Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsNatural RemediesOther FoodsPrescription Medications
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Natural Remedies
Other Foods
Prescription Medications
Medical treatments may be necessary for people with very low sperm counts, but evidence-based natural treatments can also increase sperm count. As many as 2% of all males have poor sperm quality, which can include low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal sperm shape, or a combination of those factors.
A low sperm count and other sperm quality factors can result in infertility. From 1973 to 2011, the sperm count of people in the Western world decreased significantly. This decrease may point to negative changes in reproductive health as well.
Maskot / Getty Images
A Note of Gender and Sex Terminology
Verywell Health acknowledges thatsex and genderare related concepts, but they are not the same. To reflect our sources accurately, this article uses terms like “female,” “male,” “woman,” and “man” as the sources use them.
1. Exercise Regularly
Research has shown a connection between obesity and fertility.
A study published in 2017 examined whether regular exercise improvesspermquality in people with obesity.A 16-weekaerobic training programsignificantly improvedsperm countand motility.
This research also found that exercise increased serumtestosteronelevels. Testosterone is a sex hormone required for sperm production. The study provides evidence that regular exercise can improve sperm count and fertility.
2. Get Quality Sleep
Agood night’s sleepis important for overall health, including male fertility. A 2017 study looked at howsleep deprivationor late bedtimes can impact sperm count.
This research evaluated over 900 men and how their sleep schedule affected their sperm health. The research showed that those who slept for less than six hours a night had the worst sperm health when compared to other groups. Those who went to bed late, after 10 p.m., also had worse sperm health.
The study also determined that sleeping for extended periods does not improve sperm health. It found that sleeping more than nine hours could also have a detrimental effect.
3. Relax and Minimize Stress
Stresscan negatively impact a person’s life and cause both physical and psychological health issues. One of the physical health changes is a lowered sperm count.
A study followed almost 200 males over three years and found that those with increased life stress had a decrease in their sperm quality. Interestingly, work stress did not cause any changes.
While it may not be possible to eliminate stress,reducing itmay have a positive impact on fertility and overall health.
4. Avoid Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking
Alcohol, drugs, and smoking are well known for causing a multitude of health concerns. However, there are limited research studies that look at how their use affects sperm count.
One literature review from 2018 looked at howalcohol, drugs, and smoking affected male fertility. The review found that all three habits negatively affected male fertility and sperm health.
Avoiding alcohol, drugs, andsmokingmight be a reasonable decision for anyone trying to increase sperm count and conceive.
Drugs used recreationally that can affect sperm include anabolic steroids and opioids.
5. Discuss Prescription Medications With a Healthcare Provider
Certain prescription medications affect sperm count. It’s important to discuss concerns about a prescription with a healthcare provider before stopping it. The benefits of the medication may outweigh the side effects.
Below is a list of some of the medications that can affect sperm health:
6. Limit Exposure to Contaminants
Exposure to contaminants, specificallyair pollution, can affect the body in many ways. One way that has been studied is sperm count.
A 2019 retrospective study in Italy found that men who lived in low-to-middle-low industrial areas had higher sperm counts than those in middle-to-high industrial areas.This suggests that air pollution can negatively impactmen’s reproductive health.
Supplement Safety
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications. As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label.
7. Get Enough Vitamin D and C
Vitamin Dis found in some foods and is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight. Researchers are looking at how vitamin D levels affect sperm health.
A 2019 review found some uncertainty about vitamin D’s role in male fertility. The review suggested vitamin D could influence sperm motility and male fertility, but more studies are needed to clarify its role.
Vitamin Cis an antioxidant that protects sperm from free radical damage. Consuming vitamin C or taking supplements may help increase sperm count.
8. Focus on a Healthy Fat Intake
Healthy fats contain polyunsaturated fat, which includesomega-3and omega-6 fatty acids. A systemic review study found that omega-3 treatments significantly improved sperm motility.
This suggests that eating a diet rich in omega-3 can improve sperm health.Plant foods high in omega-3include:
Another option is to take an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. However, check with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, as it can interact with other medications.
