Sperm Count 101

When it comes to fertility, the focus is often placed on women, but men are equally important in the process. In fact, male factor infertility is involved in around 40 to 50 per cent of cases where couples experience difficulties conceiving. One of the most common male fertility issues is low sperm count.

Whether you are planning to start trying for a baby or have been on the fertility journey for some time, understanding sperm count and the factors that affect it is essential. The good news is that male fertility often responds well to simple lifestyle changes and the right nutritional support. In this article, we will explain what sperm count really means, what affects it, and what you can do to improve it. 

What Is Sperm Count?

Sperm count refers to the number of sperm present in a man’s semen. It is one of the key indicators of male fertility, assessed as part of a semen analysis, alongside motility (how well sperm move), morphology (the shape of sperm), and volume.

Normal sperm count

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a normal sperm concentration is at least 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. A total sperm count of 39 million or more per ejaculate is considered healthy.

What Causes Low Sperm Count?

Low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, can be influenced by a wide range of factors. These include:

- Lifestyle habits such as smoking, heavy alcohol use or drug use

- Poor diet and lack of regular physical activity

- Overheating of the testicles from tight clothing or hot baths

- Chronic stress and poor sleep

- Nutritional deficiencies

- Medical issues such as varicoceles, infections or hormonal imbalances

In some cases, genetics can also play a role in low sperm count. Certain genetic conditions, such as Y chromosome microdeletions, Klinefelter syndrome (where a man has an extra X chromosome), or mutations in the CFTR gene linked to cystic fibrosis, can impact sperm production or transport. These conditions may lead to significantly reduced or even absent sperm in the semen. If sperm count is severely low or unexplained, genetic testing may be recommended by a fertility specialist to identify any underlying chromosomal or gene-related causes. Understanding these factors is important for choosing the most appropriate treatment path, including assisted reproductive techniques.

In many cases, it is a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors that contribute to reduced sperm count. The positive news is that many of these can be improved with the right approach.

How to Support Healthy Sperm Naturally

There are several simple steps that can be taken to support sperm health. These include:

- Eating a well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants, fruit, vegetables and healthy fats, read more here.

- Exercising regularly while avoiding overtraining or excessive endurance activity

- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake

- Managing stress through mindfulness, relaxation techniques or therapy

- Getting enough quality sleep each night

- Avoiding exposure to environmental toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals

- Keeping the testicles cool by wearing loose-fitting underwear and avoiding long hot baths or saunas

Consistency with these changes can lead to measurable improvements in sperm health over time.

Which Supplements Can Help?

In addition to a healthy lifestyle, nutritional support can play a key role in improving sperm quality. The following nutrients have been shown to positively impact sperm health:

- Zinc supports healthy testosterone levels and is essential for sperm production.

- Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects sperm cells from oxidative damage.

- Vitamin E helps improve sperm motility and protects sperm DNA.

- Folate is important for DNA synthesis during sperm development.

- Selenium contributes to healthy sperm shape and movement.

- L-Carnitine helps provide energy to sperm and enhances motility.

- CoQ10 supports energy production in sperm and can improve sperm count and function.

- Omega-3 fatty acids help improve the fluidity of the sperm membrane and overall quality.

If you are looking for a comprehensive supplement specifically formulated to support male fertility, Vitaseed Pro is an excellent choice. It combines key vitamins, minerals and antioxidants known to support healthy sperm function, all in one convenient daily formula.

- Designed by fertility and nutrition experts to support male reproductive health

- Contains research-backed nutrients that target sperm motility, morphology and count

- Includes bioavailable forms of vitamins and minerals for optimal absorption

- Made in the UK to high quality and safety standards

- Suitable for use while trying to conceive naturally or alongside fertility treatment

When to Start Taking Supplements

Sperm take approximately 72 to 90 days to fully mature. This means that any improvements made today will take around three months to reflect in a semen analysis. For this reason, it is best to begin taking fertility supplements at least three months before trying to conceive or starting assisted fertility treatment.

To learn more or to explore the Zita West male fertility range.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your GP or a fertility specialist before starting any new supplements or making significant lifestyle changes, especially if you have a known medical condition or are undergoing treatment.