Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What is healthy sperm?
• Signs of a healthy Sperm
• Factors that affect the health of the sperm
• Tips to boost the productivity of a healthy sperm
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• References

Introduction​

Maintaining the health of the sperm is crucial for male fertility. Whether the goal is to have a child or to be prepared for future family planning, it's important to know what contributes to the health of sperm.

This blog offers a detailed look at what constitutes healthy sperm, the elements that impact sperm health, and the measures that can be implemented to improve the quality of sperm.

By learning about the characteristics of healthy sperm and the lifestyle decisions that can benefit them, one can control their reproductive well-being and fertility.

What is Healthy Sperm?

Healthy sperm typically means its ability to fertilize a woman's egg successfully. Sperm is a male reproductive cell that the testicles create within the body. They play a crucial role in fertilizing a woman's egg to form a human embryo.

Signs of A Healthy Sperm

Appearance and Color: Normal sperm should appear to be whitish-grey. A yellowish or greenish hue might suggest an infection or different health problems. The fluid that holds the sperm, known as semen, should have a slightly thick consistency and not be excessively thick or too thin.

Sperm count: A higher quantity of sperm is required to enhance the likelihood of fertilizing an egg during sexual intercourse. The sperm count refers to the quantity of sperm one possesses. A healthy sperm count ranges from 15 million to over 200 million sperm per millilitre.

Motility: A healthy sperm must exhibit progressive movement in order to locate and reach the egg. This phenomenon is referred to as sperm motility. At least 40% of sperm in a sample should demonstrate good motility for optimal fertility.

Morphology: The sperm should have a normal shape and structure when seen under a microscope. This phenomenon is referred to as sperm morphology.

Several other factors influence how healthy sperm are:

• Acidity: The pH of semen should be between 7.2 and 7.8.
• White blood cell count: An excess of white blood cells can lower the likelihood of becoming pregnant. The concentration of white blood cells per millilitre should not exceed 1 million.
• Fructose level: Semen should contain a minimum of 150 milligrams per deciliter of fructose.
• Liquefaction: The semen's ability to quickly change into a liquid state is necessary for the fertilization of the embryo.

Factors that Affect the Health of the Sperm

Medical Factors:

• Varicocele: A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins that bring blood to the testicles. It can lower the number of sperm produced and lower the quality of sperm.
• Hormonal imbalances: Not enough testosterone or too much prolactin can affect the quantity and quality of sperm.
• Medications: Chemotherapy drugs, anabolic steroids, some medicines, and some antibiotics may stop the production of sperm and lower the number and quality of sperm. 
• Genetic disorders: Genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome and Y-chromosome microdeletions can make it impossible to get pregnant by changing the production or function of sperm.
• Diabetes: Diabetes can damage nerves and blood vessels, which can make it harder to get and keep an erection and lower the number of sperm.
• Chronic disease: Chronic diseases like kidney disease, liver disease, and cystic fibrosis can make it harder to make and keep sperm.
• High blood pressure: Men with hypertension (high blood pressure) are more likely than men with normal blood pressure to have problems with their sperm, such as less semen volume, fewer movements, a lower total sperm count, and more problems with the structure of their sperm.

Lifestyle factors:

• Age: Sperm count and motility often decline after age 50.
• Smoking: The act of smoking has detrimental effects on the overall quality and health of sperm. It decreases the number of sperm, their ability to move, their shape, and the volume of ejaculated fluid.
• Weight: Being overweight can have a negative impact on the sperm count. It is crucial to keep in mind that obesity can change the genes in the sperm, which the unborn child may inherit. This phenomenon is referred to as the epigenetic impact.
• Alcohol consumption: Individuals who consume alcohol excessively may see a reduction in the quality of their sperm. In addition, individuals who use alcohol excessively may experience erectile dysfunction.

Environmental Factors:

• Exposure to toxins: Living or working in places where one can be exposed to toxins and their related products, such as chemicals, pesticides, or radiation, among others, increases the chances of experiencing lower sperm count and quality and higher DNA fragmentation.
• Temperature: For sperm to be of good quality, the temperature of the testicles must be lower than the body’s normal temperature. Hot baths or spending too much time in the spa is not recommended.

Psychological Factors:

• Stress: Chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances that negatively affect sperm production and quality. Stress can increase cortisol levels, which can suppress the function of testosterone and other hormones essential for sperm production.
• Depression: Depression can also alter hormonal balance, reducing testosterone levels and affecting sperm quality. Additionally, some medications used to treat depression may impact sperm parameters.
• Anxiety: Anxiety can lead to similar hormonal disruptions as stress and depression, impacting sperm quality. It can also affect lifestyle choices that indirectly influence sperm health.
• Sleep Disorders: Poor mental health can lead to sleep disorders, which can in turn affect sperm quality. Sleep is crucial for regulating hormones that play a role in sperm production.

Tips to Boost the Productivity of a Healthy Sperm

Simple steps to increase the chances of producing healthy sperm:

• Sustain a healthy weight: There is some evidence to imply that a decrease in sperm count and movement is associated with an increase in body mass index (BMI).
• Consume a nutritious diet: Consume an abundance of fruits and vegetables, as they are abundant in antioxidants and may enhance sperm health.
• Prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhoea and chlamydia can cause infertility in men. Limiting the number of sexual partners and consistently employing a condom during sexual intercourse, or remaining in a mutually monogamous relationship with an infected partner can help safeguard against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Overcome anxiety: Stress can impair sexual function and disrupt the hormones required for the production of sperm.
• Physical activities: Moderate physical activity can increase levels of powerful antioxidant enzymes, which can help protect sperm.
• Avoid extreme heat: High temperatures in the groin area can interfere with sperm production.

Conclusion

Fertility depends on having healthy sperm. Sperm health can be evaluated by examining factors like size and volume. Various lifestyle factors, including being overweight or smoking, can negatively impact the quality of semen. 

Men can increase their chances of a successful conception by changing their lifestyles to produce healthier sperm. This includes awareness of environmental and medical issues and a healthy lifestyle.

Semen testing and routine examinations are essential for tracking sperm health and quickly resolving any problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to make new sperm?

Typically, males generate millions of fresh sperm daily. Nevertheless, the process of sperm maturation typically requires approximately 74 days.

How can I check my sperm health at home?

Home sperm test kits can provide initial information about sperm count and motility, but they are not as comprehensive or accurate as professional semen analyses.

What is considered a normal sperm count?

A normal sperm count ranges from 15 million to over 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

What tests are available to assess sperm health?

There are various tests to evaluate sperm health. Semen analysis measures sperm count, motility, and morphology. Hormonal testing assesses levels of hormones that regulate sperm production. Genetic testing identifies potential genetic issues affecting sperm. Ultrasound examines the reproductive organs for abnormalities that might affect sperm production.

How long is sperm viable?

Sperm can remain viable for up to five days within the female reproductive tract after ejaculation. Outside the body, in the right conditions, sperm can survive for a few hours.

References

• Medical News Today (2022). What is a Sperm? Available at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sperm#what-is-it. (Accessed on 03/06/2024).
• National Library of Medicine (2022). Study on Influencing Factors of Semen Quality in Fertile Men. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8902237/. (Accessed on 03/06/2024).
• National Library of Medicine (2013). Sperm Parameters: Paradigmatic Index of Good Health and Longevity. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5586815/. (Accessed on 03/06/2024).
• National Library of Medicine (2014). The relationship between male BMI and waist circumference on semen quality: Data from the LIFE study. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3896223/. (Accessed on 03/06/2024).
• Mayo Clinic (2022). Healthy sperm: Improving your fertility. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/getting-pregnant/in-depth/fertility/art-20047584. (Accessed on 03/06/2024).
• Healthline (2018). The 7-Step Checklist to Healthy, Fertile Sperm. Available at https://www.healthline.com/health/mens-health/mens-guide-healthy-fertile-sperm. (Accessed on 03/06/2024).
• Oxford Academy (2017). Temporal trends in sperm count: A systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Available at https://academic.oup.com/humupd/article/23/6/646/4035689?login=false. (Accessed on 03/06/2024).