Low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, is a condition where the semen produced by a man contains fewer sperm than normal. It can be a contributing factor to male infertility. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a low sperm count as having less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
There are several potential causes of low sperm count, including:
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions can affect sperm production and lead to low sperm count. These may include hormonal imbalances, infections (such as sexually transmitted infections), genetic disorders, varicocele (enlarged veins in the testicles), or problems with the testicles or reproductive system.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to low sperm count. These include smoking tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, exposure to environmental toxins (such as pesticides or heavy metals), and wearing tight-fitting underwear or clothing that increases scrotal temperature.
- Age: As men age, sperm count and quality may decline. However, the impact of age on sperm count is generally less significant compared to women’s age and fertility.
- Symptoms of low sperm count:
- Low sperm count, or oligospermia, typically does not cause noticeable symptoms. In most cases, it is only discovered when a couple experiences difficulty in conceiving and seeks medical evaluation for infertility. The absence of symptoms is why it’s important to have regular check-ups and fertility assessments if you’re trying to conceive.
- However, some men with low sperm count may additionally experience:
- Changes in sexual function: Some individuals may notice changes in sexual function, including difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) or reduced libido (sex drive). These symptoms can be associated with various factors, including hormonal imbalances or underlying medical conditions, apart from low sperm count.
- Pain or swelling in the testicles: In rare cases, conditions such as infection or varicocele (enlarged veins) may cause discomfort or swelling in the testicles.
- It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by other factors as well, so they are not necessarily indicative of low sperm count.
- Medications and treatments: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and long-term use of anabolic steroids, may affect sperm production and decrease sperm count. Radiation therapy can also have a detrimental effect on sperm production.
- Emotional and psychological factors: Mental stress, anxiety, and emotional factors can contribute to hormonal changes that affect sperm production.
Treatment options for low sperm count depend on the underlying cause and whether the couple is trying to conceive. Some possible interventions include:
- Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle choices such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and managing stress levels may help improve sperm count.
- Medications: In certain cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to address any underlying hormonal imbalances or infections that may be affecting sperm count.
- Assisted reproductive techniques: If a couple is trying to conceive and has difficulty due to low sperm count, assisted reproductive techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be considered. These techniques involve extracting sperm directly from the male partner and processing it before fertilizing the female partner’s eggs outside the body.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional or a fertility specialist for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan based on individual circumstances. They can evaluate the specific cause of low sperm count and recommend the most appropriate treatment options.