It takes only one male sperm cell to fertilize a female egg. Because of this, many men think that with millions of sperm swimming to the egg, each act of intercourse between the man and the woman would have excellent chance of resulting in pregnancy. In fact, it may take many attempts before you succeed; even if you're both healthy and your timing is right, that is, having sex at the time that the egg is released from the ovary. In addition, there are some factors to be taken into consideration so as to have.an energetic active sperm to get the job done. Bicycling could sabotage sperm production Wearing tight fitting bicycle shorts and sitting on a bicycle saddle for a long time may cause a rise in scrotal temperature and therefore affect the production of sperm. One should remember that sperms are made in the testicles, which are/housed in the scrotum under the penis. Because of the scrotum's location, the temperature is a little cooler, creating an ideal environment for healthy sperm production. In addition, the fluid (semen) which nourishes and carries the sperm is a mix of fluids produced in the prostate and the seminal vesicles and then stored in the seminal vesicle until ejaculation. The seminal vesicle is also located under the penis in the scrotum. Any disturbance of this environment could cause serious problems for the man. Additionally, prolonged cycling can cause genital numbness, which is a sign of damage to delicate nerves and arteries. Choose a seat that is not too hard or narrow, and make sure it is adjusted to minimize pressure in between your thighs. Take frequent rests while biking. Pollution and its effects on sperm Environmental toxins have been linked to falling sperm counts. One of such culprits may be estrogen-related chemicals which are used in agricultural and industrial companies. These substances are found in some places ranging from drinking water to household products. Other toxins associated with male infertility are growth hormones used in livestock. They affect sperm count leading to fertility problems Is the weather important? Our grandfathers are great scientists, a fact which was not readily recognized. They predicted that babies are made during the rainy season and researchers have confirmed that. Sperm counts and production are apparently higher during the rainy season and cool whether conditions. It is also said that sperm counts are also higher in the morning than at other times of the day. However, this statements should be noted with caution because research haven't shown that time of day or time of year which makes a notable difference in fertility. Age and sperm quality Unlike women, men do not experience a sudden change in fertility as they age. Instead, changes occur gradually. Ageing changes in the male reproductive system occur, primarily in the testes. The total mass of the testes decreases but the male sex hormone called testosterone stays the same or decreases very slightly. The main problem for the man is impotency or now called erectile dysfunction. The tubes that carry sperm may become less elastic and not as soft as it should be. This is called hardening or sclerosis. The testes however continue to produce sperm, but the rate of sperm production slows. The other organs that help in nourishing the sperm, including the prostate, gland, lose some of their cells but continue to produce the fluid that helps to carry sperm to its final destination. Variation in fertility varies from man to man, and age is not a good predictor of male infertility or fertility. The prostate gland, which, when enlarged, could, cause, difficulty in urinating, is not closely related to fertility, and a man can father children even if his prostate gland has been removed. Some fairly old men can and do father children. The volume of fluid ejaculated usually remains the same, but the number of living sperm is decreased in the fluid. Decreases in the sex drive (libido) may occur for some men. Sexual responses may become slower and less intense. This may be related to decreased testosterone level, but it may also result from psychological or social changes related to ageing, such, as lack of a willing partner or illness. Other conditions that might affect sexual drive are chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension Finally, it should be noted that ageing by itself does not necessarily prevent a man from being able to enjoy sexual relationships. Source: Professor E. Y. Kwawukume/The Mirror