Check now! Are you at risk of having weak sperm, which may lead to infertility?

Sperm is a male reproductive cell that can be seen with the naked eye, but it may not necessarily be of good quality. There are still many misconceptions about sperm in Thailand. According to statistics, 25% of infertility cases are caused by male factors. If you want to know whether your sperm meets the correct standards or if there are any abnormalities, what steps should you take and how can you improve your sperm health?

Sperm is the male reproductive cell that is released during sexual intercourse. In one ejaculation, the sperm may account for less than 1% of the total volume, while the rest is made up of other components in semen, which serve as energy to help the sperm travel through the female reproductive system and fertilize the egg. If fertilization occurs, it can result in pregnancy.

The characteristics of healthy semen can be observed as follows:

1. Semen Volume: The normal volume of semen per ejaculation should be at least 1.5 milliliters.

2. Color: Healthy semen typically appears as a grayish-white color.

3. Liquefaction: Semen should liquefy within 30 minutes to 1 hour after ejaculation.

4. Viscosity and pH: Normal semen, when dropped on a petri dish, should stretch up to 2 centimeters.

5. Sperm Characteristics:

   • Head: The head contains the nucleus and at the very front of the head is a structure called the acrosome, which develops from the Golgi bodies. This structure contains enzymes, such as hyaluronidase, which can break down the cell membrane of the egg.

   • Midpiece: This part follows the head and is filled with mitochondria arranged in a spiral shape, providing energy for the sperm.

   • Tail: The tail is made up of protein filaments (microtubules) extending from the centriole, which help the sperm swim.

Weak sperm quality can result from several causes and certain behaviors that weaken sperm in men, including:

• Excessive body weight, which can reduce both sperm count and volume.

• Congenital reproductive organ abnormalities.

• Dysfunction of the endocrine system.

• Certain medications, such as some chemotherapy drugs, or chemicals like lead, copper, and pesticides that enter the body either directly or indirectly.

• Immune system disorders that produce substances harmful to sperm.

• Alcohol consumption and smoking, which reduce testosterone production and sperm count.

• Stress, which affects hormones responsible for sperm production, leading to erectile dysfunction.

• Excessive exercise, which lowers testosterone levels, impacting sperm production.

The main causes of weak sperm and low sperm count are varied. Weak sperm and low sperm count often occur due to a reduction in the hormones needed for sperm production or from infections, such as mumps affecting the testicles. Some individuals may have undescended testicles, and immune system disorders can lead to the production of substances that harm sperm. Certain chemicals, such as lead, copper, pesticides, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs, can also enter the body directly or indirectly, reducing the production of testosterone and sperm. Stress also affects the hormones required for sperm production and can result in erectile dysfunction.

Reasons to Have a Semen Analysis Semen quality cannot be assessed by the naked eye and requires testing by healthcare professionals at a medical facility. Analyzing semen quality helps determine the sperm count and quality. If a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year without success, a semen analysis can help evaluate the male partner's fertility. This test can reveal whether infertility is related to the male partner and, if any serious abnormalities are detected, it can guide the necessary treatment steps. Steps in Semen Analysis Testing Semen analysis involves assessing the volume, count, motility, and morphological abnormalities of sperm. There are two methods for testing: Macroscopic Examination: This step checks the general appearance of the semen. Abnormal color of the semen. The clarity of the semen. Liquefaction time (semen should liquefy within one hour). Semen volume (normal volume should be at least 1.5 milliliters per ejaculation). Viscosity and pH level of the semen. Microscopic Examination: This step looks at the sperm under a microscope. Sperm count and motility rate (at least 40% should be moving). Sperm viability rate (at least 58% of sperm should live). The percentage of sperm with normal morphology (at least 4% should have a normal shape). White blood cells (should not exceed 1 million cells per milliliter, as higher numbers may indicate infection). Red blood cells (should be less than 1 million cells per milliliter; a higher number may indicate infection). Note: Semen analysis should be performed by a specialist, as the doctor will be able to carefully analyze the results and recommend corrective actions if the results are abnormal.

1. Eggs
   Eggs are rich in protein, vitamin A, B1, B2, D, calcium, vitamin E, amino acids, and iron, all of which are beneficial to the body. Eating eggs daily can help enhance sexual performance, maintain male hormone levels, and strengthen sperm cells, preventing them from deteriorating easily.

2. Nuts
   Nuts are great for sperm health. Men who want stronger, faster-moving sperm should eat more nuts because they are rich in nutrients beneficial to sperm, including protein, omega-3, zinc, and vitamin E. These help increase sperm count and quality.

3. Oysters
   Oysters are a great food for enhancing sexual performance. They are rich in protein, omega-3, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, copper, and selenium. Oysters can help increase sperm production and improve sperm health, making sexual performance last longer.

4. Beef
   Beef helps increase sperm production and strength. It also improves sperm motility. Eating beef daily can lead to more concentrated semen and better sperm movement.

5. Bananas
   Bananas are rich in minerals, vitamins A, B1, and C, salts, potassium, amino acids, iron, sucrose, fructose, and glucose, which can be immediately used by the body. Bananas also help balance the reproductive system, increase semen concentration, and improve sperm motility.

6. Berries
   Berries are high in vitamin C and are beneficial for sperm health. These fruits help produce amino acids, which improve reproductive system function, and help sperm swim faster.

7. Garlic
   Garlic is rich in various vitamins and is a great food for improving sperm health. It strengthens sperm, improves blood circulation to the genitals, and enhances sexual performance.

8. Tomatoes
   Tomatoes contain lycopene, which can increase sperm count by 70%. Lycopene also helps improve the male reproductive system, balances prostate function, and reduces the risk of prostate cancer.

9. Chocolate
   Dark chocolate, in particular, helps nourish sperm when consumed daily. Made from cocoa, it is rich in antioxidants, which help increase semen production, improve sperm motility, and boost sperm volume.

10. Water
    Drinking enough water daily is essential for the body. It supports the immune system, prevents dehydration, dry mouth, and dry skin, and also increases sperm volume.

Semen quality testing is a simple and quick process compared to female health checks, providing a complete analysis of all the components in the semen. It can be done by anyone interested in learning about their own health or those planning to have children. However, the test should be conducted at a certified healthcare facility by experienced specialists, following the guidelines set by the World Health Organization. If you wish to consult a doctor, you can schedule an appointment or inquire further through Line: @beyondivf