9. Eat More Antioxidant-Rich Foods
When people eat a diet rich in antioxidants, they may be able to reduce the risk of certain health conditions.Antioxidant-rich foodslike fruits and vegetables can benefit sperm health.Examples of antioxidants are:
10. Limit Soy and Estrogen-Rich Foods
Like any food, moderation is key. Men might avoid eating excessive soy to prevent changes tosperm health.
Other Foods to Help Improve Sperm Count
No one food is superior for improving sperm count. Research has found that a healthy, well-rounded diet is best for overall andsperm health. Fruits, vegetables, andlegumeshave been shown to improve sperm quality and motility.
Semen Analysis Before TreatmentA semen analysis can determine if there is a problem with sperm that can cause infertility. It’s important to get this analysis before treating potential fertility problems, as it can guide a healthcare provider to the right treatment.
Semen Analysis Before Treatment
A semen analysis can determine if there is a problem with sperm that can cause infertility. It’s important to get this analysis before treating potential fertility problems, as it can guide a healthcare provider to the right treatment.
A healthcare provider can prescribe medication for people with very low sperm counts and infertility. Two options are clomiphene and human chorionic gonadotropin.
Clomiphene is an estrogen receptor blocker that stimulates thepituitary glandandhypothalamus. This creates more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which can increase sperm count.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is used in men with low testosterone levels to increase FSH and LH levels and also increase sperm count.
Summary
A low sperm count is one cause of impaired fertility. A healthcare provider can determine if you have a low sperm count or otherwise impaired sperm quality. Several natural ways can boost sperm count. A healthcare provider can determine if medication is better suited for your situation.
Discuss supplements and vitamins with a healthcare provider, as they can interact with medications. Do not stop or adjust dosages of prescription medications without the advice of a healthcare provider.
20 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kumar N, Singh AK.Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: a review of literature.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015;8(4):191-6. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.170370Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, et al.Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.Human Reproduction Update. 2017;23(6):646-659. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmx022Rosety MÁ, Díaz AJ, Rosety JM, et al.Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults.Nutr Hosp. 2017;34(3):603-607. doi:10.20960/nh.549Liu MM, Liu L, Chen L, et al.Sleep deprivation and late bedtime impair sperm health through increasing antisperm antibody production: a prospective study of 981 healthy men.Med Sci Monit. 2017;23:1842-1848. doi:10.12659/MSM.900101Janevic T, Kahn LG, Landsbergis P, et al.Effects of work and life stress on semen quality.Fertility and Sterility. 2014;102(2):530-538. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.021Sansone A, Di Dato C, de Angelis C, et al.Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction and male fertility.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018;16(1):3. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0320-7Univeraity of Washington Medical Center.Medicines that affect male fertility.Ding J, Shang X, Zhang Z, et al.FDA-approved medications that impair human spermatogenesis.Oncotarget. 2017;8(6):10714-10725. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.12956Brezina PR, Yunus FN, Zhao Y.Effects of pharmaceutical medications on male fertility.Journal of Reproduction & Infertility. 2012;13(1):3.Cannarella R, Liuzzo C, Mongioì LM, et al.Decreased total sperm counts in habitants of highly polluted areas of Eastern Sicily, Italy.Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2019;26(30):31368-31373. doi:10.1007/s11356-019-06248-xCito G, Cocci A, Micelli E, et al.Vitamin D and male fertility: an updated review.World J Mens Health. 2020;38(2):164. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190057New England Fertility Institute.Maximizing male fertility.Hosseini B, Nourmohamadi M, Hajipour S, et al.The effect of omega-3 fatty acids, epa, and/or dha on male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2019;16(2):245-256. doi:10.1080/19390211.2018.1431753Harvard Health.Omega-3 foods: incorporating healthy fats into your diet.Li K peng, Yang X song, Wu T.The effect of antioxidants on sperm quality parameters and pregnancy rates for idiopathic male infertility: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Endocrinol. 2022;13:810242. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.810242MedlinePlus.Antioxidants.Harvard School of Public Health.Straight talk about soy.University of Chicago Medicine.Don’t make the mistake of letting a diet kill sperm.MedlinePlus.Semen analysis.NYU Langone Health.Medical treatments for male infertility.
