Sperm motility and morphology are important as they help men and their partners to conceive easily. For this reason, men are often looking for ways to increase sperm motility. We have found 5 significant ways of increasing sperm motility.
- Avoid lubes
There is no enough evidence stating that all kinds of lubes affect fertility. Some of them do affect the movement of sperms to travel to the female uterus and create the barriers in pregnancy.
All lubes are not fertility-friendly. Therefore, the best way is to avoid lubricants during intercourse.
Studies indicate that some lubes prevent sperm for swimming more efficiently, as stated in an article titled “Effects of Vaginal Lubricants on Natural Fertility.”
The PubMed Central publication states that even though vaginal lubricants didn’t prevent conception, they showed a slow down on sperm motility in vitro. But oil-based lubes have a greater impact on sperm motility than water-based variants.
Instead, try to have foreplay for the maximum time, especially when you are trying for a baby; this will help your girl to produce natural lubricant which in fact can be a very ideal environment for sperms to swim through.
Natural lubricant maintains the PH balance of the vagina, makes it less acidic, and hence useful for sperms’ motility. Still, if you need to use an artificial one, then consult with a professional for knowing a fertility-friendly one, like Pre-seed. You may also consider using a baby oil that is mild. It is advisable to take an expert’s opinion before using any lube.
- Electronics away from the lap
Though further and more detailed research is needed; preliminary studies have shown that sperms’ count, movement, and health are affected in those who keep electronic devices on their lap for long hours than those who do not.
Electronic devices including laptops, mobile phones, tablets are considered to be radiation-emitting devices and certainly harmful to the body. Besides, the heat factor is already well known for influencing sperms in a negative way in terms of its count and motility.
And these devices generate heat too. Placing them on your lap may increase the temperature in the scrotal area and create a barrier in its natural functioning of producing healthy sperms.
If you are working from home, this situation may arise wherein you may have to keep a laptop on your lap; however, try using a table, chair or lap desk if you want to sit on the bed.
Similarly, try to keep mobile phones in bags instead of keeping them in pockets for long hours.
- Try to be cool
There is certainly a reason behind those hanging testicles that are placed away from the body. The testicles are composed of coiled structures called seminiferous tubules and these are the main sites of sperm production.
In order to sustain, sperms are required to be in a temperature that is less than the body temperature.
Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using very tight underwear, skinny tight jeans, or any type of clothes that might be uncomfortable down there – may become troublesome for the testicles.
They may feel the excessive heat, not so good for the sperms’ production and their movement. If you are planning for a baby, using a loose boxer is advisable that can keep the swimsuit area bit cool.
Also, having a bath with excessively hot water can also be a hurdle for sperms’ survival and their health. Try using lukewarm water or cold shower if you want to boost the count and motility.
- Limit alcohol and smoking
Studies have proven that smoking has created an adverse effect on fertility. Research says that there is a direct link between smoking and sperms i.e. it affects not only the count and motility of the sperms but also the shape of the sperms and makes them weaker.
It ultimately means such types of sperms may not be eligible to make a baby. Similarly, alcohol disturbs the testosterone production which is a key sexual hormone in males. It also shrinks the testicles which are the key site for sperm production.
Fortunately, this negative influence remains in the picture if you are continuing to smoke; but once you stop smoking, you may regain the quality and quantity of the sperms. The
Doctors also advise you to quit smoking and limit alcohol if you are preparing to expand the family.
To check the noticeable difference, you may get yourself checked before quitting smoking and alcohol and afterward too. Of course, it takes time to return to the healthy quality sperms, but certainly possible.
- Keep ideal BMI
Crossing an ideal Body Mass Index either up or down disturbs the smooth functioning of your body including sperms creation. Try to maintain a BMI in a healthy range and ensure that your body does not become either overweight or underweight.
According to a study at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) says that men who are overweight or suffering from obesity do produce less count of sperms as compared to those who have normal weight.
Being overweight diminishes all spheres of your health including reproductive system. Research does not say that obesity is directly linked with fertility issues; however, since they produce a smaller number of sperms, the chances of conceiving become less.
According to the article, titled “Obesity Prevention Source,” obesity is lowest in women with BMI from 21 to 24. In men though, obesity is associated with lower sperm count and poor sperm motility.
Fewer men with ideal BMI had lower sperm count (5.3%) against obese men (15.6%). Men within a higher BMI bracket also exhibited increased sexual difficulties prevalence such as erectile dysfunction.
