The quantity of sperm is one of the key factors in determining the probability of fertilization. A sperm count lower than 15 million per ml is considered abnormal and commonly associated with male infertility. The motility determines the sperm’s ability to swim through the female reproductive system. Males are determined to be highly fertile if 40% of their sperm is motile.
The third pillar – sperm morphology is maybe not as directly important as the quantity and motility, but it plays a crucial role in male fertility. The analysis below will inform you how to assess sperm morphology, how to improve sperm morphology in general, and provides certain easy solutions for improving low sperm morphology and (in some cases) abnormal sperm morphology.
Can Sperm Morphology Be Improved?
Yes, Sperm Morphology can indeed be improved using some home remedies, herbal treatments, and traditional solutions. These may not be professionally administered drugs, but they have been used to improve sperm health for centuries, including sperm morphology.
Some of the low sperm morphology treatments and even abnormal sperm morphology treatments are potentially amongst these simple home solutions, which include supplements, herbs, essential oils, foods, and lifestyle changes.
Did You Know?
Based on the most current World Health Organization guidelines, a healthy sperm count is 15 million per milliliter (ml) or at least 39 million per sample.
How to Improve Sperm Morphology Naturally
CURE 1: Supplements
1. Vitamin C
At a fundamental level, Vitamin C is an antioxidant. It plays a vital role in improving male fertility, including morphology, quantity, and motility. Taken as a supplement, Vitamin C can be an excellent abnormal sperm morphology treatment. A study(1) has shown that Vitamin C supplements taken twice a day for up to two months reduced the proportion of abnormal sperm cells by more than 55%.
You can take 1000 mg Vitamin C supplements twice a day. Besides supplements, other sources of Vitamin C that can be consumed include citrus fruits and their juices, sweet peppers, and various vitamin C rich vegetables.
[Read: How to Cure Abnormal Sperm]
2. Vitamin D
While not as well-researched a supplement as Vitamin C, supplements of Vitamin D have been linked to increases in sperm quantity, and testosterone, increasing the quantity, is another way to increase the absolute number of ‘normal’ shaped sperm. However, you should be aware that more research needs to be done in the area.
You can consume standard doses of Vitamin D3 supplements on a daily basis. Oily fish, cheese, egg yolks, beef liver, dairy products, mushrooms, and exposure to the sun are other ways of consuming Vitamin D.
3. Vitamin B12
According to research(2), Vitamin B12 is an excellent nutrient that facilitates improved sperm health across all three pillars of motility, the quantity of sperm, and morphology. Specifically, in terms of morphology, Vitamin B12 has been shown to reduce the DNA damage in the sperm.
Standard doses of Vitamin B12 supplements available offline and online should be fine. Other than supplements, fish, clams, meats such as liver, dairy products, etc. could be consumed as part of a Vitamin B12 rich diet.
[Read: Common Sexual Problems in Men]
4. Vitamin B9
Low levels of Folate or Vitamin B9 have been linked to damaged sperm DNA and low sperm quantity. Increased intake of folate can improve sperm health, including morphology.
Consume standard Vitamin B9 supplements or eat foods rich in vitamin B9 such as green leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach, fruits such as oranges, nuts, beans, peas, whole grains, rich flour products such as bread and pasta.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to enhance overall sperm health, including morphology.
How to use it, and how much?
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include plant-based oils such as soybean, flaxseed and canola oil, seafood, fish, including salmon and sardines, chia seeds, walnuts, and many more.
CURE 2: Herbs
1. Ashwagandha
Withania somnifera, popularly known as the ashwagandha root, is a well-known adaptogenic herb with antioxidizing properties. Recent research on Withania somnifera seems to indicate that it may help improve semen health.
For example, in particular research(3), participants taking 5 grams of Ashwagandha root powder for 90 days experienced a significant improvement in sperm quality. Increasing the overall sperm count helps improve the absolute number of ‘normal’ sperms.
300 mg dosage of Ashwagandha once or twice a day is suggested according to one research. You can consult an expert in herbs for a more customized consumption regimen of Ashwagandha.
[Read: Benefits of Ashwagandha]
2. Fenugreek
Before understanding more about Fenugreek, readers should be aware that research outcomes on Fenugreek have differed from each other. The positive research outcomes for Fenugreek suggest that the herb helps increase testosterone levels. The neutral research(4) outcomes suggest only the maintenance of existing sperm levels.
Fenugreek can be consumed orally. Possible dosage is 600 mg of fenugreek seed extract daily.
[Read: Amazing Fenugreek Benefits]
3. Ginseng
Ginseng contains an active component known as Ginsenoside, which may facilitate nitric oxide production. Production of nitric oxide is directly related to sperm function.
How to use it, and how much?
Speak with your doctor before deciding whether to consume ginseng or not and, if yes, decide the dosage after consultation with your doctor. Ginseng may have some harmful side-effects, such as inducing a change in blood pressure.
[Read: Wondrous Ginseng Benefits]
CURE 3: Lifestyle Changes
1. Exercise
There isn’t a direct correlation between sperm morphology and exercise, but research(5) has shown that males who work-out regularly or are involved in any physical activities similar to exercise tend to have increased testosterone levels and sperm of a higher quality.
