Low Sperm Count In Men: The 5 Everyday Things You Do That Can Cause It

According to a Hebrew University study, sperm counts in Western men have dropped by more than half in the last 40 years. While scientists cannot pinpoint an exact cause, studies have shown that certain lifestyle factors have a significant impact on a man’s sperm count. The good news is that those levels aren’t always permanent.

Normal sperm production takes between 60 and 90 days. That means that the consequences of poor lifestyle choices can be reversed in as little as two or three months.

Low Sperm Count In Men: Key Behaviours That Cause It

It’s a misconception that men have to save up sperm when it’s baby-making time. In fact, frequent sexual activity is important for sperm health. If the body isn’t getting the message to produce sperm, it won’t produce as much.

Essentially, use it or lose it. Health experts recommend that males ejaculate once or twice a week to maintain production.

Heat is known to have an effect on sperm production. Hot tubs and even heated car seats are all culprits, but laptops are one of the most common sources of heat. Laptop computers have the ability to literally cook the sperm.

It’s also worth noting that certain heat-related jobs, such as working as a chef in a hot kitchen or as a firefighter in a non-breathable uniform, can reduce sperm count.

Smoking either tobacco or marijuana may reduce sperm count, efficacy and quality. Toxins and contaminants make their way from the lungs through the circulatory system to the testicles.

Studies have shown that simply stopping smoking can have an effect on sperm count within a couple of months.

It’s difficult to quantify the effects of stress due to its subjective nature, but fertility experts, in general, recommend that men try to reduce it. Research has found that men who feel stressed are more likely to have lower concentrations of sperm. Stress leads to increased levels of the hormone glucocorticoid, which can have a negative effect on the production of testosterone and sperm. Taking anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants can worsen the problem. “Certain medications can lead to erectile dysfunction and affect the amount of ejaculate.

It is not advisable to wear underwear or any clothing that hugs the scrotal sac close to the body. Because the ideal temperature for sperm production is a few degrees lower than body temperature, the testicles are located where they are. When the testicles are held too close to the body, they are unable to regulate temperature, preventing healthy sperm production.

When consumed in high doses, alcohol can affect the ability of the testes to produce sperm.

That said, moderate consumption of red wine may actually have a protective effect on sperm. The antioxidants found in red wine can help reduce sperm’s exposure to free radicals, which can damage cells and DNA.