What foods can I eat to increase my sperm count?

What foods can I eat to increase my sperm count?

Low sperm count can often be influenced by dietary and lifestyle choices, including factors such as a deficiency in zinc, insufficient vitamin intake, smoking, and even the type of underwear worn. Making healthy changes to your diet can significantly contribute to improving both the quantity and quality of sperm.

Here are some dietary recommendations to improve your sperm count:

1. Zinc:

Numerous studies have shown that zinc enhances sexual health, increases testosterone levels, and improves sperm motility. Foods rich in zinc include nuts, beans, turkey, and seafood such as lobster, oysters, and mussels.

2. Antioxidants:

Consumption of antioxidants has been linked to increased sperm count and seminal volume. These powerful compounds combat free radicals, which can damage sperm and increase DNA fragmentation. Antioxidant-rich foods include nuts, berries (blueberries, goji berries, raspberries, strawberries), artichokes, beans, spinach, and even dark chocolate.

3. Vitamin D:

Adequate vitamin D levels have been associated with improved testosterone levels and enhanced sperm motility. Consider incorporating foods like oily fish (salmon and tuna), cheese, eggs, yogurt, and mushrooms into your diet to increase your vitamin D intake.

4. Vitamin E:

Vitamin E, along with antioxidants, has been shown to improve sperm production and protect against free radicals that may harm sperm. Foods high in vitamin E include plant-based oils (sunflower and soybean oils), nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables (spinach, broccoli), and fortified juices.

5. Folate:

Deficiencies in folate have been linked to increased DNA fragmentation in sperm and poor sperm health. Boost your folate intake by consuming green leafy vegetables (such as spinach and Brussels sprouts), asparagus, nuts, beans, fortified cereals, enriched flour products, and fruits and juices (especially oranges and orange juice).

6. Vitamin B12:

Research suggests that vitamin B12 is essential for overall sperm health, improving motility, sperm count, and reducing DNA fragmentation. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include fish, seafood, meats, poultry, dairy products, eggs, and fortified breakfast cereals.

7. Vitamin C:

Vitamin C is an antioxidant crucial for sperm health, improving concentration, motility, and morphology. Sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits and their juices, sweet peppers, fruits like strawberries and kiwi, vegetables such as tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and fortified breakfast cereals.

8. Omega-3 fatty acids:

Omega-3 fatty acids, known for their benefits to eye, cardiovascular, and neurological health, have also been shown to enhance sperm count, motility, and morphology. Foods rich in omega-3s include fish and seafood (especially tuna and salmon), seeds, nuts (such as walnuts), and eggs.

Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet can potentially improve your sperm count and overall sperm health. However, it’s important to remember that individual circumstances can vary, and consulting with a healthcare professional or fertility specialist is advised for personalised guidance.

Learn more helpful tips on how to improve and promote male fertility with our guide. Contact us today to begin your fertility journey!

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FAQ

How does Fertility First keep fertility treatment and IVF costs down?

As a Doctor-owned Medical Practice, our fertility and IVF treatment costs do not need to cover overheads and/or shareholder dividends, all of which have to come out of the income derived from patients’ treatment cycle fees at other fertility clinics in Sydney.

What is the NSW fertility treatment rebates?

From the 1st October 2022, the NSW Government announced a rebate of $2,000 in OOP expenses for all eligible patients. Fertility First is pleased to support the NSW Government’s fertility rebate at our Sydney fertility clinic.

What makes Fertility First different to other Sydney fertility clinics?

Fertility First is privately owned, which means we can place more focus on our patients. We offer a holistic approach to fertility and believe that it’s important to minimise the invasiveness of the fertility testing process and only carry out the necessary investigations, maximising your chance of a successful outcome. We offer extensive preliminary fertility testing, including Halosperm Assay.

We were one of the first Sydney fertility clinics to offer a donor sperm and donor egg program, thanks to our partnership with Central IVF.

How do I choose the best fertilty clinic for me?

Choosing the right fertility clinic in Sydney is a very important decision. You should consider factors like success rates, clinic location and appointment times, fertility treatment costs, repor with the Fertility Specialist and what treatment options are available.

Does Fertility First offer preliminary fertility testing?

Yes. We offer a range of fertility testing for both males and females. We aim to have fertility test results back within 2 to 3 weeks, which means, unless any assessment of the fallopian tubes is required, fertility treatment options can then be considered.

Does Fertility First offer treatment for same sex couples and singles?

Yes. Fertility First offers a range of fertility treatments that are suitable for same sex couples and singles, including our donor sperm program. See our fertility treatment page for a full guide.

Does Fertility First offer Medicare rebates?

Yes. In order to assist you with a Medicare rebate for your fertility treatment, you will need a current referral to Fertility First.

Note: GP referrals are valid for 12 months, and specialist referrals are valid for 3 months.

Does Fertility First offer IVF treatment?

Yes. IVF treatment is offered to suitable patients after preliminary testing.