You can know if you're fertile through professional testing, primarily a semen analysis, which checks sperm count, movement (motility), and shape (morphology). Other key steps include a medical history review, physical exam for testicular issues, and hormone blood tests. While lifestyle (diet, exercise) and some signs like normal ejaculation quality can offer clues, only specific medical tests confirm fertility, especially if struggling to conceive after a year.
We cannot determine male fertility by looking at a man or even by analysing his general health and lifestyle factors. To know if you are fertile, you will need to get tested. The depth of analysis and what the testing can tell you depends upon the package you opt for.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a low sperm count include:
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.
4 common causes of infertility in men
Normal, healthy semen is a milky white, or grayish liquid, with the consistency of egg white or honey. The smell of semen is typically described as alkalinic, akin to bleach.
The concentration of sperm decides the texture and thickness of your semen. A watery semen is indicative of a low sperm count. The watery texture can also be attributed to other factors. However, it doesn't necessarily mean that you're infertile or you can't conceive with your partner.
Changes in the taste of semen caused by eating certain foods and liquids take days to weeks to manifest. Prostate secretions, which make up a large portion of semen, are produced a few days before ejaculation, so drinking a liter of pineapple juice today will not sweeten your semen tonight.
You may not make enough sperm or healthy sperm. You may have a genetic problem, such as cystic fibrosis. You may have a blockage in your genital tract. You may be more likely to have male infertility if you have had genital infections, injury to your testicles, or early or late puberty.
Things you can do if you have a low sperm count
Sometimes, male infertility can be associated with a low production of testosterone from the testicles. In this case, symptoms such as tiredness, impotence, depression, weight gain and apathy may occur.
For men, some of these signs include a healthy sperm count, high-quality sperm that can swim quickly and easily, and a good balance of hormones. For women, good fertility indicators include regular ovulation, the presence of cervical mucus, and the regularity of menstrual cycles.
The main negative lifestyle habits and environmental conditions affecting male fertility include an inadequate diet leading to obesity, air pollution, exposure to harmful chemicals (food and drinks, agricultural and industrial products), exposure to heat, cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, stress, inadequate physical ...
Male Fertility Facts
Peak male fertility is around 25-29 years old. Sperm quality begins to decline at 30. At 45, men begin to experience a significant decrease in semen volume.
Signs of Unhealthy Sperm
In reality, if you only rub your genital organs while still wearing clothes or rub through underwear, pregnancy is unlikely if the male's semen only sticks to the outside of the woman's underwear.
Normally, semen is a thick liquid and is white in color. However, several factors can alter the color and consistency of semen. Watery sperm can be a sign of low sperm count, indicating that fertility may be affected. Watery sperm can also be a temporary condition that does not seriously impact health.
Takeaways. Semen contains fewer than 25 calories and small amounts of basic nutrients. It's not a good nutritional source, because the amount of nutrients in each ejaculation is low. Swallowing semen can put you at risk of getting sexually transmitted infections.
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.
A complete lack of sperm occurs in about 10% to 15% of men who are infertile. A hormone imbalance or blockage of sperm movement can cause a lack of sperm. In some cases of infertility, a man produces less sperm than normal. The most common cause of this condition is varicocele, an enlarged vein in the testicle.
To protect fertility: