Causes for Unhealthy semen

Ayurveda Acharya charaka explains causes for unhealthy semen as follows

1. Increased frequency of sexual intercourse leads to shukra kshaya or reduced quantity of semen.
2. When a person gets physically exerted due to exercises beyond his capacity his dhatus get affected and the end product of dhatu i.e shukra dhatu looses nourishment. This may result in low sperm count and motility.
3. Consumption of unwholesome food, which can not nourish sapta dhatu or body tissues, leads to production of low quality of shukra or semen.
4. Foods which are very bitter, astringent, salty, sour and spicy when consumed, reduce quality and quantity of semen
5. Semen can become unhealthy due to Old age, chronic diseases, worry, stress and depression.
5. Injuries to testes (trauma, cauterization,ets) can lead to low sperm count and motility
6. Some Acute and chronic diseases can destroy semen producing tissues affecting semen production.

Pumsatwa Pareeksha (Test for potency)

Na mootram phenilam yasya vishtaa chaapsu nimajjati
medhraschotthana shukraabyaam heenas sa kleeba uchyate

The texts of ayurveda mention few preliminary physical tests to determine the potency of men.

A man can be said to be devoid of Impotence or erectile dysfunction - -

If foamy lather forms when he urinates on ground in sitting position.(This determines the muscle tone)

If he gets good hard erection.

If his ejaculation is powerful and with good quantity of semen.

Relationship between majja dhatu (bone marrow) and shukra dhatu (semen)

1. According to Ayurveda shukra dhatu (semen) is produced by nourishing part of majja dhatu.
2. A healthy majja dhatu leads to a healthy shukra dhatu . " Majja sneham balam shukra pushtim pooranam astinaamcha karoti " .This means Majja dhatu nourishes body and helps to maintain its functions. Majja dhatu strengthens body, fills bones and nourishes shukra dhatu (semen).
3. According to modern sciences scientists are trying to establish relation ship between bone marrow and sperms. In a BBC report (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6547675.stm) scientists have successfully made immature sperm cells from human bone marrow samples.
4. Doctors have published papers about "Recovery of spermatogenesis and successful conception after bone marrow transplant for acute leukaemia:" ( http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/15/1/83 )
5. According to Chinese medicines theory .Marrow is formed from the overflowing kidney semen that is stored in the bone cavities. Kidneys produce marrow and the bones are the dwelling places for the marrow. Therefore, both semen and marrow are the most treasured part of the human body, and the Chinese compare the most valuable things in the world to them.