Exercising on a regular basis can improve not only the count of sperms but also the quality and motility. The testosterone levels get regularized with the exercise which plays a key role when it comes to sperms.
Therefore, in order to have moving sperms, you too need to keep moving regularly by means of exercise.
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- Get fit
Getting into shape is one of the best ways to grow healthy sperm. Moderate physical activity is known to induce lush sperm development.
Dedicating just three days of exercise per week, each lasting half an hour is sufficient to attain this fitness level.
When you pair with your spouse to walk in the park, you gain more. First, the morning freshness infuses your lungs with fresh therapeutic air that is ideal for your organs.
Second, walking together reinforces your bond. You can marvel at nature’s gifts, while also improving your reproductive health. And you don’t have stride alone.
You can jog to a park, then do some aerobics and stretching. Jumping, push-ups, and lungs are some easy exercises that you can engage in and perform anywhere.
Even when you do moderate-intensity exercises consistently, you eliminate inflammation. This situation is what inflames sperm production, rendering them weak and with poor motility.
- Guard against STIs
Sexually transmitted infections are bad for sperm health. Thus you have to check your reproductive health via routine reviews and testing.
Preventing STIs is easy. All have to do is remain faithful in a monogamous relationship. Even in this relationship, continue keeping high hygiene standards and use protection all the time.
You will note that there are more than 25 different kinds of STIs, and condoms don’t protect against some.
An article titled “HIV, HPV and Chlamydia trachomatis: impacts on male fertility,” mentions that these STIs affect sperm health in many ways.
The PubMed Central article alludes that these three STIs impair sperm parameters such as motility, concentration, morphology, and count. They thus diminish semen quality.
Yet some have no symptoms. So it’s hard to tell whether you have been infected or not.
Some also don’t have symptoms. You may be spreading them unknowingly. Hence you should guard against getting infected in the first place. Go for vaccination where this prevention option is available.
Syphilis is easy to treat but could be life-threatening if left unchecked. Yet some STIs have no cure.
Genital herpes, human immunodeficiency virus, human papillomavirus, hepatitis, and cytomeglovirus are incurable once infected and can alter your life irreparably.
In conclusion, we have put forward five significant ways of increasing sperm motility. We hope that with the provided information, you can learn more about how sperm motility works and what methods you can implement to improve yours.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Factors Increase Sperm Motility?
Introduction
Sperm motility is a measure of how well sperm can move through the female reproductive tract and fertilize an egg. It is a key factor in successful conception and a healthy pregnancy. High sperm motility is associated with a higher chance of successful conception and a lower risk of infertility. In this paper, the factors that influence sperm motility will be discussed, including lifestyle factors, environmental influences, and health conditions.
Lifestyle Factors
There are several lifestyle factors that can influence sperm motility. For example, smoking has been linked to lower sperm motility. Smoking can be harmful to the sperm cells, reducing their ability to move. Alcohol use has also been associated with decreased sperm motility, so it is best to limit alcohol intake when trying to conceive. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly are also important steps to ensure good sperm motility. A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help to improve sperm motility by providing the nutrients needed for healthy sperm. Exercise can also help to improve sperm motility by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, which can help to improve sperm health.
Environmental Influences
Environmental factors can also influence sperm motility. Exposure to toxins, such as pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals, can reduce sperm motility. In addition, exposure to high temperatures, such as hot tubs or saunas, can also reduce sperm motility. Long-term exposure to radiation, such as from radiation therapy, can also decrease sperm motility. It is important to limit exposure to environmental toxins and high temperatures when trying to conceive.
Health Conditions
Certain health conditions can also affect sperm motility. For example, varicocele, a condition in which the veins around the testicles become enlarged, can reduce sperm motility. In addition, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also affect sperm motility. STIs can damage the sperm cells, reducing their ability to move. Furthermore, certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can also reduce sperm motility. It is important to talk to a doctor about any health conditions or medications that may affect sperm motility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several factors that can influence sperm motility. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking and alcohol use, can reduce sperm motility. Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins and high temperatures, can also reduce sperm motility. In addition, certain health conditions, such as varicocele and STIs, can reduce sperm motility. Finally, certain medications can also reduce sperm motility. It is important to take steps to improve sperm motility, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, limiting exposure to environmental toxins, and talking to a doctor about any health conditions that may affect sperm motility.