20 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Kumar N, Singh AK.Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: a review of literature.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015;8(4):191-6. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.170370Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, et al.Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.Human Reproduction Update. 2017;23(6):646-659. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmx022Rosety MÁ, Díaz AJ, Rosety JM, et al.Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults.Nutr Hosp. 2017;34(3):603-607. doi:10.20960/nh.549Liu MM, Liu L, Chen L, et al.Sleep deprivation and late bedtime impair sperm health through increasing antisperm antibody production: a prospective study of 981 healthy men.Med Sci Monit. 2017;23:1842-1848. doi:10.12659/MSM.900101Janevic T, Kahn LG, Landsbergis P, et al.Effects of work and life stress on semen quality.Fertility and Sterility. 2014;102(2):530-538. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.021Sansone A, Di Dato C, de Angelis C, et al.Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction and male fertility.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018;16(1):3. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0320-7Univeraity of Washington Medical Center.Medicines that affect male fertility.Ding J, Shang X, Zhang Z, et al.FDA-approved medications that impair human spermatogenesis.Oncotarget. 2017;8(6):10714-10725. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.12956Brezina PR, Yunus FN, Zhao Y.Effects of pharmaceutical medications on male fertility.Journal of Reproduction & Infertility. 2012;13(1):3.Cannarella R, Liuzzo C, Mongioì LM, et al.Decreased total sperm counts in habitants of highly polluted areas of Eastern Sicily, Italy.Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2019;26(30):31368-31373. doi:10.1007/s11356-019-06248-xCito G, Cocci A, Micelli E, et al.Vitamin D and male fertility: an updated review.World J Mens Health. 2020;38(2):164. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190057New England Fertility Institute.Maximizing male fertility.Hosseini B, Nourmohamadi M, Hajipour S, et al.The effect of omega-3 fatty acids, epa, and/or dha on male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2019;16(2):245-256. doi:10.1080/19390211.2018.1431753Harvard Health.Omega-3 foods: incorporating healthy fats into your diet.Li K peng, Yang X song, Wu T.The effect of antioxidants on sperm quality parameters and pregnancy rates for idiopathic male infertility: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Endocrinol. 2022;13:810242. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.810242MedlinePlus.Antioxidants.Harvard School of Public Health.Straight talk about soy.University of Chicago Medicine.Don’t make the mistake of letting a diet kill sperm.MedlinePlus.Semen analysis.NYU Langone Health.Medical treatments for male infertility.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Kumar N, Singh AK.Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: a review of literature.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015;8(4):191-6. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.170370Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, et al.Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.Human Reproduction Update. 2017;23(6):646-659. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmx022Rosety MÁ, Díaz AJ, Rosety JM, et al.Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults.Nutr Hosp. 2017;34(3):603-607. doi:10.20960/nh.549Liu MM, Liu L, Chen L, et al.Sleep deprivation and late bedtime impair sperm health through increasing antisperm antibody production: a prospective study of 981 healthy men.Med Sci Monit. 2017;23:1842-1848. doi:10.12659/MSM.900101Janevic T, Kahn LG, Landsbergis P, et al.Effects of work and life stress on semen quality.Fertility and Sterility. 2014;102(2):530-538. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.021Sansone A, Di Dato C, de Angelis C, et al.Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction and male fertility.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018;16(1):3. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0320-7Univeraity of Washington Medical Center.Medicines that affect male fertility.Ding J, Shang X, Zhang Z, et al.FDA-approved medications that impair human spermatogenesis.Oncotarget. 2017;8(6):10714-10725. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.12956Brezina PR, Yunus FN, Zhao Y.Effects of pharmaceutical medications on male fertility.Journal of Reproduction & Infertility. 2012;13(1):3.Cannarella R, Liuzzo C, Mongioì LM, et al.Decreased total sperm counts in habitants of highly polluted areas of Eastern Sicily, Italy.Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2019;26(30):31368-31373. doi:10.1007/s11356-019-06248-xCito G, Cocci A, Micelli E, et al.Vitamin D and male fertility: an updated review.World J Mens Health. 2020;38(2):164. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190057New England Fertility Institute.Maximizing male fertility.Hosseini B, Nourmohamadi M, Hajipour S, et al.The effect of omega-3 fatty acids, epa, and/or dha on male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2019;16(2):245-256. doi:10.1080/19390211.2018.1431753Harvard Health.Omega-3 foods: incorporating healthy fats into your diet.Li K peng, Yang X song, Wu T.The effect of antioxidants on sperm quality parameters and pregnancy rates for idiopathic male infertility: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Endocrinol. 2022;13:810242. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.810242MedlinePlus.Antioxidants.Harvard School of Public Health.Straight talk about soy.University of Chicago Medicine.Don’t make the mistake of letting a diet kill sperm.MedlinePlus.Semen analysis.NYU Langone Health.Medical treatments for male infertility.
