Ask a naturopath: improving sperm quality

Ask a naturopath: improving sperm quality

Home » Blog » Eric Bakker » Ask a naturopath: improving sperm quality

By Eric Bakker ND

Eric explains how you can improve sperm quality and increase your chances of a natural conception.

My partner and I have recently been told that our chances of getting pregnant naturally are very slim due to a low sperm count. We are non-smokers, do moderate exercise and try to eat healthy most of the time. Is there anything you can recommend to help improve sperm quality and increase our chances of a natural conception? —S Gregory

Did you know that the quality of New Zealand men's sperm has dropped more than 50% in the past 20 years? This represents the most dramatic drop of any Western country.

A gathering of international fertility researchers in Brisbane was told in 2008 that the sperm count carried by the average New Zealand man decreased from about 110 million to 50 million per millilitre between 1987 and 2007. The findings, published in the New Zealand Medical Journal, are based on sperm quality data from 975 men volunteering as anonymous sperm donors.

John Peek, of Auckland's Fertility Associates, said: "It's rather dramatic indeed, and one of the largest seen in studies in other parts of the world. If it dropped to the 20 million danger mark, we would definitely be running into trouble." We certainly would then have a major fertility crisis on our hands.

Average Sperm Counts Worldwide

Year                  Average sperm count (per ml)
1950     100 million
1970           75 million
1990           50 million

Why the drop in sperm counts?

Drug use, alcohol, smoking, obesity and chemicals in the environment have all been linked to a drop in sperm quality, and regular cell phone use has been linked to decreased sperm counts.

In my opinion, some of the main reasons for such dramatic sperm decline in 20 years appears to be both environmental as well as dietary. Lifestyle, diet, nutrition and especially stress are all interfering with men’s sperm production.

Why? A stressed man is more likely to want to 'escape' and drink or smoke more, and more likely to eat on the run and exercise less. And what about the toxic stress today? Artificial sugars, plastics, styrene and the 70,000+ other chemicals in our environment. It has been speculated that many different chemicals are now interfering with both male and female reproductive cycles due to their ability to manipulate and even mimic endocrine (hormone) cycles in the body.

So what are sperm?

Sperm are male reproductive cells manufactured within the male testes that contain the highly specific paternal genetic information to be contributed through the process of fertilisation to the female egg cells.

It is vital for a guy’s sperm to be in good shape if pregnancy is desired. Fertile, healthy sperm are defined not just by the number of sperm (count), but also by sperm concentration, by the way they move (motility), and by healthy morphology (their shape and size).

Sperm motility is determined by the percentage of sperm that are moving and their capacity to 'swim'. Healthy sperm motility allows sperm to sustain vitality and propel themselves through the uterus right up to the fallopian tube—and ultimately penetrate the surface of the ovum and fertilise the egg.

The production of sperm is continuous and requires approximately 70–75 days for the sperm to mature. It is most efficient at 34°C, so exposure to excessive heat or prolonged fever can adversely affect sperm count, motility and morphology. I have seen guys struggle with low sperm counts that are very much into bike racing (tight Lycra shorts!).

Cannabis and sperm counts

I am glad that you are both non-smokers (tobacco, I presume)—but did you know that cannabis in particular is very much linked with male infertility?

Men who smoke marijuana frequently have significantly less seminal fluid, a lower total sperm count and their sperm behave abnormally, all of which may affect fertility adversely, a 2003 study in reproductive physiology at the University at Buffalo in America has shown. This study is the first to assess marijuana's effects on specific swimming behavior of sperm from marijuana smokers and to compare the results with sperm from men with confirmed fertility. Marijuana contains the cannabinoid drug THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is its primary psychoactive chemical, as well as other cannabinoids.

Results of the study were presented (Oct 13, 2003) at the annual meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in San Antonio. "The bottom line is, the active ingredients in marijuana are doing something to sperm, and the numbers are in the direction toward infertility," said Lani J Burkman PhD, lead author on the study. Burkman is assistant professor of gynecology/obstetrics and urology at the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, and head of UB's andrology laboratory, which carries out sophisticated diagnosis for infertile couples.

