There are a number of things that can cause a low sperm count. These include blocked sperm tubules, medications (especially alpha blockers) and varicocele. Diet and lifestyle changes can also improve fertility. These include avoiding excessive alcohol and avoiding overheating of the testicles.
If you are using trt and wish to be a father in the future, it is best to discuss this with your doctor. He may suggest alternatives to trt that will help with fertility issues, such as HCG.
1. Exercise
Men often think that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) will decrease fertility, but it doesn’t. The truth is that a low testosterone level can cause sex drive issues and erectile dysfunction, but it won’t stop you from becoming a father. You just need to talk to your doctor and ask for guidance.
The main causes of a low sperm count include genetic disorders like Klinefelter syndrome and cystic fibrosis, infections that affect the reproductive organs, hormone imbalances and blockages. There are also things you can do to improve your sperm count, such as losing weight by exercising, eating healthy and drinking enough water.
You should also avoid exposing your testicles to heat, such as the hot tub, working in a high-temperature environment or spending too much time in a warm shower or bath. Wearing tight underwear and trousers will make the testicles warmer, which can negatively impact sperm production. Instead, you should consider wearing looser clothing such as boxer shorts. This will reduce the temperature in the testicles and increase your sperm count. In addition, reducing your caffeine intake and avoiding smoking can also boost sperm levels.
2. Diet
A healthy diet is a key component in increasing fertility. Incorporating foods that are rich in nutrients and avoiding processed meats, sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages can help boost sperm count. Additionally, it is important to stop smoking as this can reduce levels of hormones that are crucial for male fertility.
Exercise is also a key factor in improving fertility. Research has shown that men who go from sedentary to exercising three to five times a week show increased sperm counts and other measures of sperm quality within just a few months.
Regular ejaculation can also increase sperm count as it removes weak sperm that could lead to infertility. However, over-experiencing can be just as harmful as not having enough sperm, so it is important to have sex only when necessary and limit masturbation.
If you are considering using TRT to increase your testosterone level and wish to conceive, it is important that you discuss this with your doctor. They can advise you on alternate treatment options that might be more suitable to your end goal, such as hCG, which is known to restore sperm production without inhibiting LH and FSH.
3. HCG
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an important treatment for many men. However, it can decrease sperm count and make it more difficult to conceive. Many men are not counseled properly about the effects of TRT and fertility.
Most men who use TRT experience a significant decrease in their sperm count while on treatment. In some cases, they reach azoospermia (complete absence of sperm on semen analysis). Most of the time this is temporary and the sperm count will recover once the TRT is stopped. However, for a minority of men this does not happen and they may remain azoospermic.
HCG is a powerful hormone that mimics LH and stimulates the production of testosterone in the testes. It is particularly helpful in men with secondary and mixed hypogonadism (low testosterone). Studies have shown that men can maintain their fertility when HCG is used alongside injectable and transdermal testosterone. (see Wenker et al 2015). The best results are obtained with a combination of HCG and low dose injectable testosterone. This can be done at GENESIS Fertility New York.
4. Steroids
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a common treatment for hypogonadism, but it can also have negative impacts on fertility. The hormones used in TRT suppress the hypothalamic pituitary-gonadal axis, which can reduce sperm production. However, stopping TRT or taking lower doses of testosterone can allow the body to recover normal sperm levels.
Other things that can affect sperm count include chronic illnesses like diabetes and HIV, and surgeries in or near the testicles, such as hernias, vasectomies and prostate removals. Using supplements that boost testosterone or anabolic steroids can also disrupt the body’s natural testosterone and sperm levels.
To ensure you have the best sperm count possible, have your semen tested before starting TRT. The results can help diagnose any fertility issues that may be preventing you from getting pregnant. The two most important factors to consider are the volume and concentration of your semen sample. A low volume means fewer healthy sperm are present, while a low concentration means the sperm that are there may not be in a good shape to fertilize an egg.
5. Vitamins
In addition to exercise, eating a balanced diet and staying well rested, supplements can be an important part of increasing sperm count. Vitamins C, E and folic acid are especially important to sperm health. One study showed that men who eat more plant-based whole foods containing these vitamins, as well as co-enzyme Q10 and zinc, have higher sperm concentrations and better sperm motility. In the same study, men who eat more dairy products have lower sperm concentrations and worse sperm motility.
The quality of a man’s sperm is determined by how many sperm are in the semen (sperm count) and by how well the sperm move (motility). A normal sperm count is more than 20 million per milliliter of semen. A low sperm count means that there are fewer sperm than usual or that the sperm cannot move as well.
A high sperm count is an essential factor in having children. For this reason, it is recommended to eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, avoid alcohol, and reduce stress.
