Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)

Low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, is a condition in which a man has fewer sperm in his semen than is considered normal. It is one of the main causes of male infertility. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a low sperm count as having fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

There can be various factors that contribute to low sperm count, including:

1. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances, infections, varicocele (enlarged veins within the scrotum), and genetic disorders can affect sperm production.

2. Lifestyle factors: Habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and exposure to certain environmental toxins can have a negative impact on sperm production.

3. Ejaculatory problems: Issues with ejaculation, such as retrograde ejaculation (when semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis), can result in a low sperm count.

4. Overheating the testicles: Elevated temperatures in the testicles, caused by factors like frequent hot tub use, wearing tight underwear, or prolonged sitting, can affect sperm production.

5. Certain medications: Some medications, including certain antibiotics, anti-androgens, anabolic steroids, and chemotherapy drugs, may interfere with sperm production.

6. Emotional stress: Chronic stress can affect hormone levels and potentially reduce sperm production.

If you suspect you have a low sperm count, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably a urologist or a reproductive specialist. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment options. The diagnostic process may involve a physical examination, semen analysis, hormonal tests, genetic testing, and other relevant investigations.

Treatment options for low sperm count depend on the underlying cause and individual circumstances. Some possible approaches include:

1. Lifestyle modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs, can improve sperm production.

2. Medications: In certain cases, medications may be prescribed to treat hormonal imbalances, infections, or other underlying medical conditions contributing to low sperm count.

3. Surgical interventions: Surgical procedures, such as varicocele repair or reproductive tract reconstruction, may be recommended in specific cases to improve sperm production and fertility.

4. Assisted reproductive techniques: In severe cases of low sperm count, assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be considered. These techniques involve the direct injection of sperm into the egg to facilitate fertilization.

It’s important to note that treatment outcomes vary depending on the specific cause and individual factors. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial to receive personalized advice and appropriate management for low sperm count.