OLIGOSPERMIA
Low sperm count means that the fluid (semen) you ejaculate during an orgasm contains fewer sperm than the normal.
In medical terms, low sperm count is also called Oligospermia while a complete absence of sperm is called Azoospermia. Your sperm count is considered lower than normal if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
IMPLICATIONS
A low sperm count reduces the possibility of a sperm to fertilize a partner's egg, which will resulting in pregnancy. It however does not entirely take away that possibility.
Many men who have low sperm count have still been able to father children.
CAUSES
Some health conditions and lifestyle factors can increase the risk for oligospermia.
- Varicocele - The temperature in the testicles to increase due to enlarged veins in a man’s scrotum. This can disrupt blood flow to the testicles. An abnormal increase in temperature can negatively affect sperm production.
- Infections - Like viruses, sexually transmitted infections can reduce the amount of sperm in semen.
Other things that may interfere with typical ejaculation will include:
Injuries
Tumors
Cancer
Past surgeries
ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES
Overexposure to certain environmental elements, can affect sperm production These may include:
- Extended exposure to some Industrial chemicals – prolonged exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, some herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead might contribute to low sperm counts.
- Exposure to heavy metal – Infertility can also be caused by exposure to other heavy metals.
Exposure to Radiation or X-rays – Heavy radiation can affect sperm production negatively. It could take several years for sperm production to return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production could be permanently reduced.
HEALTH, LIFESTYLE AND OTHER CAUSES
Other causes of low sperm count may include:
- Drug use/ misuse - Anabolic steroids that are supposed to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink. Sperm production decreases as a consequent.
- Alcohol use/ abuse - Alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause decreased sperm production.
- Occupation - Certain occupations like welding, truck driving (associated with prolonged sitting), might be linked with a risk of infertility. However, there is no consistent data to support these assertions.
- Tobacco smoking - Smokers might have a lower sperm count than nonsmokers.
- Emotional stress - Severe and or prolonged emotional stress might interfere with hormones that are needed to produce sperm.
- Depression – Being in a state of depression may negatively affect sperm concentration.
- Weight - Obesity can cause hormone changes that reduce male fertility.
SYMPTOMS
The main sign of low sperm count would be the inability to conceive a child. There might be no other obvious signs or symptoms.
Other symptoms might include:
- Problems with sexual function - Erectile dysfunction (difficulty maintaining an erection) or Low sex drive.
- Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area.
- Chromosome or Hormone abnormality - Reduced facial or body hair or other signs of defects.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Please see a doctor if you have:
- Problems with erection or ejaculation, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function
- A history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems
- Had a previous groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery
- Pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle area
Generally, one must see a doctor if they have not been able to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse.
PREVENTION
Avoid the following known factors that can affect sperm count and quality.
- Avoid smoking.
- Abstain or Limit from alcohol.
- Steer clear of illicit drugs.
- Talk to a doctor about medications that can affect sperm count.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid heat especially in the genital area.
- Manage stress.
- Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins
TREATMENT
This may include:
- Surgery - A varicocele can be surgically corrected. Prior vasectomies can be reversed. Where there is no sperm in the ejaculate, sperm can be retrieved directly from the testicles using sperm retrieval techniques.
- Treating infections - Antibiotics can cure an infection of the reproductive tract, however, this therapy doesn't always restore fertility.
- Treatments for sexual intercourse problems - Medication or counseling can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
- Hormone treatments and medications - In cases where infertility is caused by high or low levels of certain hormones a doctor might recommend hormone replacement or medications.
- Laboratory assisted reproductive technology – This is treatments in which sperm is obtained through normal ejaculation, surgical extraction or from donor individuals, depending on specific situation and wishes. The sperm is then inserted into the female genital tract, or used for In vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
When treatment doesn't work
- In rare cases, it's impossible for a man to father a child male fertility problems can't be treated. Partners can consider either using sperm from a donor or adopting a child.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES
There are steps partners can take at home to increase their chances having their partner pregnant, this includes:
- Increasing the frequency of sex - Having sexual intercourse every day or every other day beginning at least four days before ovulation.
- Avoiding the use of lubricants. Some products might impair sperm movement and function.
- Having sex when fertilization is possible - A woman is likely to become pregnant in the middle of the menstrual cycle during ovulation. This will ensure that sperm is present when conception is highly possible.
