Sperm count is an important measurement of male fertility. If the sperm count is low (oligospermia), it can be more difficult to conceive, and it is important to understand other factors that can impact sperm such as what’s a normal amount released during nightfall.
But what’s a “normal” sperm count? The World Health Organization says a normal sperm count is 15 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen or higher. Some men have more than 200 million sperm per mL.
Age, lifestyle choices, and underlying health issues can all affect a man’s sperm count. In this article, we’ll cover what constitutes a normal sperm count per mL, the factors that affect it, and what you can do to improve or maintain it.
What is a normal sperm count?
The World Health Organization (WHO) says a normal sperm count is generally 15 million or more sperm per milliliter of semen. If a man has less than 39 million sperm per ejaculate, that’s considered a low sperm count.
But sperm count is only one piece of the puzzle. When doing a semen analysis, doctors also look at:
- Sperm motility: How well the sperm move.
- Sperm morphology: The shape of the sperm.
- Semen volume: The amount of semen in the sample.
It’s important to remember that even with a “normal” sperm count, problems with motility or morphology can make it harder to conceive. The ability of sperm to move properly is just as important as the number of sperm present.
Factors Affecting Sperm Count
Several factors can influence sperm count, both positively and negatively.
Age
As men age, their sperm motility, count, and volume tend to decrease. This can impact reproductive rates. Sperm count typically declines as men get older.
Physiological reasons for age-related sperm decline include:
- declining testosterone levels
- reduced blood supply
- testicular changes
- prostate issues
These factors can contribute to age-related infertility.
Lifestyle Factors
Day-to-day lifestyle choices can significantly affect fertility, including diet (such as concerns about whether chia seeds lower testosterone), exercise, sleep patterns, and stress management. Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drug use can all negatively impact sperm production and quality.
Environmental factors also play a role. Exposure to certain chemicals and toxins in the environment can lower sperm count. It’s vital to be aware of these potential risks and take steps to minimize exposure.
How Does Age Impact Male Infertility?
Men can produce sperm their entire lives, but age definitely plays a role in male fertility. As men age, their testosterone levels can drop, impacting sperm production. Age can also affect sperm motility (how well they swim), sperm count, and the overall volume of semen produced.
While there isn’t one definitive “sperm count by age” chart, the general trend is that sperm quality and quantity tend to decrease with age. After age 40, for instance, men may experience a more noticeable decline in these areas. While many older men father children, age can be a contributing factor when couples experience difficulty conceiving.
Sperm Count by Age
Sperm counts do tend to decline as men age. Here’s a general guide to sperm counts per milliliter (million/ml) by age range:
- Below 25: 60-100 million/ml
- 26-30: 55-85 million/ml
- 31-35: 45-75 million/ml
- 36-40: 40-60 million/ml
- 41-45: 35-55 million/ml
- 46-50: 30-50 million/ml
- 51-55: 20-40 million/ml
- 56-60: 15-30 million/ml
- 60 or above: 10-25 million/ml
Keep in mind that these are just averages, and individual results can vary quite a bit.
Diagnosis of low sperm count
If you and your partner are having trouble conceiving, your doctor may want to test your sperm count.
Semen analysis
The main way doctors test sperm count is through a semen analysis. To get a semen sample, you’ll either masturbate into a specimen cup or use a special condom during intercourse.
There are a few things you need to do to prepare for semen collection, including avoiding sex or masturbation for 2 to 7 days before the test. It takes 42 to 76 days for sperm to mature, so this waiting period can affect the results of the sample.
Your doctor will likely want multiple semen samples taken at least 2 weeks apart to get the most accurate assessment.
Other tests
If your sperm count is low, your doctor may want to run additional tests to find out why. These tests may include:
- scrotal ultrasound
- hormone testing
- post-ejaculation urinalysis
- genetic tests
- biopsies
How to Improve Sperm Count: Lifestyle Modifications
There are several things you can do to improve your sperm count and overall sperm health. Many of these involve simple lifestyle changes.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can negatively impact sperm production. A balanced diet and regular exercise are key.
- Eat a balanced diet. Make sure you’re getting all the essential nutrients your body needs, including supplements like CoQ10 for fertility. If you have any deficiencies, talk to your doctor about whether vitamin supplements are right for you.
- Avoid harmful substances. That includes alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs. All of these can significantly reduce sperm count and quality.
- Avoid overheating. Frequent hot tub use or wearing tight clothing can raise the temperature around your testicles, which can impair sperm production. Opt for loose-fitting clothing and limit your time in hot tubs.
- Manage stress. Chronic stress can interfere with hormone production, which can affect sperm count. Try stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga to help keep your stress levels in check.
Medical Treatments for Low Sperm Count
If your sperm count is low, several medical treatments might help. These include surgery, treating infections, addressing sexual problems, hormone treatments, and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Sometimes, low sperm counts are caused by varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum). Surgery can correct these, potentially improving sperm production. If varicoceles are the cause of your low sperm count, your doctor may recommend this as a starting point.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) can also help couples conceive. Two common ART methods are IUI (Intrauterine insemination) and IVF (In vitro fertilization). IVF is often a good option when sperm counts are low because it only requires a few healthy sperm to fertilize an egg outside the body. This can significantly increase the chances of conception when natural methods are less likely to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sperm per mL is normal?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a normal sperm concentration is at least 15 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen. Counts lower than this may affect fertility. Several factors can influence sperm counts.
Is 1.5 mL sperm enough to get pregnant?
Semen volume is one factor, but sperm concentration and motility are also important. According to the WHO, the normal range for semen volume is 1.4 mL to 6.7 mL. So, 1.5mL is considered a normal volume, but a full fertility assessment, including sperm count and motility, is needed to determine if it’s sufficient for conception.
Is 1 ml sperm enough for IUI?
For IUI (intrauterine insemination), the sperm is concentrated and washed before being inserted into the uterus. While 1 mL is a low volume, the key factor for IUI success is the total number of motile sperm after processing. Talk to your doctor about the best next steps.
What level of sperm is considered infertile?
A sperm concentration below 15 million sperm per mL is generally considered a low sperm count (oligospermia) and may contribute to infertility. However, other factors also play a role, so a comprehensive fertility evaluation is essential.
What drink can increase sperm?
While no single drink can drastically increase sperm count, some studies suggest that certain nutrients and antioxidants found in beverages may support sperm health. For example, drinks rich in vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc may be beneficial. Talk to your doctor about the best next steps.
Summary
Sperm count is just one aspect of male fertility, but it’s an important one. Many factors can affect a person’s sperm count, including their age, health conditions, and the lifestyle choices they make.
Sometimes, making changes to your lifestyle can help improve sperm count. In other cases, medical treatment may be necessary.
If you have any concerns about your fertility or your sperm count, it’s always a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your situation and help you decide which next steps make the most sense for you.