When you and your partner are planning to welcome a little one into your lives, fertility is a key factor that can make a difference. For many couples, the journey to conception might take longer than they anticipated. One of the most common hurdles they face is low sperm count. If you have been trying to conceive but have not made any progress, then you should get it checked. Getting to know more about this condition —its symptoms, causes, and available treatments can empower you to take the right steps forward.
What is a Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)?
Low sperm count or oligospermia as it is known in medical terms, refers to a situation where the semen you release during orgasm has fewer sperm than what’s considered normal. The World Health Organisation (WHO) states that a healthy sperm concentration should be at least 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. If the count falls below this threshold, it is classified as low sperm count.
While a low sperm count can make it challenging for one sperm to fertilise an egg, it does not completely eliminate the possibility of pregnancy. Due to advancements in fertility treatments and lifestyle changes, many men dealing with this issue still go on to become proud fathers.
Understanding Low Sperm Count Symptoms (Oligospermia Symptoms)
Often, low sperm count does not show any obvious signs and is usually diagnosed during fertility tests. However, there are symptoms that might hint at hormonal or testicular problems:
- Struggling to conceive even after having regular, unprotected intercourse.
- A decrease in sex drive or experiencing erectile dysfunction.
- Any pain, swelling or lumps in the testicle area.
- Less body or facial hair, which could indicate hormonal issues.
If you notice any of these low sperm count symptoms, it is crucial to reach out to a specialist for an accurate diagnosis.
Low Sperm Count Causes (Oligospermia Causes)
There are various reasons why a man might have a lower sperm count. This can generally be divided into medical, lifestyle and environmental factors.
Medical Causes:
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum that can impact sperm production and quality.
- Infections: Conditions like mumps orchitis, sexually transmitted infections or inflammation in the reproductive tract can harm sperm health.
- Hormonal Issues: Problems with the pituitary gland, testicles or hypothalamus, can disrupt sperm production.
- Genetic Disorders: Conditions such as Klinefelter’s syndrome can affect testicular development.
Lifestyle Causes:
- Smoking, heavy drinking and recreational drug use.
- Being overweight and having a poor diet.
- High stress levels.
- Not getting enough exercise or, on the flip side, overtraining
Environmental Causes:
- Exposure to industrial chemicals and heavy metals.
- Radiation or X-rays.
- Regular use of hot tubs, saunas, or keeping laptops on your lap (which can raise scrotal temperature).
It is important to note that the low sperm count causes can overlap across these categories, so addressing them in a comprehensive way is essential.
Risk Factors Related to Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
Some men might find themselves at a greater risk for low sperm count due to a few key factors:
- Age: Fertility tends to take a dip after the age of 40.
- Chronic illnesses: Conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders can play a role.
- Medications: Certain treatments, such as chemotherapy or long-term use of anabolic steroids, can impact sperm production.
- Family history: If infertility runs in your family, it could increase your risk.
Some men might find themselves at a greater risk for low sperm count due to a few key factors:
- Age: Fertility tends to take a dip after the age of 40.
- Chronic illnesses: Conditions like diabetes or thyroid disorders can play a role.
- Medications: Certain treatments, such as chemotherapy or long-term use of anabolic steroids, can impact sperm production.
- Family history: If infertility runs in your family, it could increase your risk.
Diagnosis of Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
If you are having trouble conceiving, your doctor might recommend a series of tests to get to the bottom of it:
- Semen Analysis: This is the main test that looks at sperm concentration, motility (how well they move) and morphology (their shape).
- Hormone Testing: Blood tests to check levels of testosterone and other reproductive hormones.
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing: This helps identify any inherited conditions that could affect fertility.
- Scrotal Ultrasound: This imaging test can reveal issues like varicocele or other structural problems in the reproductive tract.
- Testicular Biopsy: In rare cases, this may be done to see if sperm production is normal within the testicles.
