The reproductive cells in males is called sperm. Semen analysis is a test that determines the sperm parameters. In this article we shall cover the abnormality in the sperms that affects the male fertility.
Oligospermia is the condition in which there is low concentration of sperms and is the leading cause of infertility. Normal sperm count is between 40 – 300 million sperm per milliliter. To test the sperm count a person gives his semen to a laboratory to evaluate the sperm count and other factors associated with sperms. Men with low sperm count or abnormal sperm may experience fertility problems.
Low sperm count has a negative impact on fertility. For a woman to become pregnant a single sperm is required to fertilize an egg. Sperm count between 20 million to 40 million sperm per ml is below average. If the sperm count is little low and other parameters of sperm are healthy it can be considered in the normal range.
According to WHO the properties of normal sperm count are –
- Spermatozoa should be at least 20 million per ml
- 30% of spermatozoa should be of normal shape
- Total volume of semen should be at least 2ml
- Total number of spermatozoa per ejaculation should be at least 40 million and 75% of it should be alive.
- 25% of the spermatozoa should swim with rapid forward movement or sperm motility should be 25% of the spermatozoa.
- At least 50% of the spermatozoa should swim forwards even if the movement is aluggish
Sperm Count From Ayurvedic Point Of View
In Charaka Samhita a complete chapter is dedicated to boosting the quality and quantity of sperms. According to Ayurveda the qualities of sperm are defined as –
“shukram shuklam guru snigdham madhuram bahalam bahu|
ghritamaakshikatailabham sadgarbhaya ||”
- Thick
- Slimy
- Heavy
- Sweet
- Thick
- Unctuousness
- No peculiar smell
Low sperm count is called shukranu alpata and is a common problem caused due to irregular food habit, mental stress, lifestyle disorder etc. Ayurveda offers many measures for increasing the sperm quantity and quality. Ayurvedic treatment for low sperm count focuses on improving the digestion as the toxins are responsible for blocking the channels carrying semen.
Symptoms Of Low Sperm Count In Men
- Subfertility or infertility
- Pain in testicles
- Erectile dysfunction
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Swelling in the scrotum
- Discharge from the penis
What Causes Lowering Of Sperm Count?
Sperm counts may decrease due to any of the following reasons-
- Sitting for long hours
- Zinc deficiency
- Malnutrition
- Infected semen
- Wearing tight underpants
- Bathing in hot water
- Use of steroids
- Infection in the prostate gland
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Certain medications
- Varicocele
- Structural defect on the testis result in low sperm production
- Frequent ejaculation
- Genetic problems
- Environmental toxins
How To Increase Sperm Count
Exercising regularly works on the pubo-coccygeal muscles and helps in increasing the sperm count.
Eat nutritious food. Include diet that is low in fat and high in protein. Foods such as vegetables and whole grains are healthy for sperms. Avoid bitter and spicy food and reduce your caffeine intake.
Maintain a gap of 3 days between two ejaculations and try to have sexual intercourse in early morning or after-noon as the sperm count is maximum in morning.
Maintain an ideal weight. Obesity results in hormonal imbalance resulting in imbalance of testosterone hormones.
Wear loose comfortable clothes and avoid hot bath so that testicles are not subjected to heat.
Keep yourself stress free by adopting relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation to keep your mind calm and a body healthy.
Ayurvedic Treatment To Increase Sperm Count
Ayurveda offers several ways to improve the sperm count and quality. Vajikarana drugs provide strength, stamina and energy. Apart from diet and exercise certain ayurvedic herbs mentioned below increase sperm count.
1)Shilajit – it has anti-aging property and is a time tested herb to improve sperm quality and quantity.
2)Safed Musli – is highly effective in enhancing sexual strength.
3)Ashwagandha – it improves blood circulation, sexual health and increases sperm production. It is rejuvenating in nature and also enhances sex drive.
4)Shatavari – it has been in use for ages for various sexual dysfunction, reduces inflammation and strengthens the reproductive system. It is very beneficial in shukra alpta and has proved to increase testosterone in males.
Panchakarma being an important part of Ayurveda aims to detoxify the whole body and rejuvenates the system. Therapies such as vaman, virechan, nasya, yogbasti, vrushya basti, uttar basti, shiro dhara are very effective in treatment of male infertility problems. Uttar basti treatment for men has shown significant result in treating infertility related issues.