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Male infertility can be caused by various health conditions and lifestyle factors, which lead to poor sperm parameters including sperm count, movement and shape which can reduce the chances of pregnancy and one important factor is low sperm count. There is a common misconception that taking pills or supplements can significantly increase sperm count, however, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of such pills in increasing sperm count.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ankush Raut, Senior Consultant – Fertility and IVF at Apollo Fertility in Borivali, Mumbai, shared, “While some supplements may claim to increase sperm count, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any medication or supplement. Several factors can affect sperm count, such as lifestyle choices, underlying health conditions, and genetics, and it is essential to address these factors to improve sperm count.”
“In some cases, certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, zinc and folic acid, may be beneficial for sperm health. However, it is best to obtain these nutrients through a balanced diet rather than relying solely on supplements. Ultimately, it is important to address any concerns about sperm count with a healthcare provider who can provide personalised advice and recommendations based on individual circumstances,” he explains.
For couples trying to conceive, infertility in either partner can be a hindrance to success and while female infertility is often talked about, male infertility can also significantly impact a couple’s chances of conceiving. Various research has found that in one-third of cases infertility is due to female factors, one-third due to male factors and the rest due to a combination of both.
Commenting on this, Dr Jyoti Tripathi, Fertility Consultant, Nova IVF Fertility, Indore said, “Age affects fertility and semen parameters, but low sperm count can affect individuals of any age group. One may not experience any major signs or symptoms due to low sperm count. It is mostly diagnosed on routine semen analysis during fertility checkups of couples who cannot conceive. Several conditions can cause low sperm count such as diabetes, hormonal imbalances, certain genetic conditions, sexually transmitted infections, previous surgeries and environmental toxins. Other possible causes include unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking, vaping, excessive alcohol consumption and use of illicit drugs.”
Talking about the treatment for low sperm count, which depends on the cause, Dr. Jyoti Tripathi said, “Certain supplements or tablets may help increase sperm count and quality, including hormone supplements, antibiotics to treat underlying infections, and certain antioxidants. Various vitamin supplements and antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, zinc, folic acid, L-carnitine have been studied, but their effect has been minimal unless there is an actual deficiency. It is very important to take these medications only under medical guidance. Your doctor can tell you about the pros and cons, as some dietary supplements, especially those taken in high doses or for a long time, can have serious side effects.”
He cautions, “While certain medications can potentially help improve sperm count and fertility, their effectiveness also depends on other factors such as the underlying cause of low sperm count and the man’s response to treatment. It is also important to address other health issues and make necessary lifestyle changes rather than relying solely on pills. Without proper medical tests, one may misdiagnose the underlying cause of infertility. Hence, it is important to consult a fertility specialist who can evaluate and recommend the right treatment options to address a man’s specific problem.”
Dr Jyoti Tripathi concludes, “Low sperm count can make conception difficult and increase the time, but it is still possible to get pregnant naturally with the help of proper guidance and treatment. One should seek timely medical advice instead of relying only on self-medications and remedies. Following a healthy lifestyle can help improve overall fertility health. This includes a healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, avoiding tight undergarments, hot baths and saunas.”
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