How does healthy sperm help improve fertility?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vo Thien Ngon - Department of General Surgery - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital
The quality and quantity of healthy sperm can be greatly improved during conception, and a healthy diet plays a very important role in promoting sperm health.

1. What determines sperm health?

Sperm health depends on many different factors, including the number, motility and structure of the sperm:
Quantity: The possibility of conception will be quite certain if the semen is ejaculated Each ml contains at least 15 million sperm. Too few sperm in semen after ejaculation makes conception difficult, because less sperm will be able to reach and fertilize an egg. Mobility: To reach and fertilize an egg, sperm must move (swim and wriggle through a woman's cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes), and this is called sperm motility. . The possibility of conception will be quite certain if there are 40% or more motile sperm. Structure (morphology): Normal sperm morphology has an oval head and a long tail, which work together to move sperm. Although not as important as the other two factors (count and motility), the more morphologically normal sperm, the greater the chance of conception.

2. Causes of male fertility problems

There are many health problems that affect male fertility, including:
Problems with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland - the part of the brain responsible for sending signals to the testes to testosterone and sperm production (secondary hypogonadism) Testicular diseases Sperm transport disorders Age also plays a role. Mobility as well as the number of healthy sperm tend to decrease with age, thereby affecting the ability to conceive, especially men after the age of 50.

3. What are the best things to do for healthy sperm production?

There are quite a few good things that can be done to produce healthy sperm, such as:
Maintain a healthy weight: Some studies have shown an increase in body mass index (BMI) associated with reduced sperm quality and motility. A healthy diet: Choosing plenty of green vegetables, fruits, and antioxidants can help improve sperm health. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention: Sexually transmitted diseases, such as; Chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause infertility in men. To prevent this, limit the number of sex partners and use a condom every time you have sex, or preferably stay faithful to a single partner who doesn't have the disease. Avoid stress: Stress can reduce sexual performance and affect the hormones needed for sperm production. Stay active: Moderate physical activity can help increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which help protect sperm.

4. And what should be limited?

Sperm are especially vulnerable to environmental factors, such as exposure to excessive heat or toxic chemicals. To protect reproductive health need to:
4.1 Don't smoke Men who smoke tend to have low sperm counts. If you can't quit smoking, get help from your doctor.
4.2 Limit alcohol intake Heavy alcohol use results in a decrease in testosterone secretion, leading to impotence and a decrease in sperm production. If you drink alcohol or other alcoholic beverages, limit yourself to moderate amounts.
4.3 Avoid using lubricants during sex While more research is needed on the effects of lubricants on fertility, try to avoid using it during sex. If necessary, use baby oil, canola oil, egg white or a lubricant that does not affect fertility.
4.4 Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking. Calcium channel blockers, tricyclic antidepressants, antiandrogens, and other medications may affect fertility.
4.5 Beware of Toxins Exposure to pesticides, lead and other toxins can affect sperm count and quality. If you must work or come into contact with toxins, be very careful, for example, wear protective clothing and equipment, and avoid direct skin contact with chemicals.
4.6 Wear cool clothes Increasing scrotal temperature can harm sperm production. Although benefits have not been fully demonstrated, not wearing tight underwear, reducing sitting time, limiting saunas or hot baths, and limiting exposure of the scrotum to warm objects (such as laptops) can Can help increase sperm quality.
In addition, chemotherapy and radiation in cancer treatment can destroy sperm production and cause permanent infertility. Talk to your doctor about your fertility after treatment, and consider storing sperm before proceeding with treatment.

6. When should help be sought?

Practicing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, away from harmful behaviors and triggers, will increase your chances of having a baby. However, if after a year of regular sex without using any form of birth control you are still not pregnant, consider having a fertility test. The doctor will examine, prescribe tests, diagnose and give appropriate treatment.
Doctor Vo Thien Ngon has over 7 years of experience working as a urologist and surgeon at Hospitals: Hue Central Hospital, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Tam Tri Da Nang General Hospital .
Doctor Ngon with the ability to specialize in the field of examination and treatment of diseases of the Urology and Andrology system, Urology surgery, endoscopic urological surgery, Laparo urinary tract surgery, endoscopy Urinary. Currently, Dr. Vo Thien Ngon is a Urology - Orthopedic Surgery Doctor, Department of General Surgery, Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital

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