A sperm count refers to the average number of sperm present in one semen sample. It’s one of several aspects of male fertility that is assessed when trying to conceive. Having an inadequate sperm count or low-quality sperm are often the most common causes of conception difficulties. Luckily, there are home remedies for low sperm counts that can help.

The World Health Organization state that a normal sperm count is around twenty million sperm per ml of semen. Anything lower than fifteen sperm per ml is considered a low sperm count.

There are many factors that contribute to a low sperm count such as hormonal imbalances, an infection of the prostate gland, damaged sperm ducts, drug or alcohol abuse, and certain medications.

Home Remedies for Low Sperm Count

1. Exercise

A number of studies have suggested that obesity may be linked to a low sperm count. Therefore, getting plenty of regular exercises and losing a little weight if you are obese could really make a difference. Performing a sixteen-week program of fifty minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week will help to raise your sperm count.

2. Sleep

Getting plenty of sleep can give your body time to heal and function properly. This can help with sperm production. It also helps to reduce stress levels and improve overall health.

 

3. Reduce Stress

Any stress can have a negative impact on your body, but there are ways you can manage your stress to prevent these negative impacts. Try going out for a relaxing walk, removing triggers or trying some simple breathing exercises. The link between stress and low sperm count is hardly surprising when you consider that your body is likely to be less concerned with reproduction during stressful or distressing times.

4. Stop Smoking

Studies have consistently shown a link with low sperm counts and smoking of tobacco. Quit smoking as soon as possible to increase both your sperm count and the health of your sperm.

 

5. Avoid Excessive Alcohol and Drug Use

Abuse of drugs and alcohol are common causes of low sperm counts. They can also affect the quality of your sperm, further reducing your chances of conception.

 

6. Fenugreek

Fenugreek has been used for generations as a home remedy for low sperm counts. You can eat the seeds or use them to make an infused tea and drink it to improve your sperm count.

7. Vitamin D

Vitamin D can have a huge impact on your sperm count and quality. You can increase your dietary intake of vitamin D by eating more dairy or you could take a vitamin D supplement.  

8. Calcium

Calcium serums have also been linked to an improved sperm count. Again, dairy is a great source of calcium so including more in your diet can be a great way to increase your sperm count. Like vitamin D, you could also try taking calcium supplements.  

 

9. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, sometimes called Indian ginseng, has been used in traditional medicines and home remedies for low sperm count for centuries. Studies have backed up its use, showing that men who took 675mg of ashwagandha each day had a higher sperm count than those who didn’t. In fact, their sperm count increase by 167%.

 

10. Increase Healthy Fat Intake

Healthy fats like omega-3 are incredibly important to the production of sperm and a healthy sperm count. This is largely because of the impact it has on sperm development and because of its antioxidant effects. You can get more omega-3 by eating more avocados and oily fish.  

11. Reduce Unhealthy Fats

Unlike omega-3, unhealthy, saturated fats can actually prevent the healthy fats from doing their job and so negatively impact your sperm count. One way to avoid unhealthy fats is to avoid junk food.

 

12. Avoid Food with Estrogen

Soy products have a high quantity of phytoestrogens (which is plant estrogen). These compounds have been shown to reduce the rate at which testosterone bonds and sperm production. Some soy products to avoid include soybeans, soy milk, and tofu.

 

13. Folate

Consuming higher levels of folate is another great way to naturally increase your sperm count. It can be found in leafy greens such as spinach and kale, so including more of these in your diet can make a positive home remedy for low sperm counts.

 

14. Zinc

When combined with an increased intake of folate, zinc is also hugely effective in raising your sperm count. Seafood, including fish, are one of the best sources of zinc. If you are a vegetarian, try eating whole grains and dairy products instead.

 

15. Vitamin C

Damage by free radicals causes oxidative stress which can damage the cells within your body. Vitamin C helps to protect your cells from oxidative damage and thus encourages a healthy production of sperm. This has been proven in many studies including one which showed that infertile men who took 1,000mg of vitamin C supplements twice every day for a period of two months saw their sperm count increase by 100%. You can take vitamin C supplements to help increase your levels of the vitamin. Fruits are usually high in vitamin C.

16. Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris is also known as puncturevine. It’s an herb well known for its medicinal qualities and has often been used as a home remedy for low sperm counts. Research has suggested that while the herb doesn’t increase your testosterone levels it does help to enhance your libido which can, in turn, promote the effects of the testosterone you’re already producing. You can use the herb to infuse your herbal tea and drink once a day to improve your sperm count.  

 

17. Maca Root

Maca root originates from central Peru and has been used for centuries as a home remedy for low sperm count and to improve your libido. Studies have also shown that it is effective at increasing sperm counts with men taking 1.75 grams of maca root powder every day increasing their sperm count over a three-month period. Like many herbal remedies, it can be used to infuse tea as an easy way to increase your intake.

 

18. Garlic

Garlic is a natural aphrodisiac and can help to increase sperm production. The high content of allicin in garlic helps to boost sperm endurance and blood circulation which helps to improve the mobility of your sperm as well as your sperm count. Just adding an extra clove or two to your meals could really help to boost your sperm count.

 

19. Avoid the Heat

Overheating your testicles can have a negative impact on your sperm count as typically sperm thrives in cooler temperatures. To help keep your testes at an optimum temperature wear loose fitting boxers to allow air to circulate properly.

20. Beta-carotene and Lycopene

Carrots, lettuce, and spinach are all rich sources of beta-carotene and lycopene which help to improve sperm count and mobility. Tomatoes are also a great source of lycopene. Simply including more of these foods into your daily diet could help to boost your sperm count.

 

21. Damiana

Damiana, a flowering shrub, is rich in many different oils and phytochemicals. It’s often renowned as a home remedy for low sperm counts and other issues with male fertility. It also helps to reduce stress as it has anxiolytic properties and as we already discussed, lowering your stress levels can help to boost your sperm count. Add just a quarter of a teaspoon to some boiling water and let it simmer for ten minutes. You can then strain and drink the liquid as a herbal tea. You could also add a little honey for added sweetness. Drinking this herbal tea three times a day when trying to conceive could help to boost your chances.

22. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is crucial to your general health and can help to manage a number of issues, including low sperm counts. This is because water is essential to male fertility thanks to its role in the metabolism of every cell in your body. You should aim to drink around four liters of liquid every day in order to stay properly hydrated and maintain a healthy sperm count.

The quality of your semen may also reduce if you’re dehydrated, so getting plenty of fluids into your body is crucial if you want your semen (the fluid containing sperm) to be of the best quality. Good quality semen is often the best way to improve your chances of conception. You should also avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeine as this can cause dehydration.

23. Bananas

Bananas are rich in a number of nutrients which help to increase your sperm count. They contain an enzyme called bromelain which helps to regulate your hormone levels and thus increase your sperm count. They’re also a rich source of vitamins A, B, and C which further improves your sperm count.

 

24. Pomegranate

Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants which help to protect your cells from oxidative damage. As a result, they help to keep your sperm cells healthy and make sure you produce more healthy sperm. They’re also great at improving blood circulation which can promote healthy sperm production.

 

25. Green Tea

Green tea is another very simple but effective home remedy for a low sperm count. This is because it contains a compound call theanine. Theanine helps to reduce sperm aberrations which help keep the sperm healthy too.

Which of these home remedies are you most interested in? Comment below!

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320010.php

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/boost-male-fertility-sperm-count

https://www.alive.com/family/6-ways-to-boost-male-fertility-naturally/

https://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-increase-sperm-count.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374591

https://www.modernmom.com/2cebbd18-051f-11e2-9d62-404062497d7e.html

https://www.homeremedyhacks.com/how-to-increase-sperm-count/

https://www.tinyqualityhomes.org/15-natural-home-remedies-to-increase-low-sperm-count/

https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/