Low Sperm Count Treatment Options
When it comes to treating low sperm count, the approach depends on the cause of the issue. There are a few effective options available:
Medical and Surgical Treatments
- Varicocele Repair: This is a surgical fix for enlarged veins in the scrotum that can affect sperm production.
- Hormone Therapy: This involves balancing hormones like testosterone, FSH and LH to help improve sperm production.
- Infection Management: If there are infections in the reproductive tract, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications can help clear those up.
Lifestyle Modifications
- Eating a well-rounded diet that is packed with zinc, vitamin C and antioxidants can make a difference.
- Keeping a healthy weight is crucial.
- Regular, moderate exercise is beneficial too.
- It’s wise to cut back on alcohol, quit smoking and steer clear of recreational drugs.
- Managing stress through practices like yoga, meditation or counseling can also help.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
If natural conception proves to be a challenge, ART could be helpful:
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): This method involves placing sperm directly into the uterus.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation): Here, eggs are fertilised with sperm outside the body before being implanted.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): This technique involves injecting a single healthy sperm directly into an egg, which is particularly useful for severe low sperm count cases.
These treatment options for low sperm count can significantly boost the chances of conception.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Dealing with low sperm count can take an emotional toll. It is completely normal to feel stressed, anxious or even guilty. Remember, infertility is a journey that you do not have to face alone. Seeking counselling and joining support groups can help. But most importantly, keeping the lines of communication open with your partner can help make this experience a bit easier to navigate.
Oligospermia (Low Sperm Count) Prevention Tips
While not every case can be avoided, there are proactive measures you could take to safeguard and enhance your sperm health:
- Steer clear of excessive heat around the testicles.
- Keep your body weight in check.
- Embrace a diet rich in nutrients.
- Stay active with regular exercise.
- Minimise your exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins.
- Schedule routine medical check-ups, especially if you have existing health issues.
Why Choose Motherhood Fertility & IVF Centers for Low Sperm Count Treatment?
At Motherhood, we offer cutting-edge fertility care tailored just for you. Here’s how we can assist:
- Accurate Diagnostics: From semen analysis to genetic testing, everything you need is conveniently located in one place.
- Advanced ART: We provide options like IUI, IVF and ICSI, even for the most challenging cases.
- Specialist Expertise: Our team of experienced fertility specialists and andrologists is here to guide you every step of the way.
- Comprehensive Support: We offer infertility counselling to support your emotional well-being alongside your medical treatment.
Advanced Facilities: Our state-of-the-art labs, pharmacy, NICU and emergency services are available around the clock.
Worry Less, Reach Out for Help
Low sperm count is a common yet treatable factor in male infertility. With timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment and some lifestyle changes, many men can achieve healthy fertility outcomes. If you have been trying to conceive without success, reaching out to a fertility specialist should be the first step on your journey to parenthood.
Do not let fertility challenges hold you back. Connect with our specialist now.
Frequently Asked Questions about Low Sperm Count
What is considered a low sperm count?
According to the World Health Organisation, a sperm count of fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen is deemed low.
Can lifestyle changes improve sperm count?
By sticking to a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol, you could enhance both sperm quality and count.
Does age affect sperm count?
After the age of 40, sperm quality and motility tend to decline gradually, although many men can remain fertile for quite a while.
What are the symptoms of low sperm count?
Most men do not notice symptoms, but common signs include difficulty conceiving, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, swelling in the testicles or hormonal changes like reduced body hair.
What foods can help improve sperm health?
Incorporating foods that are high in zinc, folate, vitamin C and antioxidants can boost sperm health. For example: leafy greens, nuts, citrus fruits and fish.
Is IVF successful for low sperm count?
IVF has been shown to be very effective for those dealing with a significantly low sperm count.
Can low sperm count be prevented?
Not always but leading a healthy lifestyle and steering clear of harmful exposures can help lower the risks.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional or fertility specialist for diagnosis and treatment.