I tell male patients who come to see me with regard to sperm issues that as long as a guy takes care of the things he can prevent—like smoking, drinking and particularly smoking marijuana—there's nothing to be concerned about. His sperm count, morphology and motility will all improve in time.

Cell phones and sperm counts

Men, beware: Using a hands-free device with a cell phone may affect your fertility if you keep your phone close to your testicles, Cleveland Clinic researchers warn in the journal Fertility and Sterility (Sept 19, 2008).

Men who use hands-free devices tend to carry their cell phones in their pants pocket or clipped to their belts at the waist while in talk mode. As a result, they may be exposing their testicles to damaging radiofrequency electromagnetic waves, explains Ashok Agarwal PhD, head of the andrology laboratory and the director of the Center for Reproductive Medicine at the Glickman Urologoical and Kidney Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.

Naturopathic treatment of male infertility

Naturopathic treatment of male infertility focuses on nutrition, lifestyle, dietary supplements and herbs to assist in improving sperm quantity, sperm quality and overall male reproductive health. Improving diet and making healthy lifestyle choices positively impact male reproductive health, and our clinic has witnessed several successful pregnancies over the years after the male improved his sperm count.

Nutrition  

The importance of a healthy diet cannot be overstated. To function properly, the reproductive system requires the proper vitamins and minerals. Remember—it takes around 70 days (about three months) for sperm to develop and mature. So, knowing this, if you change your diet and lifestyle for this period of time you should be able to develop healthy sperm. Nutritional deficiencies can impair hormone function, inhibit sperm production, and contribute to the production of abnormal sperm.

Eat a natural foods diet that focuses on fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Top diet = top sperm production.
Drink ½ of body weight in ounces of water daily (eg a 75kg man should drink about 1½ litres of water a day).
Eliminate processed and refined foods (eg white flour), junk food, sugars, alcohol and caffeine. Try to bypass the corner store for a pie and a fizzy drink for lunch. Have something fresh and healthy instead (eg kebab).
Avoid saturated fats and hydrogenated oils (eg margarine); use olive oil. Hold the fish and chips, go for an Asian meal instead.
Pumpkin seeds are naturally high in zinc and essential fatty acids which are vital to healthy functioning of the male reproductive system. Eat ¼ cup a day of pumpkin seeds to help maintain a healthy reproductive system.
Oysters are one of the highest zinc containing foods. Eating a few a week will go a long way towards building good sperm levels.

Lifestyle

Avoid cannabis. Several key studies since early 2001 have revealed a major connection between smoking cannabis and a decline in sperm numbers, motility and their shape.
Don’t smoke. There is also a close association between tobacco smoking and low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased number of defective sperm.
Restrict cell phone use. Use a handheld phone and limit the amount of time you speak on a cell phone. Don’t keep a cell phone in your pocket (close to the testicles!).
Stress has a major impact on male fertility. Relax and laugh more!
Increase your libido. Often overlooked, but the more sex (and especially the higher the sex drive) the more chances of a woman falling pregnant. Common sense? Try the herb Tribulus.
Detoxification is something I am keen on with both males and females pre-conception. Conventional doctors laugh at the naturopathic notion of detox. But the happy women who conceive after failed IVF attempts are the ones I have seen have the last laugh after completing a detox. It makes particularly good sense for the guy to detox, especially if he has a history of tobacco and cannabis smoking or chemical exposure behind him.
Identify and treat hypothyroidism. It may increase sperm counts in a man, whether or not they are clinically hypothyroid.
Avoid lycra and other tight-fitted under-clothing. Sperm matures at about 34 degrees centigrade. This is a few degrees lower than your body’s core temperature. Loose fitted clothing will help to achieve this aim. Try boxers instead of briefs—and avoid that Lycra.

Dietary supplements  

The following nutritional supplements have been shown to increase sperm count and/or motility. Allow 3–4 months for the supplements to work. Best to have in combination with a health diet, as no supplements can be a substitute for a crappy diet. Get your foundation right first—your diet. The supplements are the icing on the cake. The ones in bold are, in my opinion, 'must have'.

