- Quantity (volume). A healthy sperm count is about 15 million or more for every milliliter (mL) of semen. The more you have, the more likely one of them will make it through the female reproductive system to an egg.
- Movement (motility). Not every sperm moves effectively or even at all, but this is normal. Only about 40 percent or more of them need to be movin’ and groovin’ for you to be fertile.
- Shape (morphology). Healthy sperm have rounded heads and long, strong tails. Shapely sperm are more likely to make it to an egg.
1. Eat well
You are what you eat — and so are your sperm. There are both- Vitamin B-12. This potent vitamin is found in meat, fish, and dairy. It has all sorts of
positive effects throughout your body. Among other things, vitamin B-12 protects your sperm from inflammation and oxidative stress caused by harmful free radicals in your body. - Vitamin C. Eating more oranges, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach can all contribute to a higher sperm count. In some cases, it can even double it after a couple months.
- Nuts. Nuts have long been associated with benefitting sexual health, and the evidence keeps piling on. A 2018 study of 119 men found that a diet high in almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts over a 14-week period increased sperm count by up to 16 percent.
- Lycopene. Lycopene gives foods like tomatoes and watermelons their rich red color. It can reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) in your body, too. ROS can damage DNA and hurt sperm. Taking 4 to 8 milligrams (mg) of lycopene a day was
found to improve sperm count and motility.
2. Exercise regularly, but don’t overdo it
Even light exercise can increase sperm quantity, movement, and shape. A 2005 study found that the combination of low activity and high body mass index (BMI) contributed directly to poor semen quality. Being overweight or obese can affect3. Boxers or briefs?
Let’s get right to the point: Your underwear is probably fine, no matter your preference. A 2016 study found pretty much no difference in underwear type and sperm count. But then, a titillating 2018 study found that men who wore boxers had 17 percent more sperm than men who wore briefs. But don’t go throwing out all your undies just yet. Researchers from the 2018 study warned that results aren’t entirely conclusive because they didn’t measure other factors that affect sperm count, such as type of pants or underwear material. And they also suggest that your body may compensate for the extra heat on your testicles from briefs by releasing more sperm-producing follicle-stimulating hormone. So really, it’s up to you. The evidence only points a little bit more toward boxers as conducive to higher sperm count.4. Think before you drink alcohol or caffeine
A- 40 ounces of beer
- 25 ounces of wine
- 7.5 ounces of spirits
5. Take a supplement
If you’re trying to boost your sperm quality, you can get several important vitamins and minerals through the foods you eat. You also could consider popping a daily supplement to make conceiving a little easier.Supplements for sperm health
- vitamin C for sperm count and motility
- vitamin D for a testosterone boost if you have a vitamin D deficiency
- zinc if you have low levels
Ashwagandha root extract for sperm count and motilitycoenzyme Q10 for semen quality
6. Avoid certain chemicals and products
Hormone-disrupting chemicals could be lurking in your workplace, in the air, and maybe even in your personal care products. They’re chemicals known as reproductive hazards. The Centers for Disease Control keeps a- lead: found in pipes, paint, soil, and dust, especially in or near old homes
- styrene and acetone: plastic found in plastic dishes, packaging, insulation, and common construction materials
- mercury vapor: found in industrial aerosols and metal dust
- dibromochloropropane: found in some pesticides and research facilities
- Read the ingredients before you buy any product, consumable or otherwise.
- Replace any products that contain these chemicals with natural products.
- Try to replace your plastic items with alternatives, such as glass, stainless steel, silicone, or even
biodegradable plastics .
Tim Jewell is a writer, editor, and linguist based in Chino Hills, CA. His work has appeared in publications by many leading health and media companies, including Healthline and The Walt Disney Company.