10 Herbs to Improve Motility and Sperm Count
Male infertility has become quite common these days. Though in the past, the issue of male infertility was not well known, these days, more awareness is being made concerning the issue. It is now known that infertility is not a problem for just women. Men also suffer from infertility. However, there are Herbs to Improve Motility and Sperm Count.
Motility and sperm count are important factors to be considered when dealing with male fertility. Sperm motility is the ability of the sperm to move the right way towards meeting the egg. Sperm count is the number of sperm in a release. A normal sperm count is between fifteen million to two hundred million per millilitre of release.
Male infertility can occur as low sperm count, low motility, premature ejaculation, low libido and erectile dysfunction. Fertility can be improved with supplements, diet and lifestyle changes. There are fertility supplements in the pharmacies, though they should not be used without consulting your physician.
Foods like vegetables and fruits, walnuts, fish and tiger nuts improve sperm health. Lifestyle changes like exercise, avoiding sedentary life, quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol and drugs can also improve sperm health.
Causes of Infertility in Men
Infertility in men can be caused by various reasons. These include:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Poor General health
- Genetics
- Low fitness
- Diseases
- Pollutants
- Infections
- Tumours
- Scaring from past surgery
- Taking certain medications
- Undescended testis
- Alcohol use
- Antisperm antibodies
- Drug use
- Sedentary life
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Depression
- Sexually transmitted diseases
One out of every six couples experiences infertility. 40 to 50% of this infertility is attributed to men.
Consumption of some herbs improves sperm count and motility by counteracting the effects of oxidative stress, nourishing and stimulating organs, exciting libido, and healthy functioning of sexual tissues.
Sperm count is important, as even though it takes just one sperm to fertilize the egg, more available healthy sperm will increase the chances of getting pregnant. Even when a man is not trying to make his partner conceive, a normal sperm count is important for good health. Research says those with low sperm count have a higher Body Mass Index BMI, a bigger waistline and are at risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke.
In this article, we shall be discussing the various herbs that can improve motility and sperm count.
10 Herbs to Improve Motility and Sperm Count
1. Ginseng
Ginseng is a herb that improves motility and sperm count. It also improves sex drive and increases the chances of getting pregnant when consumed daily.
2. Maca
Maca improves sperm quality. Consumption of this herb every day increases motility and sperm count.
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha helps with hormonal imbalance, endocrine health, stamina and sexual performance. It also combats oxidative stress which could adversely affect sperm motility and count.
4. Velvet bean
Velvet bean is also known as Mucuna pruriens. It improves motility and sperm count, reduces oxidative stress, improves semen overall quality and inhibits lipid peroxidation.
Lipid peroxidation is a process in which free radicals steal electrons from lipids in cell membranes, causing cell damage. Velvet beans also help with elevated spermatogenesis.
5. Shatavari
Shatavari is a spermatogenic herb. It improves sperm motility and sperm count. It also increases seminal quality. It prevents anxiety and stress in an individual, both of which can affect performance.
Shatavari contains Vitamin A, B1, B2, C and E, magnesium, calcium and folic acid. It is an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory agent. It also treats erectile dysfunction and improves drive.
6. Onion juice
Onion juice promotes testosterone production. Testosterone is the male sex hormone that promotes sexual vigour and libido. Onion juice also reduces oxidative stress, increases sperm count, and lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and triglycerides.
7. Ginger
Ginger boosts fertility. It is an antioxidant that improves sperm count and motility. It also increases testosterone and improves sperm morphology. Ginger decreases oxidative damage.
8. Guava leaves
Guava leaves improve the quality and production of sperm. It is usually recommended for men with fertility problems. It contains fibre, vitamin A and C, folic acid, potassium, manganese and copper.
9. Nutmeg
Nutmeg boosts sperm count. It contains fibre, vitamin B6, thiamine, folate, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc and calcium. It also improves sexual performance.
10. Fenugreek
Fenugreek increases sperm count and improves sperm morphology. It also improves overall semen quality. It boosts testosterone levels and helps with erectile dysfunction.
There are various other ways to improve motility and sperm count. These include:
Healthy Weight
Research has shown that an individual with a larger Body Mass Index BMI will have problems with motility and sperm count. Hence it is important for a man to maintain a healthy weight and make sure his BMI is within normal range.
Prevent STDs
It is important for men to prevent sexually transmitted diseases in order to maintain good motility and a high sperm count. Avoid indiscriminate sexual activities and be faithful to your partner. Treat any sexually transmitted disease as soon as possible, without delay.
Healthy diet
Foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes and nuts are good for the health of sperm. Eat lots of these foods in the right proportions and avoid consuming lots of processed foods like soda, bread, candy bars and potato chips.
Exercise
Avoid living a sedentary lifestyle. Ensure you engage in exercise regularly and always get moving. Register yourself in a gym and assist with house chores. Do not turn into a couch potato. Living a sedentary lifestyle can adversely affect sperm count and motility.
Avoid Stress
Plan your activities well and avoid stressful situations. Try to be calm at all times and when you realise you are becoming stressed and anxious, practise calming techniques like breathing techniques, yoga and journaling. Stress affects your sexual health, so try as much as you can to avoid stress.
Your Medications
If you are hypertensive, diabetic or depressed and you are on medications, discuss with your physician about the side effects of these medications regarding your fertility. He would be able to prescribe medications that would have minimal effect on your fertility for you.
Keep Your Organs Cool
It is important to keep your organs, especially your scrotum cool at all times because heat can adversely affect sperm motility and count.
Wear loose-fitting underwear, avoid carrying laptops on your laps, avoid hot baths and saunas and avoid sitting for a long period of time.
Conclusion
Herbs that improve motility and sperm count are effective when they are used regularly. However, consult your physician before adding something new to your regimen.
