Dealing with low sperm count is somewhat difficult for a man because it has a devastating effect on him. It means difficulty in fertilising an egg and those faced with such problems also have very low self-esteem and frustrated. Sperm count measures the concentration of sperm in a man’s ejaculation.

Recent studies revealed that there are ways to prevent low sperm count. One of such ways are that men should not wear tight underwear, as this raises scrotal temperature thereby reducing the rate of sperm production. Tight underwears overheat the scrotum, testes cover, which increases the temperature of the testicles, thus lowering the volume of healthy sperm available for impregnation. Modern research has shown that over 15 million sperm per mililitre is considered normal, according to the World Health Organisation, WHO in 2010, while older definitions state 20 million.

Esele Samuel, a medical practitioner also confirmed that heat damages sperm count, motility and sperm movement as well as inhibit production. He suggested that wearing loose fitting underwears, would allow air to circulate round the testicles. People who work under hot conditions like welders and drivers were identified as being more vulnerable to low sperm counts and permanent infertility. The consumption of drugs by diabetic patients, recurrent urinary tract infection, stress, nutritional deficiencies, obesity, self-medication and smoking are also among the risk factors for low sperm count and erectile dysfunction.

Medical studies also proved that the problem could be treated with the intake of nutritional supplements, vitamins and minerals as well as maintaining a high protein, low-fat diet, rich in vegetables, whole grains and timing of intercourse. Besides the fact that regular bathing helps to bring the testicular temperatures down, vitamins E, C and B12 as well as zinc and selenium supplements can also be considered for increasing sperm count and sperm motility