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MEN'S BASKETBALL
THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
By the numbers
MATT GALLOWAY
mgalloway@kansan.com
2
December 10,2011
13
LOVE
Dear Michelle,
I want to know what advice can you give me to maintain a healthy sperm count and quantity.
Wanting Powerful Swimmers
Dear WPS.
The average volume of semen produced during ejaculation is between 2 and 5 milliliters; 5 mL being approximately 1 teaspoon. Lower volume may occur
after frequent ejaculation and higher after prolonged abstinence.
According to the World Health Organization, "normal" sperm count should be at least 40 million in number; have at least 75 percent of the spermatoza be living; at least 30 percent should be of normal shape and form; at least 25 percent should be swimming rapidly; and at least 50 percent should be swimming forward, even if only sluggish. A "normal" sperm count does not guarantee fertilizing success too high of sperm count can also result in fertility problems.
You can increase your chances of producing healthy sperm by increasing your vitamin intake, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, managing stress levels, exercising frequently, and lowering your body fat (too much fat can disrupt production of reproductive hormones).
Your little guys are sensitive to environmental factors and toxic chemicals. Therefore, to keep them strong and healthy:
- Avoid tobacco, excessive alcohol, and drugs. Marijuana can decrease sperm and cocaine can cause erectile dysfunction
- Avoid excessive and prolonged heat to the genitals. Although, don't be like Mike "The Situation" on "Jersey Shore" and think you won't get a girl pregnant if you have sex in a hot tub. I would not recommend taking any sex advice from him.
- Limit time on your bike, throw out tight underwear, keep your laptop off of your lap,and if you're taking steroids, stop.
If you continue to have low quantity or have reproductive difficulty, ask your doctor about a semen analysis.
Michelle MacBain, Kansas City is a graduate student in Communication Studies. She studied Psychology and Human Sexuality at KU and the University of Amsterdam.
Email questions to michelle@michellemacbain.com
// ALIZA CHUDNOW
Couples Advice: ANNA SMITH AND ANDREW MCCRACKEN
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
It's karaoke night and Andrew McCracken stands on the stage at Set 'Em Up Jacks, waiting patiently for the music to begin. As soon as the song starts and with a big smile on his face, he begins singing "Everything" by Michael Bublé. As he gets comfortable with the song, he looks out into the audience, his eyes
fixated on the only person he will ever sing it to; his girlfriend Anna Smith.
Music has always been a huge part of Anna and Andrew's relationship, both seniors from Overland Park. Anna, who is a music therapy major, met Andrew during homecoming week their freshmen year. After they both decided they wanted to be a part of the homecoming jingle, they ended up sitting next to each other during a practice. "I texted my friend and said 'Who is the girl in the yellow sweatshirt?'" Andrew says. "The first thing I thought when I saw her was 'I absolutely have to talk to her.'"
Now, three years later, Anna and Andrew know that the constant support they give one another is what has kept them together.
Dating Tip: Make each other a priority and always support one another.
This past summer, Anna studied abroad in Ireland while Andrew held an
internship in Overland Park. Andrew worked 40 hours a week and Anna was halfway across the world, but at the end of the day, they made it a priority to talk and catch up on their separate endeavors. Even now, if Anna is having a bad day, Andrew will surprise her with a Coke or send her pictures of dogs wearing hats and mustaches, just to make her smile. "Whenever I am sad he talks to me in an Elmo voice." Anna says. "That always makes me laugh."
No matter where they go after graduation, Anna and Andrew know that they will always be each other's biggest fans. Just like their song "Everything" says, "You're every line, you're every word, you're everything."
"The best way to explain why I love Anna is because she's my moment," Andrew says. "She is constantly on my mind and she is always there for me through all aspects of our lives."