When trying to get pregnant, worrying about the husband’s semen becomes yet another concern for women. That’s because sperm is the result of ejaculation and quality and quantity can interfere greatly with the long-awaited positive test. Want some tips to improve and increase this production?
First of all, let’s understand how the process works. Everything begins in the scrotal sac, where sperm cells become spermatozoa through the action of male hormones. A single sperm cell can give rise to 4 mature spermatozoa after the process, and this happens due to cell division, which is very similar to what occurs during fertilization of the egg1.
The process of manufacturing, multiplying and maturing can become slow and scarce for a variety of reasons. Normally, the multiplication phase takes up to 72 hours but it may take much longer and make it harder to get pregnant due to the lack of sperm, or because of their poor quality. So how can you increase sperm production?
The Importance of Nutrition for Sperm
The secret lies in the man’s testicular health and the lifestyle he leads. The first step is to analyze your diet and eating habits. Recent studies2 show, for example, that the amount of fat you consume harms not only the arteries but also sperm production, making it slower. What should be completed in, at most, 72 hours can take about a week in extreme cases.
Drinking plenty of fluids is also important for increasing semen quantity. Moreover, certain vitamins and enzymes are fundamental to properly produce sperm, both in terms of quantity and morphology, suitable for swimming into the uterus.
Intake of selenium and zinc, for instance, is very helpful in increasing sperm production. These minerals can be found in Brazil nuts and chocolate, respectively. Folic acid, or even Methylfolate, which is its active form and prevents fetal malformation in pregnant women, is also beneficial for men. Its consumption contributes to better seminal quality produced by the testicles, as well as to good maturation of spermatozoa. It is worth remembering that the sperm ejaculated today was produced 90 days ago, so supplementation with Methylfolate is extremely important as soon as possible.
Consumption of meats, dairy products and fruits such as banana, apple, mango and pineapple is also recommended, as the amino acids in these foods influence the amount of seminal fluid ejaculated and the pH balance, that is, the acidity of the ejaculation. Avoiding sweets and fats is another important measure, as it helps to increase semen volume.
However, we know how difficult it is to maintain a complete diet with all these nutrients. And with this in mind, a special multivitamin has been developed for men who are trying to improve the quality of their fertility. Its formula contains all the vitamins and minerals that enhance male fertility, improve sperm quality, increase their motility, and provide healthy DNA. You can find more information about this multivitamin here.
Secrets to Increase Sperm Quantity
Reducing alcohol consumption is also something that helps increase sperm production. Some men are unable to get their partners pregnant due to the level of alcohol in their bodies, which can permanently affect the testicles. Furthermore, smoking is equally harmful, so it is recommended that men stop or drastically reduce the consumption of legal and illegal drugs for proper sperm production.
Some doctors also suggest to couples trying to conceive that they should wait a bit and have sexual intercourse on alternate days. That way, the man would have more time to naturally replenish his sperm reservoir. It is worth noting that some lubricants give an extra hand by helping sperm survive, balancing the pH of the vaginal environment and providing greater survival inside a woman’s body.
Other Tips to Help Sperm Production
The pressure that clothes put on the intimate area is also a determining factor in low sperm count. Tight pants and underwear, for example, can make the vas deferens narrower and heat the genital region. This overheating raises the temperature above what is healthy and makes sperm production slower and of poorer quality. Therefore, a golden rule is to sleep without underwear and always take them off when you can! Let the testicles breathe to increase the amount of sperm and the volume of ejaculation!
Moreover, men who masturbate frequently may also have more difficulty replenishing seminal material. The demand can be higher than the production, so stopping the stimulation greatly increases the chances of pregnancy.
To check the quantity and quality of your sperm, just do a simple test called a semen analysis (spermogram). Any doctor can request this test and the ideal treatment if a problem is detected3.
See also: Complete Sperm Analysis – Fast and Hassle-Free Procedure
