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Low Sperm Count: Common Causes and Risk Factors

Sperm are the tiny powerhouses behind conception, playing a starring role in the journey to pregnancy. These microscopic swimmers carry half the genetic blueprint needed to create a new life. But when their numbers dwindle, fertility can take a hit. Research shows low sperm count, or oligospermia, affects up to 15% of couples trying to conceive. 

What Does Low Sperm Count Mean?

Low sperm count, medically termed oligospermia, means your semen has fewer sperm than needed for easy conception. A normal sperm count starts at 15 million sperm per milliliter, but various factors can slash that number. Research shows infertility affects 15% of couples, often due to low sperm count. Heat exposure, stress, and lifestyle habits stand out as major contributors. While it doesn’t rule out fathering a child, it reduces the chances. Knowing the causes empowers you to make changes, so let’s look  into the key players: heat exposure, stress, and lifestyle habits.

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Heat Exposure: Cooking Your Chances

Your testicles work best at a cool temperature, slightly below body heat. Heat exposure throws this off balance. Research has shown elevated testicular temperatures damage sperm-producing cells, cutting sperm count. Frequent hot tub sessions or saunas raise scrotal heat. Tight underwear or prolonged sitting also traps heat. Even placing a laptop on your lap can overheat the area. Jobs involving heat, like welding, further increase risks. To safeguard sperm, opt for loose boxers, avoid hot baths, and take breaks if you sit all day.

Stress: The Fertility Disruptor

Stress doesn’t just rattle your mind—it sabotages your sperm. Chronic stress boosts cortisol, which suppresses testosterone, a key hormone for sperm production. Research indicates high cortisol levels reduce sperm count and quality. Work deadlines, financial worries, or relationship tensions can trigger this. Stress also dampens libido, complicating conception efforts, according to research. To counter stress, try meditation, yoga, or short walks. Research suggests just 10 minutes of mindfulness can lower cortisol. Small stress-busting habits can protect your fertility.

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Lifestyle Habits

Daily habits heavily influence sperm health. Poor choices can tank your count, but smart ones can boost it. Let’s break down the big lifestyle factors.

Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking poisons sperm with toxins, slashing count and damaging DNA. Research shows smokers have lower sperm counts than non-smokers. Cigarettes also impair sperm motility. Heavy alcohol use disrupts hormones, reducing sperm production, according to research. Binge drinking is especially harmful. Quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol can improve sperm health. Even moderate changes make a difference.

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Diet and Weight

Your diet fuels sperm production—or starves it. Diets packed with junk food, sugar, or trans fats lower sperm count, research indicates. Obesity, often linked to poor diet, disrupts testosterone and shrinks sperm production. Conversely, eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish boosts sperm quality. For example, it has been shown that omega-3 fatty acids in salmon enhance sperm motility. Maintain a healthy weight and prioritize whole foods to support fertility.

Exercise: Balance Is Key

A couch-potato lifestyle hurts sperm, but overdoing exercise can too. Research shows moderate exercise, like jogging, improves sperm count and motility. However, intense workouts, especially long-distance cycling, stress the body and lower sperm production. Overtraining also spikes cortisol, harming fertility, according to research. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days, and avoid extreme routines.

Substance Use and Medications

It has been shown that recreational drugs like marijuana impair sperm production. Anabolic steroids, used for muscle building, shrink testicles and crash sperm counts. Certain medications, like antidepressants or chemotherapy drugs, also reduce sperm quality. If you’re on meds, ask your doctor about fertility side effects. Avoiding illicit drugs and steroids is a clear step to protect sperm.

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Other Risk Factors to Consider

Beyond heat, stress, and lifestyle, other issues can lower sperm count. Varicocele, a swollen vein in the scrotum, restricts blood flow and impairs sperm production. Infections, like chlamydia or epididymitis, damage sperm. Exposure to environmental toxins—pesticides, lead, or BPA—reduces sperm count. Poor sleep disrupts hormones, lowering sperm quality. Genetic conditions, like Klinefelter’s syndrome, or past testicular injuries also play roles. Also, frequent biking or horseback riding can pressure the pelvic area, harming sperm.

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Boosting Your Sperm Health

Low sperm count isn’t always a dead end. You can take charge with practical steps. Keep your testicles cool by avoiding saunas and tight pants. Manage stress through relaxation or exercise. Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and eat a nutrient-rich diet. Stay active but don’t over-train. Avoid recreational drugs and discuss medications with your doctor. Research-backed options, like antioxidant supplements or varicocele repair, can improve sperm count. A semen analysis from a doctor can pinpoint issues and guide treatment. Start small—swap tight jeans for boxers or add a daily salad. Your fertility will thank you.

Your Wellness Is Our Concern At Fekomi Wellness

Our team of highly qualified and certified healthcare consultants at Fekomi wellness are always ready and happy to help you with your health concerns. Visit Fekomiwellness today to  book an appointment and get started on your health journey. Kindly call our desk line on +2349074197154 for more enquiries.

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