Things to avoid to improve sperm quality

Understanding male reproductive function and the importance of male factor infertility has advanced over the last decade. Today both female and male are the focused of infertility treatments in many couples, it has been shown that male factors causing infertility in approximately 20% of infertile couples and male factor is an important contributor in 20-40% of couples with reproductive failure

Gross examination of semen analysis:
Volume 1.5-5ml
PH >7.2
Viscosity <3 (scale of 0-4)
Sperm concentration > 20 mil/ml more than 10 mil normal motile sperm
Percent Motility >50%
Forward progression >2 (scale of 0-4)
Morphology > 14% (kruger strict and >30% WHO

In Chinese Medicine, there are several physiological factors that must come together to enable a man to be fertile. He must have adequate kidney essence, his life gate fire must be sufficiently warm too power the engenderment and transformation of kidney essence into semen and sperm, he must have free flowing liver qi to regulate kidney qi transformation and maintain normal ejaculation, he must be free of obstructions such as phlegm and blood stasis so that the seminal pathway is sufficiently patent to allow normal ejaculation, he must be free from damp heat and heat toxins in the essence chamber that might otherwise scorch and decoct the semen and damage the sperm, and he must have adequate qi and blood to ensure the constant cultivation of the later heaven essence which can be stored in the kidney and can supplement early essence heaven.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine are effective ways to improve overall sperm quality.

Below are few suggestions to avoid in order to improve sperm quality.

High Temperatures
The body is 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Sperm functions best at 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Long distance driving or sitting, hot baths, saunas, hot tubs, tight fitting underwear, and athletic support straps, all can raise the temperature of the scrotum, therefore 'cooking' the sperm.

Stress
Stress causes overactive sympathetic nervous system as the result of this; blood gets routed to vital organs for survival such as the lungs, heart, and brain. Since testes are not vital organs they are malnourished when the body is under constant stress.

Alcohol
Alcohol interferes with the secretion of testosterone, speeds up the conversion of testosterone into estrogen, and lowers sperm count and sex drive. The breakdown product of alcohol in the body is acetaldehyde, which is toxic to sperm.

Smoking
Smoking increases the number of free radicals in the body which will cause damage to many cells. It reduces sperm count and motility, and increases the number of abnormally shaped sperm (poor sperm morphology). Free radicals that are said to be responsible for 40 percent of sperm damage can be battled with antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, seleum, zinc, blackberries, blueberries, garlic, kale, strawberries, brussels sprouts, plums, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, red peppers, grapeseed extract, and pine bark extract. A man who stops smoking marijuana will probably see an improvement in the quality of his sperm within a few months.


Drugs
Aside from the many prescription drugs that effect fertility, the chemical ingredient in Marijuana is very closely related to testosterone, therefore the body will produce less of the male hormone. It builds up in the testes lowering libido, causing impotence, and sometimes sexual anxiety. The effects of cocaine are similar in some aspects. A man who stops smoking marijuana will probably see an improvement in the quality of his sperm within a few months. Common antibiotics like penicillin and tetracycline can wipe out a sperm harvest. Phenytoin, glucocorticoids, sulfasalazine, and nitrofurantoin are other drugs thought to effect sperm motility.

Caffeine
May impair sperm production, cause chromosomal abnormalities, and effect sperm motility.

Medical Problems
Hernia surgery, tubule infection, Chlamydia, or mumps may affect sperm count. Diabetes can also have detrimental effects on male fertility. Common antibiotics like penicillin and tetracycline can wipe out a sperm harvest.

Exercise
Yes, it is good for you, although, excessive amounts that punish the body may lower sperm count (heat) and temporarily reduce testosterone production.

Toxins and Pollutants
Eat Organic! Also watch exposure to X-rays, solvents, paint products, and toxic metals. Also, CLEAN / FILTER THE AIR IN YOUR HOME, areas of the world with high pollution such as car exhaust has been correlated to statistical drops in sperm count. APEs are used as emulsifiers and are found in detergents, paints, pesticides, plastic wraps, textiles and cosmetics. Phthalates, which make plastic flexible, are the most abundant manmade chemicals in the environment, and are present in the human diet. When these chemicals were tested on animals at levels approximating human exposure, they found effects similar to those of DES. It appears that industrial chemicals can actually mimic hormones.

Environmental Estrogens
These are known to damage the Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells are responsible for the production of sperm. The meat we eat is filled with hormones, unless it is organic. Estrogens are now found in our drinking water from plastic bottles. Other plastics dishes also give off estrogens. Do not microwave plastic, and try to drink from glass containers. If you are drinking water from a plastic bottle, try to limit its exposure to the sun or heat. Balance your intake of water between bottled water and filtered tap water (or tap water that has been let sit on the counter for a few hours).

Dibromochloropropene (DBCP)
It causes male sterility. DBCP has allegedly caused epidemics of childlessness among plantation workers. Therefore eating local organic foods is important. Avoid tropical non-organic fruits and vegetables.

X-Rays
The testes are acutely sensitive to X-rays.