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Sperm health is not a common topic widely discussed among people, especially so for more conservative communities. But still, it’s an essential topic for men who take this seriously.
Do you know that the average sperm count for men has been on a worldwide downward trend based on the statistics from the World Health Organization?
According to Dr Ronny Tan, a consultant urologist and andrologist with Advanced Urology Associates, the criteria for normalcy is a sperm count of 15 million/millilitre. But the figures have dropped globally from a previous normal count of 20 million/millilitre in 1999.
Dr Janice Tung, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with Thomson Fertility Centre, adds that this means that the chances of conceiving for men are about 20 per cent lower. Mayo Clinic shares that the issue is often shown through low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection.
Need help? Experts in the field answer four questions you might have regarding sperm health. Let’s take it from professionals from here.
#1: Boxers vs Briefs. Which is better?
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We bet you’ve heard advice regarding keeping it loose down there. Turns out to be, that family friend of yours might be right. Dr Tan points out that the testes are hanging in the scrotum for a good reason.
As such, boxers are believed to be sperm-friendlier than briefs. This is because the tighter your undergarment, the more it pushes the testes up towards the body. This increases the testicular temperature which you should avoid.
Ideally, the testes should be about 2 degrees Celsius lower than your average core body temperature of 36.9 degrees Celsius. Be mindful if you want to improve sperm production and maintain the health of the sperm.
“Elevated temperatures have been shown to lead to the arrest of sperm production, oxidative stress and DNA damage to sperm,” Dr Tung shares.
“I wouldn’t go as far as to advise men to go commando or go pant-less at home for this purpose. But they are welcomed to do so for other reasons of their own,” she wittily remarked.
With all that said, those who are diligently trying for a baby should look into their wardrobe and maybe make necessary style changes for this period. Yes, this also means having to give up that slim and sleek looking pants for a while.
#2: Is smoking, drinking, and mobile phone radiation exposure bad?
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Based on an analysis published on BMC Public Health in 2019, smokers were found to have lower sperm counts. The study also saw an increase in defective sperm heads, necks, and tails. If you’re actively looking to conceive, reconsider smoking.
Heavy drinkers who have 15 or more drinks a week should also be aware of the damages it has on sperm production. Healthline reveals that increased alcohol intake:
- Causes early or decreased ejaculation
- Shrinks the testes, which causes impotence
- Changes the shape, size, and movement of healthy sperms
- Alters gonadotropin release, which impacts sperm production
Mobile phones alongside obesity, and the use of testosterone or steroids for bodybuilding, were also cited by Dr Tung as factors associated with infertility. A 2014 study on the influence of direct mobile phone radiation on sperm quality also found an interconnection between radiation exposure, DNA–fragmentation level, and decreased sperm motility.
#3: Does cycling affect sperm health?
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Sitting on a bike seat for prolonged periods can lead to a temporary numb feeling down there. But it’s more than just a mere sensation. According to Dr Tan, the compression on the nerve in the Alcock’s canal can occasionally affect penile erections.
“Men who do long-distance cycling may experience numbness of the penis. Some men may also experience erectile dysfunction due to injury to the nerve and the blood vessels within the canal,” he adds.
This does not apply just to males who underwent intense cycling training but also to non-professional low-intensity cyclists. Dr Tung noted that to prevent sperm parameters from being suppressed, it’s probably wise to limit the duration and frequency of your cycling sessions. This is especially so if you’re trying to conceive.
But do not give up on exercising. This is because a BBC report shared that men who exercised 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes had better sperm health. If you frequently engage in contact sports such as football, hockey, rugby, or martial arts, please wear a scrotal guard.
#4: Should I keep to a particular diet?
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Dr Tung said that full-fat dairy products, coffee, and sugar-sweetened beverages are linked to poor semen quality and lower fertility rates. So keep those in check while grocery shopping or dining out.
As it’s most likely common sense for many, a healthy diet leads to a healthy body. Thus, take in more vegetables, fruits, fish, poultry, cereals, and low-fat dairy products instead. For supplements, Dr Tan recommends consuming selenium, zinc, L-carnitine, L-arginine, coenzyme Q10, and Vitamins A, C and E.
To end this off, Dr Chong Kian Tai, a consultant urologist at PanAsia Surgery, urges those who are worried about their scrotal health to make an appointment for in-depth tests. An ultrasound testes scan, hormone test, and/or semen analysis can provide answers to any physical discomfort, sperm health, or burning questions you have about your fertility.
