Decline in Male Fertility, Effect of Aging Process and Low Sperm Count

Most men do not realize that we are slowly losing our manhood. Sure, they feel as excited as ever, but what they do not know is their sperm count is almost certainly substantially lower than their father and grandfather before them. Today the man facing lower fertility, reduced sperm health, sperm count and up to 40 of couples planning a baby will have trouble conceiving. In 26% of these "problem cases" the problem lies with the male, usually due to a problem with low sperm count. This means that millions of couples will experience infertility problems which are caused by problems in the sperm of man.

Low sperm count, reduced sperm motility and malformed sperms are main causes of male infertility. Several biological and environmental factors that affect sperm count, motility and morphology. Many factors have been mentioned in ayurvedic texts. The causes of low sperm count are briefly explained below.

Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the effect of the aging process on male fertility. The decline in male fertility has been noted as age progresses. Maintenance of good health by following healthy lifestyle and diet slows the aging process. The rate of fertilization starts falling for men who are above 40.

Overheating of testicles:
Overheating of testicles due to high fever, hot tub, saunas, tight pants or under garments can cause low sperm count. The testes (two egg-shaped structures) remain in the scrotum outside the body, where the temperature is about 3 degrees C, cooler than internal body temperature. Thus, any factor that increases the temperature of testicles causes low sperm count.

Drug Addictions:
Reduce drug sperm motility and sperm count by as much as 50%.
Smoking reduces the sperm count, sperm motility and also causes genetic changes. Smoking causes low sex drive, erectile dysfunction or impotence.
Alcohol can damage sperms. Hence alcohol intake should be reduced to increase fertility.

Diet and Life Styles:
The stress at work or in family, strained relation ship, lubricants or spermicides used in condoms and physical stress can temporarily cause low sperm count.
Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies cause low sperm count. Deficiency of vitamin C, zinc, selenium etc can reduce sperm count.
Bicycling can cause low sperm count, as testicles and scrotum may get injured during riding.
Some studies have shown that obesity may be a cause of low sperm count.
Environmental factors:
Overexposure of toxins, chemicals and infections. Pesticides, hydrocarbons and mumps in adult hood can cause low sperm count.
Chronic exposure to heavy metals such as lead, arsenic or cadmium can cause low sperm count.
Radiations and X-rays affect sperm producing cells.
Genetic factors:
Malformed tissues or organs in the male reproductive system.
Obstruction of semen carrying tubes.
Persons with 1 extra X chromosome, normal in man is 1 X and 1 Y chromosome