Sperm count refers to a measurement typically taken by a health care provider or a fertility specialist.  The sperm count measures the number of viable sperm that are contained in a certain volume of a man’s semen.  Sperm count is only one of the measurements taken in a semen analysis, but sperm count is the most common causes of male fertility problems.

The World Health Organization has put together statistics that indicate a normal sperm count.  First, The concentration of spermatozoa should be at least 20 million per ml.  The total volume of semen should be at least 2ml.  The total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate should be at least 40 million.  Of the spermatozoa found in the semen, at least 75 per cent of the spermatozoa should be alive (it is normal for up to 25 per cent to be dead).  In addition, while it doesn’t technically refer to sperm count, there are other important measurements indicated by the WHO.  At least 30 per cent of the spermatozoa should be of normal shape and form, at least 25 per cent of the spermatozoa should be swimming with rapid forward movement, and at least 50 per cent of the spermatozoa should be swimming forward, even if only sluggishly.

A normal sperm count can often run much higher than these minimums, however.  For example, some studies suggest that a normal sperm count, far from the minimum of 20 million sperm per ml of semen, is more likely to be a number between 40 million sperm per ml of semen and 300 million sperm per ml of semen.

A low sperm count can come from any number of factors.  It can be as simple as an infection or a nutritional deficiency, or it can be more complex such as occurs with varicoceles or with a genetic cause.  The good news is that there are usually treatments of some sort available for a man who does not have a normal sperm count, although they may be expensive and aggressive treatments, such as IVF and ICSI.

There are many potential factors that can go into having a low sperm count.  As such, a low sperm count is the leading cause of fertility problems among men.  Some of the causes of low sperm count will go away on their own.  Some of the causes of low sperm count may be resolved medically.  In many cases, however, low sperm count may not be able to be resolved at all.

It is important, first, to understand what exactly is meant by a low sperm count.  In a “normal” sperm count, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO for short) the concentration of sperm within semen should be at least 20 million sperm per ml of semen.  The total volume of the semen should be at least 2 ml, and therefore the total number fo sperm in the ejaculate should be at least 40 million.  Any time a man’s sperm count is below these figures, he is considered to have a low sperm count.

There are a myriad of causes of low sperm count.  One of the most common types of causes, and one which often cannot be resolved, is genetic causes.  In some cases, this could include Cystic Fibrosis, where a patient is missing or has an obstructed vas deferens (the tube that carries sperm.)  Klinefelter Syndrome is another common genetic cause.  Men who have Klinefelter system, in which they carry two X and one Y chromosome, may negatively impact the testicles and cause infertility.  Kartagener syndrome, which is a disorder in which the position of the major organs are reversed, can also cause infertility.

There are lifestyle-related factors, as well, that can be causes of low sperm count.  Stress can lead to a low sperm count by interfering with hormones.  Smoking and illicit drug use can also impair sperm count.  Nutritional deficiencies, such as selenium, zinc, foliate and Vitamin C may be risk factors for causes of a low sperm count.  Even exposure to heavy metals or toxins can cause a low sperm count.  Some studies even suggest an association between obesity and low sperm count.

Regardless of the particular causes of low sperm count, some men have had luck using traditional medical remedies for low sperm count, whereas others have tried home remedies, supplements, and other methods to increase their sperm count.

Having a low sperm count can be an extremely frustrating condition.  Because of the many factors that can contribute to having a low sperm count, medically trying to address a low sperm count can often be a long and complicated process.  In the end, medicine does not always provide a positive answer, either.  Fortunately, there are indeed ways that a man may be able to increase his sperm count naturally, without medical intervention or without the aid of a fertility specialist.

The first way to increase your sperm count naturally is to take some dietary measures.  Your diet should include whole, unprocessed foods.  The best foods to use to help increase your sperm count naturally are thought to be whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.  In addition, Raw sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds have been shown to help with male fertility.  It is recommended that a man with a low sperm count eat 1/4 cup of raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds each day. Keeping to organic foods and avoiding drugs or alcohol may also be able to help increase your sperm count naturally.

There are also varieties of vitamin supplements that may be able to assist you with increasing your sperm count naturally.  They include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Selenium, Zinc Arginine, and Carnitine.  A variety of herbal remedies, from Maca to Goshkura to Extracts Vriddadaru may also be ways to help increase your sperm count naturally.  There are a variety of herbal and vitamin supplements available over the counter that may contain some of these sorts of ingredients.

Ultimately, in some cases, a low sperm count cannot be increased, whether medically or naturally.  In some cases, the cause of a low sperm count may not even be known.  However, it is often worth the effort for you to try to find some ways to increase your sperm count naturally, in addition to seeking medical assistance with a low sperm count.