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what determines if sperm is healthy? |
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one factor is the quantity as said by myhusband urologist. You're most likely to be fertile if your ejaculate — the semen discharged in a single ejaculation — contains more than 39 million sperm. |
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importantly, the quality. You're most likely to be fertile if more than 4 percent of your sperm have a normal shape and structure. A normal sperm has an oval head and a long tail, which work together to propel it forward. Sperm with large, small, tapered or crooked heads or kinky, curled or double tails are less likely to fertilize an egg. |
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Motility is very imporatnat factor to consider. To reach the egg, sperm have to move on their own — wriggling and swimming the last few inches to reach and penetrate the egg. You're most likely to be fertile if more than 40 percent of your sperm are moving. |
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What's the best way to produce healthy sperm? |
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Take a multivitamin. A daily multivitamin can help provide vitamin E and vitamin C — nutrients that are important for optimal sperm production and function. |
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Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These foods are rich in antioxidants, which may help improve sperm health. |
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Manage stress// Stress may interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm. Stress can also decrease sexual function. |
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should get plenty of physical activity. this is good for reproductive health as well as overall health. Don't overdo it, however. If you exercise to exhaustion, you may experience a temporary change in hormone levels and a drop in sperm quality. |
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Watch your weight like my hubby. Too much body fat may disrupt production of reproductive hormones, which can reduce your sperm count and increase your percentage of abnormal sperm. You're most likely to produce high-quality sperm if you maintain a healthy weight. |
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are there any off-limits? any ideas? |
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LIke me,, you should avoid tobacco. If you use tobacco, ask your doctor to help you quit. Smoking can cause sperm to be misshapen and move slowly. In addition, smoking can damage your sperm's DNA, possibly affecting a baby's growth, development and risk of cancer. Chewing tobacco also may cause low sperm counts. |
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Limit your intake of alcohol. Heavy drinking can reduce the quality and quantity of sperm. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to no more than one or two drinks a day |
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Steer clear of illicit drugs. Marijuana can decrease sperm motility and increase the number of abnormal sperm. Cocaine and opiates can contribute to erectile dysfunction. |
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Skip the tub. Spending more than 30 minutes in water that's 104 F (40 C) or above may lower your sperm count. Avoid hot tubs and steamy baths. Saunas may have a similar effect. |
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Limit your time on the bike. Sitting on a bicycle seat for more than 30 minutes at a time — especially if you also wear tight bicycle shorts — may raise your scrotal temperature and affect sperm production. If you bike, choose a bike seat that's not too hard or narrow, and make sure it's adjusted to keep weight on your "sit bones." While you're biking, stop for frequent rests. |
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