Male Fertility and Sperm Health

There are a wide number of potential causes and reasons for male infertility - and most have nothing to do with refusing to wear boxers. Some infertility issues are brought on by physical problems and nutritional or health issues. Other interrelated issues may be tied to the quality, number, and production of sperm.

Let's look at a few terms and definitions. First, healthy sperm are indicated by sperm count, by sperm motility, and correct morphology (sperm shape and size). Sperm motility is determined by the percentage of sperm that are moving and qualified by the sperm’s capacity to swim in a sustained, forward direction. Healthy sperm motility is the critical attribute that allows sperm to propel themselves through the uterus to the fallopian tube, penetrate the surface of the ovum, and fertilize the egg.

Checking the Swimmers: Potential Problems with Sperm

Now that we know what sperm are supposed to do, let's look at a few possible fertility issues.

Azoospermia is when no sperm are produced, or the sperm aren't appearing in the semen.
Oligiospermia relates to sperm count or the number of sperm produced. With oligiospermia, not enough sperm are produced. Home sperm tests can alert you to low sperm counts.
Motility problems are when sperm aren't moving normally. Poor sperm motility means they are less likely to get where they need to go and less likely to of fertilize an egg. Supplements rich in antioxidants and L-carnitine can support male fertility and promote healthy sperm motility.
Sperm morphology problems relate to the shape, the form and structure of the sperm. Poor sperm morphology may cause infertility. Again, supplements like FertilAid for Men may promote or support healthy sperm production and morphology: recent studies have found that men can improve their low sperm counts by taking a combination of antioxidants, L-Carnitine, and minerals like Zinc.

Home Testing Kits for Sperm Count

The FertilMARQ Home Diagnostic Screening Test is an easy-to-use screening test to measure your sperm concentration and indicate potential oligiospermia issues. The test determines whether your sperm concentration is above or below 20 million sperm cells per milliliter (million/mL). Two test results with sperm concentration less than 20 million/mL can alert you to possible male fertility issues.

The FertilMARQ Test works by staining the cells in a sperm sample to produce a color. The intensity of this color is then compared to a color reference on the FertilMARQ test cassette. The color comparison will tell you whether the sperm concentration in the test sample is above 20 million/mL (a positive test) or below 20 million/mL (a negative test).

Taking this screening test will indicate if you have a low amount of sperm in your semen. You can provide these test results to your physician to aid in determining male fertility conditions.

Infertility Issues and Clinical Tests

More comprehensive sperm tests can be carried out by a doctor or infertility clinic. This involves a semen analysis, which will check the quality and quantity of the sperm in the semen. A semen analysis can detect oligiospermia, azoospermia, sperm motility issues and sperm morphology problems.

Other common (non-medical) causes of male fertility include simple excessive exercise. Studies have shown that exercising too much may lead to the release of too many steroid hormones. Of course, stress can affect fertility, as can weight issues, use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. Exposure to toxins and environmental hazards. Pesticides, lead, radiation, radioactive substances, mercury, and heavy metals may affect fertility.

Boxer Shorts and Laptop Computers
- Lose the Tighty Whities

Here's where the boxer shorts come in. High temperatures in the testicles could reduce sperm production. High heat could result from wearing clothing that's too tight around the testicles. Avoid frequent hot baths and get those laptops off your lap, say recent studies. And lose the tighty whities.

Herbal Supplements for Male Fertility

If your sperm count is an issue, timing intercourse in order to build up a better concentration of sperm may be advised. You should also ask about taking vitamins or fertility supplements. Some recent studies have found that men can improve their low sperm counts by taking a combination of antioxidants, L-Carnitine, and minerals like Zinc. FertilAid for Men combines all of these ingredients, and in addition offers Grapeseed extract, a potent antioxidant.