Arginine—take 4000mg per day. Needed to produce sperm. If the sperm count is below 10 million per ml, arginine probably will not provide any benefit.
Flaxseed oil—take 1 tbsp daily. Is a source of essential fatty acids.
L-Carnitine—take 3–4 grams daily. Required for normal sperm function.
Multivitamin (with minerals)—buy a high-quality product and take one serving size.
Selenium—take 200 mcg daily. Improves sperm motility.
Vitamin B12—take 1000 mcg daily. Vitamin B12 deficiency reduces sperm motility and sperm count. Even if no deficiency exists, B12 supplementation may help men with a sperm count of less than 20 million per milliliter or a motility rate of less than 50%. Best taken as injection weekly and see your GP for six weeks in a block at least. Get a blood test—if on the low side, just do it.
Vitamin C—take 500mg two times daily. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and may improve sperm motility, quality and viability in guys, and in male tobacco (and cannabis) smokers in particular. Vitamin C in addition may protest sperm from the genetic damage that can cause hereditary diseases in offspring.
Vitamin E—take 400 IUs two times daily. Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Vitamin E may be essential for the production of sperm and improves sperms’ ability to impregnate. Supplemental Vitamin E (400–600 IU per day) may improve the quality, quantity and motility of sperm.
Zinc—30mg per day. Supplementation with zinc may increase sperm count and/or motility, especially in individuals with low serum testosterone levels. Taper to once a day after 2–3 months. It needs to be balanced with copper, and I recommend you take a multivitamin daily for this reason.

Herbal Medicine  

Herbal medicines rarely have significant side effects when used appropriately and at suggested doses. They are a great way to boost a guy’s sex drive (especially Tribulus). Herbs are a great adjunct therapy to a few supplements and a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Through my research I found the best herbs to be the following:

Withania (Astragalus membranaceus). Has been linked to the production of sperm.
Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng). Known as a male tonic (an agent that improves general health) and used to increase testosterone levels and sperm count.
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). May increase the sperm count.
Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris). May stimulate the production of sperm and may increase the quality and motility of sperm.
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens). Used for overall male reproductive health.

Conclusion

It is possible to improve your sperm’s health in as little as three months, if you are keen. All it takes is to focus on avoiding your obstacles, whether it be smoking, drinking too much, avoiding the junk in your diet and eating the right foods. Clean up your body if you have a good reason to, and understand the reasons and causes of your poor sperm count.

The supplements will certainly assist—but get the groundwork done first. If successful, you will have one blissfully happy (and hopefully pregnant!) lady and the joys of fatherhood to look forward to.

References

Lani J. Burkman, Ph.D., The effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) on male sperm motility and morphology. (Oct. 13, 2003) at the annual meeting of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine in San Antonio.
Dawson, B. J., et al. Sperm swim singly after vitamin C therapy. Medical News. JAMA. A249(20):2747, 2751, 1983.
Dawson, E. B., et al. Effect of Ascorbic acid supplementation on the sperm quality of smokers. Fertil Steril. 58(5):1034-1039, 1992.
Geva, E., et al. The effect of antioxidant treatment (Vitamin –E) on human spermatozoa and fertilization rate in an in vitro fertilisation program. Fertil Steril. 66:430-434, 1996.
Schachter, A., et al. Treatment of oligospermia with the amino acid arginine. Journal of Urology. 110:311-313, 1973.
L.S.Birnbaum, Endocrine effects of prenatal exposure to PCBs, Dioxins, and other Xenobiotics: implications for policy and future research, Environmental health prospectus vol. 102, Number 8, Aug 94 p.676-679.
E.Carlsen, A.Giwereman, N.Keiding and N.E.Skakkebaek, (1992). British Medical Journal 305,609-613.
R.M.Sharpe, N.E.Skakkeback, Are oestrogens involved in falling sperm counts and disorders of the male reproductive tract? Lancet 341: 1392-1395 (1993).
B.Martin and M.Day, New scientist- This week- fresh alarm over threatened sperm, Jan 97 page 5.
L.D.Russell and R.N.Peterson (1984), Journal of reproduction and fertility 70, 635- 641.
R.B.Land, D.T.Baird and W.R.Carr (1981), Journal of Reproduction and Fertility 62, 131-138.