Dear Dr G,

My wife and I, both in our early thirties, have been trying for a baby since we got married three years ago.

Despite being sexually active, we have had no success in this period.

We have dreaded many Chinese New Year gatherings due to questions from well-meaning relatives and decided to travel instead.

Recently, we built up the courage to visit the doctor.

I was shocked to learn that while my wife’s tests were completely normal, my sperm count revealed some “shortcomings.”

The doctor diagnosed me with oligospermia, which means a low sperm count.

Apparently, this is quite common and can improve with a healthy lifestyle.

Therefore, I am seeking Dr G’s advice as part of my New Year’s resolution to boost my fertility.

Could you please explain the causes of low sperm counts?

Is it true that much of the issue is related to lifestyle?

I am also keen to know which foods might help increase sperm production.

Understanding that this is a numbers game, I am eager to follow your advice to achieve success.

On that note, wishing you and your readers a Happy New Year.

Regards,

Shortcoming Shawn

The World Health Organization (WHO) once estimated that 1 in 10 couples may experience infertility problems, but recent revisions place this figure closer to 1 in 6, as many couples delay family planning until later in life.

Researchers have also found that about one in every three cases of a couple’s infertility is due to low sperm counts, a significant “shortcoming.”

Poor sperm quality can be caused by oligospermia, which refers to semen with a low concentration of sperm.

Male infertility is also linked to poor morphology and motility, a condition known as OAT syndrome (Oligo-Astheno-Teratospermia).

The “goalposts” for this “numbers game” have shifted in recent years.

For decades, low counts were defined as concentrations of less than 20 million sperm/ml of ejaculate.

However, the WHO has reassessed the criteria, establishing a new lower reference point of 15 million sperm/ml, consistent with the fifth percentile for normal men.

The severity of oligospermia can be classified as mild (10 to 20 million), moderate (five to 10 million), or severe (less than five million).

This classification helps clinicians determine appropriate treatments, which can range from lifestyle changes to assisted reproductive technologies.

Sperm counts are known to fluctuate due to the frequency of ejaculations, and oligospermia may be a temporary setback due to poor health.

While infertility is not always treatable, various measures can boost the chances of conception.

Fertility can sometimes be improved with a healthy diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.

Nutritional status and dietary habits significantly impact sperm quality; hence, food choices play a crucial role in the ability to conceive.

A balanced diet with less meat, plenty of whole grains, lean proteins, and more fruits and vegetables is recommended.

Although scientific evidence on the effectiveness of vitamins and minerals in aiding conception is not definitive, some nutrients positively impact sperm health.

These include zinc and selenium, often deficient in sub-fertile men, found naturally in lean beef, baked beans, nuts, and eggs.

Supplements like D-aspartic acid (D-AA) have shown to increase testosterone levels by 30% and sperm quality by 60% over three months.

A link between poor sperm motility and vitamin D deficiency has also been demonstrated.

Consuming oily fish, breakfast cereals, and getting plenty of sunlight can enhance vitamin D absorption, crucial for healthier sperm.

Additionally, foods and supplements rich in Omega-3 are known to improve sperm quality.

Folate-rich foods like broccoli, spinach, and potatoes can also positively impact this “numbers game.”

Many scientists believe antioxidants may enhance sperm quality by reducing free radicals that damage cells.

Vitamins A, C, and E, along with a variety of fruits and vegetables, can protect those vital cells in the scrotum.

One study revealed that infertile men taking 1,000 mg of vitamin C supplements twice a day for two months increased sperm motility by 92% and sperm count by over 100%, while reducing the proportion of deformed sperm cells by 55%.

On that note, wishing Shawn and all readers a Happy New Year!