You can check for low sperm count at home using over-the-counter semen analysis kits, which are similar to pregnancy tests, or advanced kits that use phone apps for more detail on sperm concentration and movement (motility). While convenient and private, these kits offer limited information compared to a professional lab test and are best for screening, with a doctor visit recommended for definitive answers on fertility.
The two main options are:
For a home sperm test, you collect a semen sample by ejaculating into a cup. Some people like to use a home test because they can take the test in private. Results often are ready in minutes. And the cost is less than for laboratory tests.
Your semen is checked under a microscope to see how many sperm are present. Sometimes, a computer helps measure sperm count. Semen samples can be collected in a couple of ways. You can provide a sample by masturbating and ejaculating into a special container at the healthcare professional's office.
Signs of Unhealthy Sperm
Some things may damage sperm, such as alcohol, certain medicines and toxic chemicals. To protect fertility: Don't smoke. People who smoke cigarettes are more likely to have low sperm counts.
Symptoms
The present study showed that antioxidant supplements, especially a combination of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and CoQ10 intake can effectively improve semen parameters in infertile men.
Health, lifestyle and other causes
Human semen is composed of fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands which mix during ejaculation. The seminal vesicles contribute 70% of semen volume, which contains fructose as the main energy source for sperm.
4 common causes of infertility in men
Low sleep quality, as assessed through the Pittsburg sleep quality index (PSQI), was found to negatively affect sperm concentration, while poor sleep duration (<6 h) had an impact on sperm motility [34].
Here Are 11 Tips On How To Increase Sperm Count & Improve Sperm Quality
How to Increase Sperm Count
Sometimes known as sperm morphology, normal forms measure the shape and size of your sperm within the sample. Normal results range from 4% to 48%, but it's unusual to see more than 8% of your sperm having normal forms in your sample.
The following are different semen colors that may indicate abnormal sperm health, based on changes in color:
Yes, watery sperm can get a woman pregnant if the sperm count, motility, and morphology are normal. The thickness or thinness of semen alone does not guarantee or rule out fertility.
There is no medical guidance on how frequently a male should ejaculate. More frequent ejaculation and sex can offer numerous health benefits, such as managing stress, relieving pain, improving heart health, and reducing high blood pressure.
Drinking orange or grapefruit juice that contains 100 percent fruit juice can provide the same benefits as consuming these fruits directly. For those who do not prefer drinking juice, adding fresh lemon juice to their water can also be an effective way to increase sperm count.
Male fertility generally starts to reduce around age 40 to 45 years when sperm quality decreases. Increasing male age reduces the overall chances of pregnancy and increases time to pregnancy (the number of menstrual cycles it takes to become pregnant) and the risk of miscarriage and fetal death.
Treating infertility
An important part of fertility testing for men is a semen analysis. Men are asked to provide a sample of their semen, which will be reviewed in a lab in order to: Check for the presence of sperm and sperm count. Assess the shape of the sperm (morphology).
Can oligospermia be corrected? It depends on the cause. In some cases, you may increase your sperm count by stopping medications or behaviors that contribute to low sperm levels. Other causes may need treatments.