Five main reasons for low sperm count in men and how to avoid it
Over the past 50 years, men's sperm count has declined by 51 percent.
Researchers analyzed the data and found that men had an average of 101 million reproductive cells per millimeter of semen in 1970, but that average has now dropped to 49 million. As well as quantity, there is evidence that the quality of men has also declined, and reproductive cells have declined over the past decades.
Urologist and andrologist Mocar Rafael Radelli, vice president of the Brazilian Association of Assisted Reproduction says that "What was most affected was the sperm's ability to circulate,". Without this ability, the reproductive capacity of the sperm decreases.
The important question is what are the reasons behind this problem? According to experts, there are five possible reasons for this. However, the good news is that there are ways to improve it.
Obesity
If you are overweight, it can affect the health of your sperm. Obesity leads to increased growth of adipose tissue, which releases a substance that directly affects the hormone testosterone. It is the most important hormone in sperm production. Obesity also increases oxidative stress, which affects cells in the body. Similarly, an obese person also develops obesity around the male organ, which can be very dangerous for spermatozoa.
Addiction
Alcohol, cigarettes, vaping that is use of electronic cigarettes, use of marijuana, cocaine and steroids.
All of these affect sperm count and quality in men. Some of these things have a direct effect on these cells, while others have an indirect effect. They can also affect the production of hormones that are important for testicular health. The biggest example in this regard is the testosterone replacement drugs, gels and injections used by experts, which are usually used during bodybuilding.
Some infections
Transmitted diseases that cause inflammation of the epididymis, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also cause damage. The epididymis is actually attached to the testicles and is where the sperm are stored, so any changes here can affect the sperm.
According to World Health Organization estimates, 129 million new cases of chlamydia and 82 million new cases of gonorrhea occurred in men and women in 2020.
Habit of sitting with laptop on lap
The testicles, where reproductive cells are stored, should be kept at a temperature one to two degrees cooler than the rest of the body. This is why the scrotal sac is outside the body in men.
According to research published in the last decade, the habit of keeping a laptop on one's lap can lead to a decrease in sperm count.
Toxic substances
Experts also point to toxins commonly known as endocrine disruptors. They are found in air pollution as well as in plastics and pesticides. In short, the structure of these molecules is very similar to the hormones in our body. Just like a key fit into a lock, these substances manage to fit into cell receptors and trigger some unwanted process. One of the new discoveries in recent research has been linked to reproduction, but research is still ongoing.
Precautions
Involves maintaining or losing weight through a balanced diet and regular physical exercise. Abstinence or total abstinence from alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs is also a basic requirement.
It is important to use condoms to prevent other infections, including chlamydia.
People who are vaccinated against HPV at an early age are better protected against the virus and its effects on the body.
If despite all these changes in the routine, the difficulty in conceiving a child persists, a doctor should be consulted immediately.
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