How to use it, and how much?
Just exercise daily once or twice. If you have a hectic schedule, then going for a run every day may be a good idea.
2. Avoid Alcohol
Why does it work?
Too much alcohol can reduce sperm quantity and quality. There is no harm in consuming alcohol, as long as the consumption is done in moderation.
How to use it, and how much?
Up to two units(6) per day is considered moderate for men. Anything above that is excessive.
3. Quit smoking
Why does it work?
An integrated study which consolidated the results of over 20 different researches with about 6000 subjects posited that smoking reduced overall sperm quantity.
How to use it, and how much?
It’s quite simple. Smoking is injurious to health and your sperm. Avoid it.
[Read: Naturopathic Remedies for Quit Smoking]
4. Reduce stress
Why does it work?
Reducing stress helps improve a male’s sexual health. According to research, the level of cortisol is inversely proportional to the level of testosterone. Cortisol secretion increases with stress. Therefore, increased stress is not the most conducive environment for your testosterone levels. Furthermore, high stress also tends to reduce sexual satisfaction and impairs fertility.
Take a walk, meditate, exercise, and spend some time with friends to reduce stress.
CURE 4: Foods
1. Broccoli
Broccoli contains Vitamin B9 or folate. As mentioned earlier in the article, increased intake of folate can improve sperm health, including morphology.
How to use it, and how much?
Eating broccoli in your meals frequently is a good idea. In a week, three to four broccoli based-meals can be consumed. The vegetable contains high amounts of fiber, so be cautious against overeating it as it may cause gas or irritable bowel.
[Read: Health Benefits of Broccoli]
2. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts are a rich source of vitamins that can boost fertility and improve sperm quality. They are suggested to be consumed, especially when you are trying to have a child.
How to use it, and how much?
1 to 2 cups a day or up to 10 cup servings of brussels sprouts in a week is said to be a good idea. Similar to broccoli, Brussels sprouts are also fibrous. Therefore, you must be wary of overconsumption.
3. Kiwi
Kiwi is rich in Zinc – a metal which plays a crucial role in the fertility of a male. Zinc has antioxidizing properties, which enable it to protect sperm DNA from damage. Based on a 2009 research, men with more zinc have more zing in their sperm with a better sperm quantity and quality. Furthermore, Kiwi also is a good source of folic acid, whose intake can improve sperm morphology.
Kiwi consumption is dependent on various parameters such as your age, your current health, etc. 1-3 kiwis a day are apt to utilize the nutritional benefits of Kiwi.
[ Read: Semen Retention Benefits ]
CURE 5: Essential Oils
1. Ylang-ylang
Ylang-ylang is an essential oil that has been used for fertility treatments for centuries. It is said to increase sexual drive, reduce stress, and improve sexual energy. It can be an indirect booster to sperm morphology, as it facilitates healthier intercourse and lower stress. Lower stress leads to lower cortisol and hence, higher testosterone levels, as seen earlier in the article.
You can use this essential oil in the bath. Pour a few drops into a bucket or a bathtub, and you should be good to go. Another way of using ylang-ylang is by using the essential oil as part of a blend mixed with a carrier oil.
2. Frankincense
Research carried out in 2013(7) showed a positive correlation between using Frankincense essential oil and overall fertility in rats. This oil is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree grown in the Middle-East, India, and Africa. One of the most important uses of this oil is that it balances hormones in the body, which can be vital for healthy sperm morphology.
You can use Frankincense in a bath. Pour a few drops into a bucket or a bathtub, and you should be good to go.
The Answer to Decreasing Sperm Quality May Lie in Traditional and Ancient Home Solutions
The macro trends concerning sperm quality and fertility do not make for pretty viewing. In the western world, there has been a marked decline in the average sperm count. In fact, according to research in 2017, the average sperm count in Europe, Australia, and North America reduced by about 59 percent.
While the problem has been identified at a macro level, its root causes and solutions are still elusive. As the medical world tries to rummage around for a solution, some people are seeking refuge in the ancient herbal and traditional solutions.
These may not be professionally administered drugs, but they have been used to improve sperm health for centuries, including sperm morphology. Some of the low sperm morphology treatments and even abnormal sperm morphology treatments are potentially amongst these simple home solutions, which include supplements, herbs, essential oils, foods, and lifestyle changes.
A wifi connection can decrease your sperm count! According to Fertility and Sterility findings, overuse of wireless technology such as wifi-connected laptops may harm the health of your sperm.
FAQs
1. Besides sperm morphology, what other factors affect sperm health?
Morphology of the sperm is one of the three key pillars of the health of sperm, the other two being the quantity and the motility. The quantity of sperm is one of the key factors in determining the probability of fertilization.
A sperm count lower than 15 million per ml is considered abnormal and commonly associated with male infertility. The motility determines the sperm’s ability to swim through the female reproductive system. Males are determined to be highly fertile if 40% of their sperm is motile.
2. Is having abnormally shaped sperm a reason to worry?
Abnormally shaped sperm are common for all males, and a 1:1 ratio of abnormally shaped sperm to normal ones is not uncommon.
