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3.8 Minute

29-07-2024 Team Medicover fertility

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Amatul Hafsa, Gynecologist

Low Sperm Count: Causes, Test, Treatment and Prevention

Low sperm count, or oligospermia, is a condition where the concentration of sperm in a man's semen is lower than normal. It can affect fertility because with a low sperm count, there are fewer sperm available to fertilize an egg.

There are many reasons for low sperm count, including lifestyle factors, medical conditions, hormonal imbalances, or even genetic problems. Common reasons for low sperm count include stress, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, being overweight, certain medications, and environmental toxins.

It can also be caused by conditions like varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), infections, and hormonal issues.

Treatment for low sperm count depends on what is causing it. Sometimes, it can involve making lifestyle changes, taking medications, or even assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Symptoms of Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count usually doesn’t show obvious symptoms until a couple tries to conceive. However, some men may notice certain signs of low sperm count:

Difficulty in getting a partner pregnant (the most common sign).
Low sex drive or reduced desire.
Erectile dysfunction (trouble getting or keeping an erection).
Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle area.
Less facial or body hair (may suggest a hormonal imbalance).

If you're facing fertility issues or any of these signs, it's a good idea to consult a doctor for evaluation.

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Causes of Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count also called oligospermia can be linked to several medical conditions. Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), infections, obesity, and hormonal imbalances are common causes. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and thyroid problems can also affect sperm production.

A thorough examination by a healthcare provider can help identify any underlying conditions that might be affecting fertility.

Low Sperm Count Test

A low sperm count is diagnosed through a semen analysis. This test checks:

Sperm count: How many sperm are present in the semen.
Sperm movement (motility): How well the sperm can swim.
Sperm shape (morphology): Whether the sperm are properly formed.

How the test is done:

The test is usually done by providing a semen sample through masturbation at a clinic or lab. It may be repeated 2-3 times over a few weeks to get accurate results.

The minimum sperm count is 15 million or more sperm per milliliter of semen. Anything below this is considered low.

Low Sperm Count Treatment Options for Men

Lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight).
Medications to boost sperm production or improve motility.
Surgical procedures like varicocele repair (for enlarged veins in the scrotum).
Assisted reproductive techniques like IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) or IUI (Intrauterine Insemination).

Myths and Facts About Male Fertility

Myth: Male fertility is not affected by age. Fact: As men age, sperm quality and quantity can decrease.
Myth: Stress alone causes infertility. Fact: Stress may affect health but is usually not the main cause of low sperm count; lifestyle and medical conditions play a larger role.

Preventing Low Sperm Count – Tips for Better Fertility

Effects of Heat Exposure on Sperm Quality

Excessive heat can have a negative impact on sperm production and quality.
Avoid hot tubs, saunas, and placing laptops directly on the lap for long periods.
Wearing loose-fitting underwear helps in keeping the testicles cooler and maintaining healthy sperm production.

Exercise and Its Role in Male Fertility

Regular physical activity boosts overall health, including better sperm quality.
Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, balances hormones, and reduces stress, all of which contribute to better fertility.
But too much exercise, especially intense workouts, can negatively affect sperm count by increasing stress levels and reducing testosterone.

Impact of Stress on Sperm Production

Long-term stress can lead to hormonal imbalances, which affect sperm production.
High levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) can interfere with testosterone, leading to lower sperm count.
Managing stress through activities like yoga, meditation, or even deep breathing exercises can improve sperm health.

Natural Remedies and Supplements for Low Sperm Count

Some herbs and supplements, like ashwagandha, maca root, and vitamin C, may help improve sperm count and quality.
Antioxidants such as selenium and zinc are important for sperm health.
Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplements to make sure they are safe and effective for your specific needs.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Sperm Count

Avoid smoking, excessive drinking, and recreational drugs as they can damage sperm quality.
Maintain a healthy weight with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
Make sure to get proper sleep, as poor sleep affects hormone levels and sperm production.
Practising safe sex is important to avoid sexually transmitted infections that can impact fertility.

Tips for Getting Pregnant with Low Sperm Count

Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol. This can improve sperm health and boost your chances of pregnancy.
Track Ovulation: For women, knowing when you're ovulating helps time intercourse during the most fertile days, increasing your chances of conceiving.
Regular Intercourse: Have intercourse every two to three days around ovulation. Avoid too frequent sex, as it can lower sperm concentration.
Consult a Doctor: If natural methods don't work, a doctor can suggest treatments like IUI or IVF, which can help even with low sperm count.
Natural Supplements: Consider taking antioxidants like vitamin C and zinc, which may help improve sperm health.
Manage Stress: Stress can lower sperm production. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation to reduce stress.
Explore Advanced Fertility Treatments: If low sperm count remains a problem, treatments like ICSI can help, where a single sperm is injected into an egg.

These tips can improve your chances of getting pregnant, even if you don’t have a normal sperm count to get pregnant.

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Conclusion

Low sperm count can pose challenges to conception, but with the right diagnosis, lifestyle adjustments, and medical interventions, many couples can still achieve pregnancy. Consulting with a healthcare provider specialising in reproductive health is crucial for personalised guidance and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a man with a low sperm count can still have a baby, though it may take longer. If natural conception isn't successful, assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or ICSI-IVF may help.

Low sperm count itself doesn't directly cause miscarriage, but poor sperm quality and DNA damage can contribute to recurrent miscarriages.

There are at-home sperm testing kits available, which can analyze sperm count, motility, and concentration. However, for a thorough assessment, a clinical semen analysis by a doctor is recommended for accurate results.

A healthy diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (C, D, E), zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and folic acid can enhance sperm health. Foods like leafy greens, nuts, fish, and fruits are beneficial for improving sperm count and motility.

Hormones like testosterone, LH, and FSH regulate sperm production. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to low sperm count or poor quality, affecting fertility.

Yes, in many cases. Lifestyle changes, treating infections, managing hormone levels, or stopping certain medications can help improve sperm count.

Yes, it's possible. Pregnancy can still occur naturally if some healthy sperm are present, though it may take longer or require fertility support.

Yes, low testosterone can reduce sperm production and quality. It may also lower sex drive and impact fertility. Hormone treatment may help.

No, masturbation does not cause low sperm count. Sperm levels replenish naturally, and normal sexual activity doesn’t usually affect fertility.

The WHO considers a sperm count of 15 million sperm per milliliter or more as normal. Counts below this may reduce the chances of conception.