Kumar N, Singh AK.Trends of male factor infertility, an important cause of infertility: a review of literature.J Hum Reprod Sci. 2015;8(4):191-6. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.170370
Levine H, Jørgensen N, Martino-Andrade A, et al.Temporal trends in sperm count: a systematic review and meta-regression analysis.Human Reproduction Update. 2017;23(6):646-659. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmx022
Rosety MÁ, Díaz AJ, Rosety JM, et al.Exercise improved semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in sedentary obese adults.Nutr Hosp. 2017;34(3):603-607. doi:10.20960/nh.549
Liu MM, Liu L, Chen L, et al.Sleep deprivation and late bedtime impair sperm health through increasing antisperm antibody production: a prospective study of 981 healthy men.Med Sci Monit. 2017;23:1842-1848. doi:10.12659/MSM.900101
Janevic T, Kahn LG, Landsbergis P, et al.Effects of work and life stress on semen quality.Fertility and Sterility. 2014;102(2):530-538. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.04.021
Sansone A, Di Dato C, de Angelis C, et al.Smoke, alcohol and drug addiction and male fertility.Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2018;16(1):3. doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0320-7
Univeraity of Washington Medical Center.Medicines that affect male fertility.
Ding J, Shang X, Zhang Z, et al.FDA-approved medications that impair human spermatogenesis.Oncotarget. 2017;8(6):10714-10725. doi:10.18632/oncotarget.12956
Brezina PR, Yunus FN, Zhao Y.Effects of pharmaceutical medications on male fertility.Journal of Reproduction & Infertility. 2012;13(1):3.
Cannarella R, Liuzzo C, Mongioì LM, et al.Decreased total sperm counts in habitants of highly polluted areas of Eastern Sicily, Italy.Environ Sci Pollut Res. 2019;26(30):31368-31373. doi:10.1007/s11356-019-06248-x
Cito G, Cocci A, Micelli E, et al.Vitamin D and male fertility: an updated review.World J Mens Health. 2020;38(2):164. doi:10.5534/wjmh.190057
New England Fertility Institute.Maximizing male fertility.
Hosseini B, Nourmohamadi M, Hajipour S, et al.The effect of omega-3 fatty acids, epa, and/or dha on male infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Dietary Supplements. 2019;16(2):245-256. doi:10.1080/19390211.2018.1431753
Harvard Health.Omega-3 foods: incorporating healthy fats into your diet.
Li K peng, Yang X song, Wu T.The effect of antioxidants on sperm quality parameters and pregnancy rates for idiopathic male infertility: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Front Endocrinol. 2022;13:810242. doi:10.3389/fendo.2022.810242
MedlinePlus.Antioxidants.
Harvard School of Public Health.Straight talk about soy.
University of Chicago Medicine.Don’t make the mistake of letting a diet kill sperm.
MedlinePlus.Semen analysis.
NYU Langone Health.Medical treatments for male infertility.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
