Sperm – The production of sperm in the male body begins at the moment of sexual maturity and continues throughout life.
Spermatogenesis needs about 72 days, while in the female body, a spermatozoon retains its ability to survive and fertilize for about two days. From 1938 to 1970, the presence of 40 million spermatozoa in the ejaculate was considered a cause of infertility.
In 1990, the World Health Organization established that the minimum threshold for spermatozoa is 20 million.
However, it should also be noted that today, for doctors, the focus is not on quantity but on quality.
The World Health Organization’s established norms for healthy sperm are as follows:
- Sperm concentration in one milliliter of ejaculate – at least 20 million;
- Sperm volume – at least 2 milliliters;
- At least 50% of spermatozoa must be alive;
- At least 30% must have a normal shape;
- At least 50% of spermatozoa must be motile, and half of them should be moving quickly.
Now, two pieces of information for men: the bad and the good. The bad news is that almost everything affects sperm quality, but the good news is that there isn’t hopeless situation.
Unlike eggs, which are implanted in a woman’s body before birth, sperm is continuously produced. A large number of scientists agree with the opinion that improving sperm fertility can be achieved by changing lifestyle for even just 2-3 months.
Sperm – Factors affecting its quality
- Chemistry
As mentioned earlier, almost everything affects sperm quality. The most common factors are alcohol, nicotine, and drugs. Marijuana, cocaine, and heroin can reduce sperm concentration by 50%, and their long-term use may lead to infertility.
Another strong factor affecting sperm quality is anabolic steroids, which reduce the movement and vitality of sperm cells.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases are considered a common cause of infertility. For example, chlamydia reduces fertility by 33%. It is important to know that sexual infections in men Regular check-us can hel you from preventing this problem.
- Ecology
American specialists still do not have a consensus on how strongly air pollution affects sperm quality. A study conducted in the United States revealed that air pollution reduces the speed of spermatozoa movement. On the other hand, the research also showed that there is currently no cause for concern, as the reduction in sperm motility is minimal. However, it should not be forgotten that the level of air pollution differs in other countries, and the results of similar studies may vary accordingly.
- Overheating
It is widely believed that high temperatures affect fertility, but American scientists argue that neither a hot bath nor a sauna will seriously impact a man’s health unless used overly. However, prolonged overheating may have negative consequences. According to doctors, it is risky to work with a laptop on one’s lap, wear tight underwear, or engage in any activity associated with prolonged overheating (such as working in a metallurgical plant). Long periods of sitting are also a risk (this mainly concerns drivers), as it can lead to overheating of the testicles.
- Intelligence
Jeffrey Miller, a researcher at the University of New Mexico, recently discovered that there is a direct connection between intelligence levels and sperm quality.
Miller was studying the health of Vietnam War veterans. The testing showed that intellectually developed men had better sperm quality.
- Nutrition
The importance of nutrition should not be overlooked, as a deficiency in zinc, vitamin C, B12, and vitamin E may affect spermatozoa motility.
- Excess Weight
There is no consensus yet on the impact of excess weight on fertility. Numerous studies have shown that men with a high body mass index have sperm that contains a higher number of abnormal spermatozoa. However, other studies have found that excess weight does not affect spermatozoa motility or concentration. While excess weight lowers the concentration of sex hormones, sperm quality remains unchanged.
- Injuries
While scientists continuously recommend adopting a healthy lifestyle, it should be noted that certain types of physical exertion can negatively affect sperm quality. For example, cycling is associated with regular trauma to the testicles, which in turn reduces the speed of spermatozoa movement.
So, gentlemen, when your partner decides to have a child, it might be best to take a trip to the mountains together for at least a few weeks. Fresh air, moderate physical activity, cold temperatures, and a peaceful environment will be your best remedy.
The Men’s Health Center operates at the “Karazanashvili Robotic Center,” offering diagnostics and treatment for male infertility using methods that meet global medical standards.
