What is a Low Sperm Count?
A low sperm count refers to having insufficient sperm production, clinically termed oligospermia. The average count per 1ml of sperm is usually above 15 million, and with less than that, it poses a challenge for pregnancy to occur, but it’s not impossible. Men with oligospermia, if given the right treatment, are supported by medical intervention, and guidance are likely to attain successful pregnancies.
Significance of Sperm Count
To initiate a family, healthy sperm naturally aids in fertilizing the egg, conceive. While having considerable amounts of sperm is more advantageous, even with a lesser count, numerous men are able to get pregnant through adequate treatment.
Common Signs of Low Sperm Count
Men find it hard to have babies and are unable to conceive despite their desire and willingness. This condition in men doesn’t only manifest with having a baby. Some men may also experience:
Leads to the sexual disorders listed above, reduced libido, or erectile dysfunction
Swelling, tenderness or lumps around the testicular region
Body and facial hair reduction could suggest a hormonal level or chromosomal issue.
If you have being trying to conceive with your partner for a whole year without success, one year is the right duration for seeking medical assistance.
What Causes Low Sperm Counts
Lifestyle factors and the environment contribute to low sperm counts. Sometimes the reason remains a mystery. Listed below are some of the most frequent reasons.
Medical Reasons
A varicocele is the swelling of the veins draining the testicle and impacts sperm quality.
Some infections also have the ability to hinder sperm production while others may increase it. For example retrograde ejaculation (where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting out the penis) reduces sperm motility.
Pituitary hormones or the testicles can disrupt hormonal balance leading to an imbalance which also affects the production of sperm.
There are also certain genetic conditions such as Klinefelter Syndrome which arises from sperm with chromosomal abnormalities, leading to defective sperm tubes that limit the quantity of sperm produced.
Environmental Reasons That Affect Sperm Quality
High doses of radiation such as X-rays can irreversibly harm sperm count.
Men’s sperm count can also be negatively impacted by routine sauna and hot tub use due to heat exposure.
Choose Your Lifestyle and Health Care Choices – They Matter
What you do on a daily basis directly regulates your reproductive health.
The quality and amount of sperm produced can also be negatively affected by cocaine use and anabolic steroids.
Alcohol and Smoking – Regular smoking and heavy drinking are known to have negative impacts on sperm count.
Obesity – Chronic overweight can disrupt endocrine system making it less fertile.
Chronic stress – Long-term stress can hinder important hormonal factors needed to produce healthy sperm.
How is low Sperm Count diagnosed?
Determining the diagnosis of a condition usually begins with analyzing the semen. This test enumerates the sperm in a semen specimen. It is likely that you will be asked to provide more than one sample because your sperm count varies.
Other tests include:
Scrotal Ultrasound: This ultrasound looks for varicocele as well as other testicular abnormalities.
Measuring hormone levels in blood.
Genetic tests: diagnose conditions that impact fertility.
In rare cases, a small tissue biopsy is performed to evaluate the spermatogenesis process.
Urinalysis: evaluates retrograde ejaculation.
Low Sperm Count Treatment Options
Treatment approaches greatly vary depending on the underlying cause. Many men find ways to enable fatherhood. Listed here are some strategies unto medical treatment.
Medical Treatments
Surgical treatment of varicocele and tube lesions. Reversal of previous vasectomy is also possible.
Infectious causes: antibiotics targeting infections of the genitourinary system are effective.
Addressing hormone imbalance: This applies where necessary.
Daily adjustments:
Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption
Maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid substances that negatively impact sperm production.
Manage stress levels.
Wear loosely fitted underwear.
Prevent overheating of the testicles.
Overall, fertility and sperm count may improve.
When to see a doctor
If:
You have not been able to conceive after a year of regular unprotected intercourse.
Sexual dysfunction presents as an issue.
Swelling or lumps on the testicles presents with a familial history of prostate, testicular or sexual ailments.
Can low sperm counts be prevented?
While not all cancers are preventable, some risks can be mitigated.
Avoid contact with toxic chemicals and substances.
Illicit drugs and anabolic steroids.
Limit smoking and alcohol use.
Maintain a healthy diet and weight with stress management.
Conclusion
Though low sperm count is an issue many men face, it is often stigmatized and little talked about. There are various forms of support available along with simple tests that can be done.