Causes of Low Sperm Counts in Men

sperm cells that contain less than 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen is considered low. Sperm can affect many different factors. In order for sperm production, it requires a complex function of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and testis. These organs produce hormones that are responsible for sperm production. After the successful production of sperm in the testicles, sperm must then pass through small tubes to seed, where it mixes with sperm and released through ejaculation. If problems arise in any of these systems, low semen volume can occur, sperm shape can be irregular or movement may be affected. When the sperm counts are lower than normal, it can cause problems of male fertility, reducing the chances of fertilizing an egg a partner for a successful pregnancy. Low sperm count can be caused by health problems, environmental factors and lifestyle.

Health problems in men

• Many health problems can cause low sperm count resulting in male infertility. They include:
  
• Infections caused by sexually transmitted diseases, inflammation of the prostate, urinary tract infection or inflammation of the testicle caused by mumps
  
• varicocele, a condition that occurs when the veins that drain the testicles swell, preventing cooling of the testicles, which can lead to male infertility due to low quantities of sperm and a slow movement of sperm
  
• hormonal imbalance from improper functioning of the testes, pituitary gland and hypothalamus of the broad spectrum of diseases, including:
  
• diabetes, disorders of the urinary bladder, urethra or prostate, as well as spinal cord injury can cause retrograde ejaculation of semen, where it empties into the bladder during orgasm instead of penis
  
• Certain medications can cause retrograde ejaculation or decreased sperm count
  
• and cancerous and benign tumors can cause hormonal imbalance, when the gland of the male sexual organ, or directly affect
  
• If the sperm canal defects occur because of illness or injury, these channels can be blocked, preventing the normal ejaculation of semen
  
• Low levels of zinc

Environmental Factors Low sperm counts can sometimes be associated with environmental issues such as excessive exposure to chemicals, toxins or heat, resulting in male fertility problems. This can include:

• Heavy metal
  
• Pesticides
  
• radiation or X-rays
  
• Overheating of testicles wearing tight clothing or frequent use of hot tubs
  
• Excessive pressure on the perineum area as a bicycle seat pressure of prolonged cycling

Lifestyle factors for men:

• Certain habits can also cause low sperm volume. They include:
  
• Excessive alcohol consumption
  
• illegal use of drugs
  
• Tobacco Use
  
• Stress
  
• age (over 35 years)
  
• overweight or under weight
  
• Poor nutrition (deficiencies in folic acid, zinc, vitamin C, selenium)

Tips for improving sperm count Male infertility accounts for forty percent of fertility problems. Research shows that ten percent of men with low sperm can successfully fertilize an egg, although a partner, if a person is tried for more than two years without success, he should seek medical advice. There are some simple things you can do to reverse low sperm volume and increase male fertility. These are:

• Cutting back on alcohol consumption
  
• Quit
  
• to lose extra weight
  
• Do not use illegal drugs (cocaine, marijuana and anabolic steroids low sperm count)
  
• Wear loose-fitting underwear (boxers)
  
• Avoid activities that may cause the testes to heat
  
• Eat foods that contain zinc (oysters)
  
• Increasing consumption fertility foods (fruits and vegetables, pumpkin seeds, pomegranate juice, lean beef, tomatoes)
  
• Avoid using lubricants during sex
  
• Reduce levels of stress (yoga, meditation)
  
• Avoid frequent use of hot tubs, saunas