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Ayurveda
Causes of Low Sperm Count:
An Ayurvedic View
by Dr. Savitha Suri
 Low sperm
count, reduced sperm motility and malformed sperms are main causes for
male infertility. There are various biological and environmental factors
which affect sperm count, motility and morphology. Many of these factors
have been mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. The causes of low sperm count
are briefly explained below.
Age
Innumerable
researches have been conducted to determine the effect of ageing process
on male fertility. A decrease in male fertility has been noted as age
progresses. Maintenance of good health by following healthy lifestyle
and diet retards ageing process. The rate of fertilization starts
falling down for men who are above 40.
Hence
Vajikarana Therapy is recommended in Ayurveda for men who are above
20 and below 70 to maintain optimum sexual activity and number of
healthy sperms. Vajikarana Therapy recommends herbal preparations
which are aphrodisiac. Vajikarana therapy increases sperm count,
sperm motility and quantity of semen. This therapy is helpful in
erectile dysfunction.
Overheating of Testicles
Overheating
of testicles due to high fever, hot water bath, saunas, tight pants or
under garments can cause low sperm count. The Testes (two egg-shaped
structures) remain in the Scrotum, outside the body, where the
temperature is about 3 degrees C, cooler than the body internal
temperature (27 degrees C. Sperm development in the Testes Requires the
Lower Temperature.). Hence any factor which increases the temperature of
testicles causes low sperm count.
According to
Sushrutacharya Testicles are made of Kapha and Medha (fat). Increased
heat imbalances kapha and medha , thus affecting sperm production.
Addictions
-
Cocaine
and Marijuana reduce sperm motility and sperm count by as much as
50%.
-
Smoking reduces sperm count, sperm motility and also causes
genetic changes. Smoking causes low sex drive, erectile dysfunction
or impotence.
-
Alcohol can damage sperms. Hence alcohol intake should be reduced
to increase fertility.
Diet and Life Styles
-
Stress at
work place or in family, strained relation ship, lubricants or spermicides used in condoms and physical stress can temporarily cause
low sperm count.
-
Malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies cause low sperm count.
Deficiency of Vitamin C, Zinc, selenium etc can reduce sperm count.
-
Bicycling can cause low sperm count, as testicles and scrotum may get
injured during riding.
-
Some studies have revealed that obesity may be a cause for low sperm
count.
Genetic Factors
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Malformed
organs or tissues in male reproductive system.
-
Obstruction of semen carrying tubes.
-
Persons with 1 extra X chromosome (Normal chromosome in man is 1 X
and 1 Y chromosome)
Environmental Factors
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Overexposure to toxins, chemicals and infections. Pesticides,
hydrocarbons and mumps in adult hood can cause low sperm count.
-
Chronic exposure to heavy metals like lead, arsenic or cadmium can
cause low sperm count.
-
Radiations and X-rays affect sperm producing cells.
Varicocele
Vericose vein
in the cord of the testicle can cause low sperm count.
Acharya
Charaka in his Ayurvedic text, mentions the following factors as causes
for low quality of semen.
Jaraayaa Chintaaya shukram vyadhibhihi karmakarshanaat |
Kshayam gacchatyanashanaat sthreenaam chaatinishevanaath ||
-
Old Age
-
Worry
-
Diseases
-
Exertion
-
Fasting
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Over indulgence in sexual act
-
Grief
-
Strained relationship.
July 15,
2007
Dr. Savitha Suri has been an Ayurvedic Practitioner since 1989. After
getting a graduation degree in Ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine
and Surgery) in 1988 from University of Mysore, India, she started
practicing Ayurveda . Her articles about Ayurveda have been published in
news papers, health magazines and websites. Dr.Savitha Suri lives in
Mysore, Karnataka, India. She gives consultations in Mysore and also in
Bangalore, the silicon valley of India. By arrangement
with
http://www.ayurhelp.com
Disclaimer: claimer:
Information provided in this article is for the sole purpose of imparting education on
Ayurveda and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical condition, please consult your physician.
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