How to Boost Your Sperm Count by the New Year

When a couple under the age of 35 cannot conceive after having regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for one year, there is a 30 percent chance it could be due to male-factor infertility. Why is this important? Even if a man’s sperm count has been analyzed and determined to be normal – it may not be optimal. Bottom Line: It is advisable for men to seek out fertility boosting treatment in conjunction with their female partner’s fertility plan.

• Male-factor infertility = 30 percent of cases
• Female-factor infertility = 30 percent of cases
• Unexplained – idiopathic – infertility = 10 percent of cases

Checking Your Sperm Count With A Semen Analysis

A computer assisted semen analysis is a simple – yet sophisticated – diagnostic test used to judge a man’s sperm quality and quantity.

• Sperm Concentration is the number of sperm in the ejaculate
• Sperm Motility is the percentage of sperm moving and the qualities of movement such as speed and straightness
• Sperm Morphology is the percentage of sperm having a normal appearance in size and shape

Average Sperm Counts Have Diminished Significantly

Studies have shown that over the past 50 to 60 years, average sperm counts have diminished significantly. The average sperm concentration in a milliliter of ejaculate has been cut in half since the 1940s. Men with normal sperm counts may be contributing a couple’s struggle to get pregnant naturally.

• Normal sperm counts show a baseline of 15 million per milliliter of ejaculate
• Optimal sperm count baseline = 40 million+

Optimum Sperm Quality is Important

A man’s sperm quality matters a lot – even if his lab results fall within a normal range.

• Morphology
• Motility
• Forward progression
• Semen volume
• Liquefaction time

Age Does Affect a Man’s Fertility

Contrary to perpetuated myths, a man’s fertility does actually decline with age. It is advisable to freeze young, healthy sperm to preserve a man’s future ability to have children. Also, aging sperm is a risk factor in fathering children born with chromosomal abnormalities, such as Trisomy 21 or Down’s Syndrome. Studies show that pregnancy rates decline and miscarriage rates increase when a man is over 40 – even if his female partner is under 35.

Acupuncture to Boost Sperm Count

Recent studies show that Male fertility acupuncture will:

• Increase Sperm Count
• Improve Sperm Motility
• Enhance Sperm Morphology

Acupuncture may also help to correct immune factors – such as anti-sperm antibodies – that may be interfering with conception. To optimize sperm quality through acupuncture, a minimum of three to four months of treatment is necessary.

Treatment for Male-Factor Infertility

When a diagnosis of male-factor infertility has been made, there are two very effective treatments recommended.

• ICSI in conjunction with IVF using the man’s sperm
• ICSI in conjunction with IVF using a donor’s sperm

ICSI and IVF

The most effective treatment for male factor infertility is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) using the intricate fertilization procedure known as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). ICSI is an enhanced fertilization method that can be implemented using either the known male partner’s sperm or donor sperm.

ICSI in Conjunction with IVF

The fertility specialists at New Hope Fertility NYC have compiled a brief synopsis of how ICSI in conjunction with IVF could help to increase your chances of pregnancy success.

• Stimulation of the growth and development of multiple egg follicles within the ovaries using fertility drugs (FSH- follicle stimulating hormones), also known as controlled hyperstimulation of the ovaries
• Monitoring of the growth of the egg follicles through regular ultrasounds and blood tests
• Surgical removal of matured eggs from the ovaries through technique known as aspiration
• Fertilization of the eggs using High Resolution Sperm Selection (HRSS) and ICSI
• Embryo culture in vitro for several days – allowing the fertilized eggs to grow and develop into quality embryos
• Constant monitoring of the development of all embryos using EmbryoScope technology
• Transfer of a quality embryo into the uterus using a catheter – similar to that of a Pap smear procedure
• Cryopreservation of excess quality embryos for use in future Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET) procedures

ICSI Enhances Egg Fertilization

ICSI is used during IVF to individually fertilize each egg for optimal results. ICSI is used to maximize the rate of fertilization and lessen the chances of the sperm not being able to penetrate the wall of the egg.

• After the semen sample has been prepared, a single sperm is picked up into a tiny glass pipette under the guidance of a microscope
• The sperm is injected directly into an egg by passing the pipette through the surface of the egg
• The sperm cell is released into the egg and the pipette is withdrawn
• Simultaneously, a second polar body is released from the egg

Simple Ways to Boost Your Sperm Count

• Cease smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Get better quality sleep
• Maintain a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Exercise regularly

Male-Factor Infertility Treatment Specialists

If you and your partner have been trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant, contact the fertility specialists at New Hope Fertility Center. It is important to work with a fertility care team having the experience to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of your infertility. Then, we can design a customized treatment plan meeting your specific medical, personal, and financial needs.

To schedule your initial consultation with Dr. John Zhang call 917.525.5496.