How to Increase Sperm Count: Biochemistry, Sperm Health and Essential Testing
- Renee Grandi
- Apr 28
- 5 min read
When couples face fertility struggles, attention often focuses on the woman. Yet research shows that male factors contribute to nearly 50% of fertility challenges. Despite this, male fertility is often under-investigated and poorly assessed. Understanding the biochemistry, biological parameters, and optimal pathology ranges for sperm health is essential for identifying hidden barriers and optimising natural conception chances.
The Biochemistry of Sperm Health
Sperm development, known as spermatogenesis, is a highly intricate process that takes approximately 72–90 days from start to finish. It is energy-intensive, oxidative stress-sensitive, and reliant on:
Hormonal signals — particularly testosterone, LH, FSH, and inhibin B
Mitochondrial energy production — essential for sperm motility
DNA stability and chromatin packaging — critical for fertilisation potential
Antioxidant systems — to protect against reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage sperm DNA, membrane integrity, and motility
Without sufficient nutrient cofactors, hormonal support, and antioxidant protection, sperm may be produced with fragmented DNA, poor morphology, or insufficient motility — all reducing the likelihood of healthy conception.
Key Sperm Health Parameters in Pathology Testing
Conventional semen analysis reports focus on four main parameters:
Parameter | WHO Reference Range | Optimal Fertility Range |
Volume | >1.5 mL | >2.0–2.5 mL |
Concentration | >15 million/mL | >40–60 million/mL |
Total Motility | >40% | >50–60% |
Progressive Motility | >32% | >50% |
Morphology (strict) | >4% normal forms | Ideally >15% |
Vitality (live sperm) | >58% | >70% |
Important:The WHO only requires 4% normal morphology to be considered 'normal', meaning 96% abnormal forms are acceptable by conventional standards. However, research clearly shows that higher morphology (closer to 12–15%) is associated with significantly better natural conception rates and improved IVF outcomes.
DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI):Even when basic semen parameters appear "normal", high DNA fragmentation can silently impair fertilisation and increase miscarriage risk. DNA fragmentation testing should be considered when recurrent pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility, or poor embryo quality occurs.
Core Biological Drivers That Influence Male Fertility
1. Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Sperm cells are highly vulnerable to oxidative damage because they have minimal antioxidant defences and large quantities of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their membranes. Key causes of oxidative sperm damage include:
Smoking (including past or occasional use)
Alcohol intake
Environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides)
Chronic infections or hidden gut dysbiosis
Elevated systemic inflammation (e.g., allergies, autoimmune conditions)
Marijuana
2. Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D plays a critical role in supporting testosterone production, sperm motility, and sperm maturation within the testes.
Deficiency (<75 nmol/L) is associated with impaired semen volume, motility, and morphology.
Optimal range for male fertility: 100–150 nmol/L (higher end of “normal” blood range).
3. Micronutrient Depletion
Several vitamins and minerals are absolutely vital for spermatogenesis and sperm DNA protection:
Zinc (critical for sperm maturation, antioxidant protection, testosterone balance)
Selenium (essential for sperm motility and mitochondrial integrity)
Vitamin E and C (antioxidant protection against oxidative DNA fragmentation)
Coenzyme Q10 (supports mitochondrial ATP production and motility)
4. Allergies, Immune Reactivity, and Mast Cell Activation
Men with allergic disorders (e.g., hayfever, asthma, food intolerances) often experience increased oxidative stress, low-grade systemic inflammation, and elevated mast cell activity.Mast cell mediators such as histamine can damage delicate sperm structures, contributing to poor morphology and impaired fertilisation potential.
5. Hormonal Dysregulation
Low free testosterone
Elevated oestradiol (oestrogen dominance in men)
High prolactin or cortisol levels can suppress spermatogenesis and lead to immature, poorly formed sperm cells. Comprehensive hormone panels should always be included in male fertility assessments.
What Biochemically Influences Male Fertility?
