Overview
There are many things a couple can do to increase their chances of conception, but for men with low sperm counts, finding ways to boost sperm production is key.
While there is no one definitive answer to the question of how to increase sperm count, there are a few methods that seem to be most effective. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do to give your sperm an extra boost!

Low sperm count
A low sperm count is defined as fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter (per ml) of semen. That translates to less than 39 million sperm per ejaculate. A low sperm count is also called oligospermia. A related condition, azoospermia, occurs when a man has no measurable sperm in his semen.
What causes low sperm count?

Several factors can contribute to a low sperm count. These include:
Varicocele
A varicocele is a dilated vein in the testicle that may prevent normal drainage. This can cause the testicle to overheat, which may affect sperm production and quality. Varicoceles are found in about 40% of men with fertility problems. Infection: Infections of the reproductive tract, such as epididymitis or prostatitis, can decrease sperm count. sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can also lead to fertility problems.
Hormone imbalances
Hormonal imbalances may cause problems with sperm production. This includes conditions like hypogonadism, which is when the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. It may also be caused by problems with the pituitary gland, which regulates hormone production.
Testicular trauma
Testicular trauma, such as that caused by a car accident or sport injury, can damage the testicles and lead to a low sperm count.
Medical conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and celiac disease, may lead to a low sperm count.
Lifestyle choices
Certain lifestyle choices can affect sperm production. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, using recreational drugs, and exposure to environmental toxins. Obesity may also play a role.
7 Ways to improve sperm count in males
To improve your sperm count, you can do several things. Some lifestyle changes may improve your sperm count, as well as your overall health. These include:
1. Quit smoking
Studies have shown that smoking can decrease sperm count and quality, as well as lead to erectile dysfunction. If you’re trying to conceive, quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your fertility.
If you’re a man who smokes and you’re trying to conceive, there’s good news: quitting smoking can increase your sperm count. A recent study found that men who quit smoking had a 74% increase in sperm count after just 12 weeks, compared to men who continued to smoke. The study also found that quitting smoking improved the quality of sperm, making them more motile and more likely to fertilize an egg.
If you’re a woman who smokes and you’re trying to conceive, quitting smoking can improve your chances of getting pregnant. Women who smoke are more likely to experience infertility and have a higher risk of miscarrying. Quitting smoking can help reduce these risks and improve your chances of having a healthy pregnancy.
2. Limit or avoid alcohol:
There are many ways in which alcohol consumption can negatively impact male fertility and sperm count. For example, alcohol consumption can dehydrate the body, including the testicles, which can in turn lead to lower sperm count. Additionally, chronic alcohol consumption can damage the liver, which is responsible for producing hormones that are essential for reproduction.
Lastly, alcohol consumption can also impact the central nervous system, which can interfere with sexual function and libido. All of these factors can cumulatively lead to reduced fertility in males.
It is important to note that the impact of alcohol on fertility and sperm count can vary from individual to individual. Therefore, it is best to speak with a doctor before making any decisions regarding alcohol consumption and fertility.
3. Exercise regularly
Exercise is beneficial for overall health and fertility, but it is especially important for male fertility. Exercise can improve sperm count, motility, and morphology. Furthermore, regular exercise can help to reduce stress levels, which can impact fertility.
In addition to its impact on sperm count, exercise can also improve the quality of sperm. One study showed that men who exercised regularly had sperm that was more motile and had a higher percentage of normal morphology than sedentary men. Furthermore, these benefits were seen regardless of the type of exercise that was performed. This means that any type of exercise, whether it be running, weight lifting, or biking, can have a positive impact on sperm quality.
While the exact mechanism by which exercise improves fertility is not fully understood, it is thought to be due to the impact that exercise has on hormones. Exercise has been shown to increase levels of testosterone, which is important for spermproduction. Furthermore, exercise can help to regulate other hormones that impact fertility, such as luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.
While there is no definitive answer as to how much exercise is required to see these benefits, moderate exercise three to five times a week is a good place to start.
4. Lose weight
Excess weight can have an impact on fertility in both men and women. In men, being overweight or obese can lower sperm count and affect the quality of the sperm. Obesity has been linked to low testosterone levels and a lower sperm count. Losing weight may improve fertility. This can make it more difficult to conceive.
In women, being overweight or obese can cause problems with ovulation and make it more difficult to get pregnant. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight while trying to conceive. Excess weight can also impact fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). If you are undergoing IVF, your doctor may recommend that you lose weight before starting treatment.
