LOW SPERM COUNT: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW 

Did you know that your sperm count is considered lower than normal if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen, and that sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time might lower sperm count?

Sperm is the male reproductive cell, or gamete, in anisogamous forms of sexual reproduction. The word sperm is derived from the Greek word σπέρμα, sperma, meaning "seed". Low sperm count means that the fluid (semen) you ejaculate during an orgasm contains fewer sperm than normal. A low sperm count is also called oligospermia. A complete absence of sperm is called azoospermia. Your sperm count is considered lower than normal if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. 

Having a low sperm count decreases the odds that one of your sperm will fertilize your partner's egg, resulting in pregnancy. Nonetheless, many men who have a low sperm count are still able to father a child. The main sign of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. There might be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some men, an underlying problem such as an inherited chromosomal abnormality, a hormonal imbalance, dilated testicular veins or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause signs and symptoms.

Low sperm count symptoms might include: problems with sexual function — for example, low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction), pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area; decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosome or hormone abnormality.

The production of sperm is a complex process and requires normal functioning of the testicles (testes) as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands — organs in your brain that produce hormones that trigger sperm production. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis. Problems with any of these systems can affect sperm production. Also, there can be problems of abnormal sperm shape (morphology), movement (motility) or function. However, often the cause of low sperm count isn't identified.

Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include: varicocele (a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle), ejaculation problems, certain medications such as blood pressure medications (alpha blockers), antibodies that attack sperm, tumors, undescended testicles, hormone imbalances, defects of tubules that transport sperm, chromosome defects, celiac disease, certain medications, prior surgeries.

Environmental causes by overexposure to certain environmental elements, include: industrial chemicals (extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead), heavy metal exposure, radiation or X-rays, overheating the testicles such as sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time might increase the temperature in your scrotum and slightly reduce sperm production.

Health, lifestyle and other causes include: drug use, alcohol use, certain occupations including welding or those associated with prolonged sitting, such as truck driving; tobacco smoking, emotional stress, depression, weight (obesity), sperm testing issues such as testing a sperm sample that was taken too soon after your last ejaculation; was taken too soon after an illness or stressful event; or didn't contain all of the semen you ejaculated because some was spilled during collection.

Low sperm count is not a permanent problem as it can be treated. While there are drugs for this, there are more natural ways to boost your sperm count. This includes lifestyle changes, as well as eating certain foods. According to Collins Nwokolo on healthguide[dot]ng, here are some Nigerian foods that boost sperm count.

1. Nuts, especially walnuts, not only boost your sperm count but also help to improve sperm quality which is another important thing that ensures your fertility as a man. Nuts contain healthy fats that facilitate the production of the cell membrane for sperm cells. Walnuts are excellent sources of healthy fats and protein. Healthy fat is essential for the production of the cell membrane for sperm cells. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help boost the volume of sperm by promoting blood flow to the testicles. Walnuts also contain arginine, which contributes to the increase in sperm count.

2. Eggs. If you needed more reasons to eat eggs as a man, think of your sperm count. Eggs do a lot of good for your sperm. First, they boost production, increasing your sperm count. The vitamin E and zinc in eggs also improve the motility of the sperm, meaning it allows it ‘swim’ or move better, increasing the chances of fertilising the eggs. Eggs also keep your sperm healthy by eliminating free radicals in the sperm.

3. Bananas play a big role in male fertility. Bananas are rich in Vitamins B1 and C and magnesium which boost the production of sperm. They also contain Bromelain, a rare enzyme that improves sperm motility as well as increases your sperm count. Besides all of this, bananas help put you in the right mood and also regulate your sex hormones.

4. Beans may come as a surprise but beans play a big role in boosting sperm production and quality. This is because it contains zinc, a nutrient that increases your sperm count and helps with motility as well. Whichever way you choose to take your beans, you can get to benefit from them a whole lot. There are many more Nigerian foods rich in zinc, which can boost sperm count.

5. Unripe plantain. Although there are no studies to back this up, there are people who attribute unripe plantain to sperm production and quality. They maintain that unripe plantain helps to thicken sperm, which is very important and also increases your sperm count. 

6. Sardines are made with mackerel, a small, fatty fish. Mackerel is full of polyunsaturated fats, which are crucial for the healthy development of the sperm membrane. They also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which medical experts suggest can improve sperm count, motility, and concentration.

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/symptoms-causes/syc-20374585

https://tribuneonlineng.com/6-nigerian-foods-that-boost-sperm-count/