When Sperm Count

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It is a topic that can make many men very uncomfortable. Sperm count is often linked to a man’s virility. After all, “shooting blanks” is not something that men will easily admit to. Unfortunately, during the past 70 years, there has been a steady decline in the sperm quality and quantity of males living in industrialized countries.

Semen (or seminal fluid) is an organic alkaline fluid that contains sperm. Semen contains only about 5% of sperm, but each time a man ejaculates, millions of sperm are expelled. Sperm derives from the Greek word sperma meaning “seed” and is produced inside the testicles (male gonads). It takes between 80 to 90 days for the testes to produce mature sperm. Human sperm can live up to 3 days in the female reproductive system.

The sperm cell has 3 major parts: the head, a midpiece, and a tail. The head contains the genetic material (23 chromosomes) that can combine with the 23 chromosomes of the female egg. The acrosome covers the head and has enzymes that are used to penetrate the egg. The middle piece is where the energy to move (ATP) is generated in order to reach the egg. This “body” has a central filamentous centre with several mitochondria (in red) wrapped around it. The tail propels the sperm.

Sperm Structure (Left)  A semen sample is considered normal if 1) there are at least 20 million sperm/1 mL; 2) the semen volume is 2-6 mL with a pH of 7.2-7.8; 3) 60% of the sperm show good forward movement; 4) 30% of the sperm have normal morphology (shape); 5) the fructose content is about 13 μmol and 6) if the semen liquefies after being exposed to air for 20 minutes. Sperm count and morphology can be measured by microscopy or with home kits that measure a sperm-associated protein.

The average sperm count in the Western world is about 60 million sperm/1mL, a 1-2% decrease per year since the 1940s. Many scientists believe that this drastic decline is due to the environment and not a genetic mutation. Pollution (i.e., pesticides) in industrialized areas can mimic estrogen and makes males more “feminine”. Unborn male babies and young boys are more vulnerable to these toxins because of their low body mass (higher concentration of the toxins) and rapid cell division.

Unfortunately, the damaging pollutants are found not only in the food and water, but also in common cosmetics (i.e., shampoos), baby toys, and plastic containers. The poor quality of the typical Western diet combined with an exploding number of overweight men have a very negative impact on the fertility of males.

It is the first time in history that we have witnessed such a dramatic decline in sperm quantity and quality. There is still time to at least minimize the effect of our modern way of living. After all, sperm is half of the equation that creates life.

Movie suggestion: The Disappearing Male

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Here are suggestions to enhance the health of sperm:

• Maintain a healthy body weight: being over or underweight can negatively affect hormones that influence sperm production.

• Exercise: physical activity promotes better blood circulation in the male reproductive organs.

• Take Vitamin supplements: Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, Glutathione, and Co-Enzyme Q10 help in the production of healthy sperm. Eating an organic diet rich in bright coloured fruits and vegetables is a natural way to get these vitamins. Examples are carrots, radish, tomatoes, and berries.

• Stop smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow in the body and damages the DNA of cells. Nicotine and Marijuana increase the risk of impotence. Marijuana can lower testosterone and diminish your interest in sex.

• Avoid storing and microwaving food in plastic containers: there are many man-made chemicals in plastic that mimic estrogen. The higher level of estrogen reduces sperm quality and count.

• Keep the testes’ temperature lower than the body: wear loose clothes (i.e., boxers); use a special bike seat if you bike for long periods of time; take lukewarm showers and do not put your laptop on your lap.

• Have sex regularly: men who spend more than 10 days without ejaculating tend to have a higher semen amount, but more abnormal sperm. Masturbating every few days helps improve sperm quality.

• Keep your cell phone away from your front pocket: more studies are required about this issue. The electromagnetic radiation produced by the cell phone seems to lower sperm count.

Truth in Motion

References

Chemical Exposure Tied to Sperm Count

The Disappearing Male: Doc Zone Video

Semen Analysis

The Semen Count Has Been Decreasing Steadily…

Sperm

Understanding A Sperm Analysis