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Actually, every male ejaculation produces a different sperm count. Indeed, the more sperm produced during ejaculation, the greater the chance of fertilizing an egg. Even so, the cause of a lower sperm count does not necessarily mean that you are infertile. Find out in the following article about the causes of low sperm so you can avoid it.

Various causes of little sperm

Before knowing the cause of a decrease in sperm count, you may need to know the calculation of a normal sperm count first. Normal sperm count in one ejaculation usually reaches around 15 million to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

The number of sperm is classified as low if the number is less than 15 million sperm per milliliter or less than 39 million sperm per ejaculation and the causes of this condition are not always the same. The problem is, the decrease in sperm count is directly proportional to the chances of making your partner achieve pregnancy.

The following are various things and habits that can cause decreased sperm count:

1. Soak in hot water

Did you know that too hot a testicle can adversely affect sperm production? Yes, this could be one of the causes for a low sperm count or even infertility. The reason is, the testicles submerged in water that is too hot can interfere with their work in producing sperm.

So, do not be surprised if soaking in hot water can be one of the causes of a lower sperm count than usual. This is because the ideal temperature for sperm formation is several degrees lower than body temperature. Therefore, if the body is immersed in temperatures that are too hot, sperm production decreases further.

2. Smoking

The cause of the lower sperm count and possibly the cause of your infertility is smoking. You need to know that the quantity of smoking in men can affect the production of sperm count. So, the more often this habit is done, the less sperm will be produced.

In addition, one of the causes of sperm reduction which is done by using substances other than tobacco, marijuana for example, has been shown to affect the quality and quantity of sperm. Therefore, if you don't want this condition to be the cause of your lower sperm count, try to quit smoking.

3. Keep the cellphone in the trouser pocket

There are other causes that can make your sperm count lower, namely the habit of keeping your cellphone in your pocket. This habit is certainly not a good thing, especially for men. The reason is, this habit is thought to be the cause of the reduced sperm count to be less and this condition can make you infertile.

This is due to the increase in temperature and electromagnetic activity on cellphone or cell phones that cause a decrease in sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology or form is lower than the sperm produced by men who have the habit of keeping cellphones in their bags.

So, one of the efforts you can do so that this condition does not cause your sperm count to be lower is to stop storing electronic devices, especially cellphones, in your pants pockets. Especially if the position of the pocket is located near your penis.

4. Lack of sleep

Apparently, the habit of sleeping too late or not sleeping enough can be one of the causes of decreased sperm count. This is evidenced by a study published in the journal Medical Science Monitor. The study states that sleep deprivation can interfere with sperm production.

Therefore, if you do not want this condition to become the cause of your infertility due to lower sperm count, it is better if you get enough sleep. However, that doesn't mean you can sleep too long. The reason is, excessive sleep is actually not good for fertility.

The effort you can do to avoid the cause of this lower sperm count is to sleep with an adequate pattern. Usually, adequate sleep counts as much as seven to eight hours per night.

5. Fever

There are other health conditions that have the potential to cause your sperm count to decrease and make you infertile. This condition is high fever. Yes, high fever can indeed cause temporary disruption in sperm production in a man.

When he has a fever, a man's entire body becomes hot, including the testes. It takes 72 days for sperm to begin to return to production and will be excreted through ejaculation. Therefore, in order for conditions to return to normal, what you have to do to avoid the cause of this lower sperm count is to try to recover.

However, you need to know that if a man has a fever for two days, usually his sperm count will only recover and be normal in the next two to three months.

6. Alcohol and caffeine

Another cause of decreased sperm count to less than usual is the habit of consuming alcohol and caffeine. Any alcoholic drink can lower testosterone levels which can be the cause of decreased sperm quality and count.

This can also be the cause of infertile sperm. Not only sperm that will be affected, but alcohol can also make sexual desire decreased and cause impotence.

Not only alcohol, caffeine consumed in excess can also be the cause of the sperm count to be less than usual. For that, limit your consumption of foods and drinks that contain caffeine by consuming only 1 to 2 cups per day.

7. Exposure to chemical compounds

Apparently, chemicals and toxins such as pesticides, solvents, and various heavy metals can cause lower sperm count and increase the risk of sperm abnormalities. Therefore, men who work in areas that are exposed to toxins every day need to wear protective clothing and face masks to avoid direct exposure to various hazardous chemicals.

In addition, it is important to note that BPA or chemicals found in plastic in the form of drinking water bottles, food containers, and aluminum cans can also cause the number of sperm in the testicles to be less, and lead to infertile conditions.

For that, avoid plastic-based food and drink containers and cans. Never choose recycled drinking bottles numbered 3 and 7 because they are quite dangerous and have a high risk of contaminating the water in them.

You can check the label and code number on the bottom of the bottle before you buy it. Try to bring a water bottle from home and make sure when you buy it, it says BPA free to ensure that the bottles are safe from these substances. This may be safer and you will avoid the causes of this lower sperm count.

8. Testosterone and steroid supplements

Testosterone supplements are often relied on for people with low sexual desire. Meanwhile, anabolic steroids that contain synthetic substances similar to the hormone testosterone are usually used illegally to build muscle and body mass in athletes.

Did you know that this supplement can cause decreased sperm count? Yes, apparently despite their benefits, the use of these two supplements can be the cause of your lower sperm count and you may be infertile.

When a man consumes artificial testosterone from outside, the body will automatically think that the hormone levels in the body are increasing and it stops natural testosterone production. Though natural testosterone is needed by the body to produce sperm.

Usually, the use of artificial testosterone does not cause permanent damage as long as it is not overused. Generally, after three months since the use of supplements and steroids is stopped, the body will return to producing sperm.

9. Certain drugs

The use of certain drugs can also cause your sperm count to decrease until you are infertile. This is evidenced by calcium channel blockers and beta blockers which is often used to treat high blood pressure, chemotherapy drugs, and other cancer treatments.

Therefore, for you and your partner who is or is planning a pregnancy in the near future, you need to discuss it with the related doctor. Ask your doctor the types of drugs used in the treatment. Then, ask whether the drugs you are using include those that can cause the decrease in the quality and quantity of sperm to be less or not.

10. Obesity

Being overweight also appears to have a negative impact on sperm count, sperm motility (movement), and sperm morphology (size and shape). This can be the cause of a decrease in your sperm count from normal, resulting in you being infertile.

Because excess fat in the body can convert testosterone into estrogen and excess estrogen can damage sperm growth and quality. In other words, excess estrogen in the male body can cause sperm count and sperm quality to decline. For that, try to check whether you are obese or not by using this BMI calculator.

Various things and habits above can cause the number of sperm in the testicles to be less. Therefore, the best way to avoid the causes of decreased sperm count is to avoid the causes and adopt a healthy lifestyle in your daily life.