The factors that may affect the normal sperm count and quality could actually be summarized in six main points namely: sperm mobility, concentration, morphology, speed, count and last but not the least, sub-fertility. Drawbacks in any of these areas can vastly affect the chances of conception.

Sperm mobility refers to the sperm's ability to move in a rather dynamic and active fashion. When it comes to healthy sperm, more than 50% of them may be considered as active if over 25% of them moving vehemently in one direction. Its significance can be understood by the fact that it enables the sperm to travel through the cervical canal, into the uterus and the fallopian tubes and finally, to break through the egg.

Normal sperm count is a function of concentration that refers to the measure of the number of sperm cells in a milliliter of semen. The average or normal concentration measures around 22 million sperm cells per milliliter of semen.

The third point is morphology. A healthy sperm cell bears a resemblance to a tadpole in shape. The oval head of the sperm holds the genetic material, while the center provides energy and the tail thrusts the sperm forward. In addition, experts believe that oddly shaped sperm are not capable of fertilizing an egg.

Speed is another factor that affects sperm quality. Based on the study made by the World Health Organization in a healthy male, beyond 25% of sperm will exhibit progressive mobility. These are the sperm with the best chance of successfully infiltrating and fertilizing an egg.

Normal sperm count is also a vital factor in sperm production. Count refers to the number of sperms in the fluid that is ejaculated. There are over 50 million sperms in a normal ejaculate, and a total count below 40 million may indicate decreased fertility.

The sixth and last factor is sub-fertility. The term refers to the couples that are unable to reach conception even after a year’s period of unprotected intercourse. However, this is different from infertility. The typical causes of male sub-fertility include sperm production problems, blockage in the sperm’s delivery system, injuries to the testicles, low or high hormone production, anatomical problems, varicocele, past illnesses, side effects of medications, and sperm quality.

Increasing the volume of ejaculation and the normal sperm count has become a common obsession among men. During the past few years, the medical community had been committed to developing a safe and effective alternative treatment than the run of the mill advice that has been handed down from one generation to the next. Recent studies show that increasing sperm volume could actually be accomplished in two ways. First is by taking herbal supplements that contain amino acids and zinc. Amino acids, if taken regularly, are generally believed to increase ejaculate fluid. On the other hand, zinc seems to improve both the amount of sperm produced as well as the sperm's ability to move spontaneously and independently. Together with amino acids, this will increase normal sperm count and volume significantly.

The second way is doing PC exercises. Although Kegel exercises can help you last longer, they can also aid in increasing sperm volume. Several exercises can help to keep your penis in great shape and shoot like a champion.

Copyright 2006 Marc Deschamps

Marc Deschamps is the editor of For-Men-Only-Magazine.com, a free online publication dedicated to the sexual health of the modern man. Other articles on male semen can be found at http://www.for-men-only-magazine.com/contents-of-semen.html.