In male fertility, two terms most likely come to mind—azoospermia and low sperm count. Both are conditions of fertility that work on a man to conceive a baby, but etiology, diagnosis, and treatment are different from each other. In this blog, we are discussing the primary differences between azoospermia and low sperm count. By using these terms, you can make the correct decisions regarding your health and fertility.
What is Azoospermia?
Azoospermia is a pathological condition where a man is sperm-free in his semen. It is the term employed to suggest that the semen is completely sperm-free, and natural pregnancy is impossible. Azoospermia is obstructive or non-obstructive.
Obstructive Azoospermia : Azoospermia results when there is a blockage in the channel through which the sperm is washed out during ejaculation. It results from infection, injury, or surgery.
Non-Obstructive Azoospermia: This occurs when sperm fails to develop within the testes. It could be caused by genetic issues, hormonal issues, or testicular failure.
Azoospermia is only diagnosed after determining that there are no sperm present in a semen test. Tests like a testicle biopsy or hormone test have to be taken to determine why.
What is Low Sperm Count?
Low sperm count, or oligospermia, is when a man has less than the normal amount of sperm in his semen. A healthy semen sample will contain at least 15 million sperm per milliliter. Anything less than that is low sperm count. This does not imply that the sperm are missing but fewer sperm for fertilization.
Low sperm count is brought about by a range of causes such as lifestyle, stress, diet, and environment. Certain medical conditions such as varicocele, infection, or endocrine imbalance may also lead to it.
Principal Differences Between Azoospermia and Low Sperm Count
While both the conditions are related to the interruption of sperm production, the primary difference is in the aspect of the number of sperm. Azoospermia refers to the absence of sperm, while low sperm count is the availability of sperm but not in adequate numbers.
Presence of Sperm:
- Azoospermia: No sperm in semen.
- Low Sperm Count: Sperm but lesser in number.
Causes:
- Azoospermia: Due to blockage (obstructive) or failure to produce sperm (non-obstructive).
- Low Sperm Count: As a result of lifestyle, environmental, or medical reasons such as varicocele.
Diagnosis:
- Azoospermia: Identified by a semen analysis shows no sperm.
- Low Sperm Count: Identified by a semen analysis showing less than 15 million sperm per milliliter.
Treatment Options:
- Azoospermia: Treatment may be by surgery to repair obstructions or hormonal therapy.
- Low Sperm Count: Treatment may be by lifestyle modification, medication, or reproductive technique such as IUI or IVF.
Causes of Low Sperm Count and Azoospermia
Low sperm count and azoospermia are caused by many factors, though overlapping in causative causes. For instance, hormonal imbalance, infection, and genetics can weaken the process of spermatogenesis. Stress, nutrition, and alcohol or drug abuse on an excess level can reduce sperm count.Moreover, healthy living is most imperative to fertility.
Treatment Options
Treatment of low sperm count and azoospermia varies with the cause.
Azoospermia Treatment: In case of blockage, surgery may be required to drain out obstructions. In case of faulty sperm production, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) can be employed to become pregnant.
Treatment of Low Sperm Count: Dietary modification, such as quitting smoking, reduction of alcohol intake, and stress, will improve sperm count. Medication treatment and hormonal treatment will also be prescribed to treat the causative condition.
In both these cases, consulting a Male Infertility Specialist in Salem will provide you with the maximum amount of vital information regarding which type of treatment will be suitable for you. Therefore, making an appointment with the Best Andrologist in Namakkal will make you aware of the very specific reasons hindering sperm production.
When to See a Specialist?
If you have been trying to get pregnant for over a year and nothing is happening, you should consult an expert. An expert will analyze your semen and do tests if necessary to check whether you have azoospermia or low sperm count. A Sexual Health Information Clinic in TamilNadu can assist with the tests and counseling necessary for diagnosis.
Furthermore, in case you have any erectile dysfunction or any sexual disorder, you should always get advice from the Best Sexologist in Salem. Early diagnosis may treat and heal the reasons for it, thereby enhancing your chance of getting pregnant.
Conclusion
Finally, the difference between low sperm count and azoospermia needs to be realized so that we can treat male infertility. Azoospermia refers to the condition where no sperm in semen are found, and reduced sperm count is a reduction in sperm. Both conditions are detectable in semen analysis and can be treated depending upon the underlying cause of the condition. Additionally, considering professional advice from experts like the Male Infertility Specialist in Salem or the Best Andrologist in Namakkal will take you through the finest treatments.
If you experience any infertility issues, do not wait to approach experts who will lead you to improved reproductive health.
AndroOne – Sexologist and Andrologist In Salem & Namakkal
