Live Science states that a healthy adult man can release between 40 and 1.2 billion sperm cells in a single ejaculation, but the truth is that not all men produce the same amount of sperm and that amount may be associated with genetic factors , food and temperature.
Do you know what really affects the sperm count and what happens if it is lower than normal? Know 6 facts that may scare you about this matter.
6 facts about sperm count
1. It takes millions of sperm to fertilize an egg
According to Dr. Craig Niederberger, from the University of Illinois, approximately 90% of sperm do not have the optimal conditions for fertilization. Many of them can have two heads or two tails, and only half of them move in a straight line; while some swim in circles or do not get to the egg: for this reason so many are required.
For his part, Dr. Peter Stahl, director of male sexual and reproductive medicine at the Columbia University Medical Center indicates that the sperm count in an ejaculation is determined by the concentration of sperm, which is obtained from multiplication millions of sperm per milliliter. According to him, men should have at least 40 million in each ejaculation to avoid fertility problems.
2. There is a general decrease in sperm count
Recent studies on sperm count have shown a decrease in more than 50% of men in the United States, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Researchers have also confirmed that the rate of decline is not slowing down (Levine et al., 2017).
According to Scientific American, the possible decrease in sperm is due to a deterioration in general health conditions.
3. You should not place your computer near the reproductive area
Heat is a bad idea for sperm production. According to prostate.net , the testicles must be 14 degrees cooler than the rest of the body to have healthy sperm .
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt indicates that the testicles need to be kept cooler than the rest of the body. Soaking in or heating hot tubs can affect sperm production .
4. Weight affects sperm count
Overweight men are more likely to have a low sperm count . According to Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, 33% of obese men have a low sperm count and 7% had no sperm count. For his part, Dr. Arash Akhavein, from the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, reports that a low sperm count is associated with increased body fat, increased cholesterol (LDL), diabetes, and osteoporosis and the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5. Smoking can reduce the number of sperm
Smoking can affect fertility. Dr. Jamin Branhmbhatt says that smokers, including those who smoke marijuana, have 22% less sperm compared to those who are not in the habit of smoking. Also, sperm tend to be smaller and slower.
6. STDs affect sperm count
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) keep sexual activity on hold and can also decrease sperm count.
Dr. Peter Stahl says that gonorrhea and chlamydia can cause a medical condition known as epididymitis , which results in an inflammation of the coiled tube at the back of the testicles that stores and carries sperm.
As a result of the aforementioned diseases, inflammation occurs, which results in scars and obstructions that limit the passage of sperm and, in some cases, the obstruction can be complete, so the sperm count becomes zero .
Some research has shown that Sexually Transmitted Infections can affect sperm production , for this reason it is worth taking care of yourself.
Reference
- Levine, H., Jørgensen, N., Martino-Andrade, A., Mendiola, J., Weksler-Derri, D., Mindlis, I.,… Swan, SH (2017). Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis. Human Reproduction Update . 1-14.