5. Reduce stress
There is a lot of evidence to suggest that stress can have negative impacts on fertility and sperm count in males. For example, one study found that men who reported higher levels of stress were more likely to have lower sperm counts. Another study found that men who experienced stressful life events were more likely to have reduced sperm motility.
It is not entirely clear how stress impacts fertility and sperm count, but it is thought that the hormone cortisol may be involved. Cortisol is a stress hormone that has been linked to lower sperm counts in animal studies. It is possible that cortisol levels are also involved in reduced sperm counts in humans.
6. Get enough sleep
There are many benefits to getting a good night’s sleep, and one of them may be improved fertility.
The study included 32 men who were undergoing fertility treatment. The men provided information about their sleep habits and underwent a physical examination, including a measure of their testosterone levels.
The men also provided a sperm sample, which was evaluated for its quality.
The findings showed that men who slept for less than six hours per night had lower levels of testosterone and fewer healthy sperm than men who got more sleep.
There was no difference in the number of sperm between the two groups, but the quality of the sperm was lower in the group that slept less.
The study did not find a cause-and-effect relationship between sleep and fertility, but it did show an association.
The findings suggest that poor sleep could be one factor contributing to infertility.
In addition to its effect on hormone levels and sperm quality, sleep may also affect fertility by affecting a man’s overall health.
Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, and managing diabetes and other chronic health conditions. All of these factors can affect fertility.
If you are having trouble conceiving, talk to your doctor about ways to improve your sleep habits. Getting a good night’s sleep may not be the only thing you need to do to boost your fertility, but it is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
7. Take supplements
A common question that people ask is whether or not supplements can improve fertility and sperm count in males. The answer is yes, there are a number of different supplements that have been shown to be effective in improving these aspects of male reproductive health.
One of the most important nutrients for sperm production is zinc. This mineral is essential for the development of sperm, and a deficiency can lead to a decrease in both sperm count and quality. Supplementing with zinc has been shown to improve these parameters in men who are deficient in the nutrient.
Another supplement that has been shown to be effective in improving male reproductive health is Co-enzyme Q10. This nutrient is involved in energy production in cells, and is essential for the proper function of mitochondria. Mitochondria are responsible for producing energy in cells, and a dysfunction in this process can lead to problems with sperm production. Co-enzyme Q10 has been shown to improve mitochondrial function and improve sperm quality in men.
Omega-3 fatty acids are another type of nutrient that has been shown to be beneficial for male reproductive health. These fatty acids are important for a number of different bodily functions, including hormone production and fertility. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to improve sperm quality in men, making it an important nutrient for those looking to improve their reproductive health.
Vitamin D is another nutrient that is important for male reproductive health. This vitamin is involved in a number of different processes in the body, including sperm development and testosterone production. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a number of different problems with reproductive health, so ensuring adequate levels of this vitamin is important for those looking to improve their fertility.
There are a number of different supplements that have been shown to be effective in improving male reproductive health. Zinc, Co-enzyme Q10, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D are all important nutrients for fertility and sperm production. Ensuring adequate levels of these nutrients is essential for those looking to improve their reproductive health.
While there are a number of different supplements that can improve fertility and sperm count in males, it’s important to remember that these supplements should be used in addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle. Eating a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are all important for reproductive health. If you’re concerned about your fertility or sperm count, talk to your doctor about it.
Final thoughts
Male reproductive health is an important aspect of overall health. There are a number of different factors that can affect fertility and sperm count in males, including diet, lifestyle, and supplements. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are all important for reproductive health.
In addition, taking supplements such as zinc, Co-enzyme Q10, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin D can also be beneficial. If you’re concerned about your fertility or sperm count, talk to your doctor about it.
The above article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a physician if you have any questions or concerns about fertility or sperm count.
Thank you for reading!
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About Authors

Dr. Jay Mehta
Fertility and IVF Specialist
Dr. Jay Mehta is the Scientific Director of Shree IVF Clinic. He is a well-known Fertility and IVF Specialist and also among few doctors in the country who specializes in Embryology and Andrology.