Oxidative Stress: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage sperm membranes and DNA. Causes include infections, smoking, alcohol, obesity, environmental toxins, and nutritional deficiencies.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mitochondria fuel sperm motility. Without optimal energy production, sperm may appear sluggish or immotile.
Hormonal Imbalances: Low testosterone, high oestrogen (especially with abdominal obesity), or impaired FSH/LH signalling can reduce spermatogenesis.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Zinc, selenium, CoQ10, carnitine, vitamins C and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and glutathione are essential for sperm production, DNA integrity, and motility.
Chronic Infections and Inflammation: Silent infections of the prostate or reproductive tract can impair sperm health without producing obvious symptoms.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors: Pesticides, heavy metals, plastics (BPA, phthalates), radiation (laptops, mobile phones), sleep deprivation, and excessive heat exposure (saunas, hot tubs) all influence sperm production and quality.
Biochemical and Lifestyle Factors That Worsen Sperm Morphology
Contributing Factor | Biological Impact |
Poor diet (processed foods, trans fats) | Increased sperm DNA damage, lower motility |
Chronic stress (mental or physical) | HPA axis disruption, elevated cortisol, lowered testosterone |
Sleep deprivation | Reduced testosterone secretion, impaired mitochondrial repair |
Subclinical infections (gut, urogenital) | Inflammatory cytokines damage developing sperm cells |
Environmental toxins (BPA, phthalates) | Endocrine disruption, direct oxidative damage to sperm DNA |
Why Comprehensive Male Fertility Testing is Essential
Standard semen analysis is only the first step. A truly comprehensive male fertility assessment should include:
Full Semen Analysis (volume, concentration, motility, morphology, vitality)
DNA Fragmentation Testing (SCSA, TUNEL or COMET assays)
Hormonal Profile (testosterone, free testosterone, oestradiol, SHBG, FSH, LH, prolactin)
Oxidative Stress Markers (ROS testing, total antioxidant capacity)
Nutrient Status (zinc, selenium, carnitine, CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids)
Infectious Screening (ureaplasma, mycoplasma, other pathogens if indicated)
Toxin and Heavy Metal Screening (lead, cadmium, mercury)
Natural Fertility Optimisation: how to increase sperm count
Optimise Micronutrients:
Zinc picolinate or citrate
Selenium methionine
Methylated B vitamins (e.g., activated folate, B12)
Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) + Vitamin C
Antioxidant Powerhouses:
CoQ10 (ubiquinol) for sperm motility
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) to lower oxidative stress
Liposomal glutathione if indicated
Test and Correct Vitamin D:
Aim for serum levels between 100–150 nmol/L for reproductive function
Introduce Fertility Herbal Teas:
Green tea (high in ECGC polyphenols – DNA protection)
Ashwagandha (improves testosterone, motility)
Schisandra (enhances sperm morphology and antioxidant capacity)
Tribulus terrestris (supports libido and sperm count)
Lifestyle Adjustments:
At least 7–8 hours of quality sleep nightly
Moderate exercise 3–4x per week (resistance training especially)
Avoid hot baths, saunas, or anything that overheats the testes
AT LEAST 2l of filtered drinking water and reduce plastic exposure
Advanced Testing (Recommended):
Semen analysis (volume, concentration, motility, morphology)
DNA fragmentation assay
Oxidative stress test if available
Blood tests for vitamin D, zinc, testosterone, LH, FSH, prolactin
Final Thoughts:
Male fertility health deserves just as much focus, investigation, and support as female fertility. If a couple is struggling to conceive or experiencing recurrent miscarriage, a comprehensive male assessment is non-negotiable. Optimising sperm health is not only critical for conception but also for the long-term health of future offspring.
Sperm health is a reflection of total body health — not just a local issue. If you want help on how to increase sperm count, book an online consultation today and get to the root cause of your fertility.
When properly supported with the right testing, nutrition, and interventions, male fertility outcomes can be dramatically improved.
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