International Men's Day: Male infertility - Avoid tight underwear, have THESE superfoods to improve sperm count

International Men's Day is celebrated every year on November 19 to raise awareness about men's mental and physical health, and promote positive masculinity, among other things. Male infertility is a topic that's not discussed enough. On this day, Zee News Digital spoke to an expert on the issue.

Lifestyle changes can help improve sperm count (Pic: Pixabay; for representational purposes)

By Dr Sulbha Arora

International Men's Day 2022: Male infertility is a problem that's often ignored, especially in India. But the truth is, about 1 in 2 cases of a couple's inability to have a child is due to what is called the 'male factor'. While there are multiple causes behind this, it ends up in one effect: the male partner is unable to produce enough viable sperms to fertilize his wife's egg. Sperm could be too few in number, inactive or misshapen, or blockages could prevent the delivery of sperm. The reasons for this vary: From varicocele (swelling of veins), semen abnormalities, hormonal imbalance, blockages, certain diseases and medication to lifestyle issues (stress & smoking), it can be any one thing. 

Male infertility: Different types

One of the most common forms of male factor infertility is oligozoospermia – a low sperm count. An extreme case of this is azoospermia, a total absence of sperm, in effect a zero sperm count. Typically both of these require specialized treatment. Azoospermia requires extracting sperms from the testes directly, separating the best, most active and most healthy sperm from the others using advanced techniques. These can then be used for ICSI to achieve pregnancy. In case there are no viable sperms, the couple can still conceive using donor sperms.

While there are medical and surgical procedures to help you, there are ways in which you can help yourself and work towards increasing your sperm count.

How to improve your sperm count: foods and habits that can help you

Yes, it is possible to improve sperm counts and sperm health, but it takes time, significant lifestyle changes, and dedication. Before we get to what you can do, it's important to look at the time it will take. The human body typically takes 72 days to produce new sperms – so you will need to wait at least three months for any changes to occur. Visible effects may take even longer.

Lifestyle changes

Stop smoking: If you smoke, stop. Now. Tobacco use is linked to asthenozoospermia (low sperm motility), deformed and weak sperms as well as genetic damage to chromosomes. It is one of the most important things to be aware of. So STOP SMOKING!

Reduce alcohol consumption: If you consume alcohol in excess, you may need to reduce the quantity. Excessive alcohol can affect your sexual performance.  An occasional drink won't harm your reproductive potential but avoid heavy and binge drinking.

Say no to tight underwear: And last, avoid extremely tight underwear – since the testes, responsible for sperm production, need a cool environment.

Sperm superfoods: Check list

Besides the usual fats, proteins and carbohydrates, healthy sperms need a few specific types of nutrients and minerals. Because it turns out that sperms are incredibly sensitive to what you eat and the right kind of food can have an effect on their health and activity.

Here are some of the essential nutrients and their sources:

Coenzyme Q10

A fatty molecule that provides energy to cells and acts as an antioxidant. The best dietary sources are meat and liver; olive, grapeseed and soya oil; many nuts, including peanuts and vegetables like broccoli, spinach and avocado.

Folate

Those same vegetables are also rich sources of this essential nutrient. As are some types of dal, beans, and peas.

L-Arginine

Usually generated by the body. It is helpful for the release of hormones. While the best sources are meat and dairy products, many nuts also have high quantities of this nutrient.

L-Carnitine

An amino acid that helps break down fats and convert them into cellular energy. It also has antioxidant properties. Found primarily in meat, dairy products, avocado, and asparagus.

Selenium

An element that plays a critical role in the structural development of sperm by making them stronger. Brazil nuts, asparagus, mushrooms, fish, and meat are the best sources.

Vitamin E

Helpful for generating energy, this vitamin is also an antioxidant. Found in many oils, nuts, green vegetables and fish.

Vitamin C

A powerful anti-oxidant and all-round health essential, it is found most plentifully in fruits, especially citrus fruit.

Zinc

Critical for the production of the male hormone, testosterone, it is found in seafood, meat, oats, sesame and yogurt.

One of the foods that contain many of these key ingredients is asparagus – which has been reputed to be a powerful aphrodisiac in ancient Indian texts!

(Disclaimer: Dr Sulbha Arora is Clinical Director, Nova IVF Fertility, Mumbai. The views expressed in the article are those of the expert, Zee News does not confirm this.)