Most of the time, we aren’t concerned about sperm quality. But when you and your partner think about starting or expanding your family, the sperm count will be the first thing which will come to your mind.
While it takes only one sperm to fertilize an egg, this journey is rough for many couples. The more the sperm count you have, the more the chances of pregnancy will be. Let’s dig deeper and learn about the causes and symptoms of low sperm count.
Causes of Low sperm count
Usually, the major reason for male infertility is low sperm count, which is called oligospermia. The sperm count is low when the count goes below 15 million per millilitre (mL) of semen. Some causes of low sperm count are obesity, trauma or surgery around the testicles or taking some medications. Beyond this, there are three more reasons for low sperm count: medical, environmental and lifestyle.
Medical
Some treatments, like cancer, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, may reduce your sperm count. Radiations of testicles destroy the sperm-producing cells, while brain surgery can also impact sperm count, as hormone production in the brain stimulates sperm production.
Environmental
Surprisingly the ideal sperm condition is slightly less than the body temperature; that’s the reason; testicles are positioned outside the abdominal cavity.
Overheating of testicles impacts your sperm count. Hence enjoying hot tubs frequently or putting your laptop on your lap can impact sperm count production.
Lifestyle
Consumption of drugs, alcohol or tobacco can also reduce sperm count. Anabolic steroids, which many people take to increase muscle mass, usually shirk testicles, which impacts sperm production.
Male infertility symptoms
You may not get any sign or symptom of low sperm count until you start family planning. The main sign of low sperm count is infertility.
If the cause of your low sperm count is an underlying condition, like hormonal imbalance, testicular issue, blockage or chromosomal abnormality, you can experience the below male infertility symptoms
- Low sex drive
- Pain or swelling around testicles
- Erectile dysfunction
- Less facial or body hair
Diagnosis of low sperm count
If you have been involved in unprotected sex for the past year and still your partner cannot get pregnant, then you need to seek a doctor’s advice. You must consult your doctor sooner if you have trouble with ejaculating, testicle pain or have undergone surgery.
Diagnosis usually involves a medical history, physical exam and semen analysis.
You may not like doing ejaculation in a cup for evaluation. However, no need to feel awkward in this; it is as normal as giving a urine or blood sample. Through semen analysis, your doctor can examine the sperm count, mobility, and shape through a microscope. Your doctor may require another sample to confirm consistent results due to high sample variability.
You will be provided with a container in the doctor’s office. You need to masturbate and ejaculate into that container.
Treatment of low sperm count
Based on the cause, your doctor will let you know about the treatment. Let’s know some of the treatments.
Surgery: In case of varicoceles, or blockages which restrict sperm from leaving the body, surgery is the only option. Doctors can correct varicoceles through minor surgery. In other cases, doctors can take out sperm from the testicles through surgery, and pregnancy can happen through in-vitro fertilization.
Medications: Medications are advised when there is an infection in the reproductive tract. Such infection should be treated promptly, as it will become difficult to obtain a normal sperm count in case of permanent tissue scarring.
Counselling: Problems like premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction can be treated through medicines and counselling.
Hormonal treatments: An imbalance in testosterone levels and other hormones can also impact sperm count. Treating such issues with proper treatments and medications can also restore fertility.
Lifestyle modifications: Things you can do to fight low sperm count involve intercourse more frequently and keeping a watch on the fertility window. For instance, doing sex every day or every other day before and after ovulation will allow swimmers to meet the egg at the right time.
Also, try to avoid lubricants, as these can work as a barrier if used in excess. Also don’t involve in activities which can increase the temperature of your testicles, like taking frequent hot tub dips, steam rooms etc.
The takeaway
It is possible to become pregnant even with a low sperm count. It would help if you remain patient, as it may take time for your partner to conceive. Taking the advice of doctors can improve your fertility chances.
In case you suspect some issues, you must take medical advice. It will give you an idea of how low your sperm count is. Your doctor can suggest available treatments or let you know whether you should go with IVF or not.
In case you suspect some issues, you must take medical advice. It will give you an idea of how low your sperm count is. Your doctor can suggest available treatments or let you know whether you should go with IVF or not. For more help regarding low sperm count you can contact best fertility hospital in Meerut.
Prem Hospital 