - Lose weight - it will redress your hormone balance
| - Cut down on drinking. Too much alcohol will drastically reduce sperm count
| - Cut down on coffee consumption
| | - Relax and minimise stress levels
| - Eat organic, pesticide-free foods
| - Avoid X-rays, solvents used in paint products
| - Use a mouse pad to cover your anatomy when using a notebook directly on your lap - for another resource on computer radiation.
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So in the baby making phase, wear boxers, skip the sauna and get a laptop pad (keep the laptop of your lap)! You may want to switch to a less "ball breaking" sport if you are a cyclist. Reported testicular injuries, due to cycling, may affect your fertility status. Protect your swimmers, as you would like some high quality sperm to rendezvous with that single healthy egg.
Environmental conditions will affect your numbers.
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