Gain insights into low sperm count and explore strategies for fertility. Meri Sehat provides expert advice for those seeking reproductive health.

Low Sperm Count

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC KARACHI

Sadia Khan

Overview

A low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, is defined as having fewer than 15 million sperm per millimeter of semen. 
&nbsp;

The prevalence of oligospermia varies across different regions.

<ul>
	<li>16% of all men have varicoceles, or swollen veins in the scrotum.<a href="#accordion">[4]</a></li>
	<li>7-10% of men with severe oligospermia or azoospermia present with genetic abnormalities.<a href="#accordion">[5]</a></li>
	<li>5-10% of men with severe oligospermia present with Y chromosome microdeletion.<a href="#accordion">[5]</a></li>
	<li>1 in 10,000 men has Kallman syndrome.<a href="#accordion">[5]</a></li>
</ul>

However, researchers believe the real numbers may differ because the condition is not diagnosed until the couple tries to conceive. 
&nbsp;

These include:<a href="#accordion">[6]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Mild Oligospermia &ndash; The sperm count is 10-15 million sperm/mL</li>
	<li>Moderate Oligospermia &ndash; The sperm count is 5-10 million sperm/mL</li>
	<li>Severe Oligospermia &ndash; The sperm count is less than 5 million sperm/mL 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Sign and Symptoms

The main symptom is the inability to conceive a child. Other symptoms include:

<ul>
	<li>Problems with sexual function, such as low libido or difficulty maintaining an erection</li>
	<li>Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle area</li>
	<li>Abnormal breast growth</li>
	<li>Decreased facial or body hair</li>
	<li>Recurrent <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/unidentified-respiratory-infections-a-public-health-concern">respiratory infections </a>or issues with sense of smell 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Causes

Normal sperm production requires normal functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, testicles, and the tubes that transport them until they are ejaculated. 
&nbsp;

The following factors may contribute to a low sperm count:

<ul>
	<li>Underlying Diseases (related to genetics, hormones, infection, and structural obstructions) &ndash; Hypogonadism, STIs, inflammation of the epididymis or testicles, undescended testicles, blocked or damaged tubes, and tumors</li>
	<li>Environmental Toxins &ndash; Exposure to industrial chemicals, radiation, and elevated temperatures</li>
	<li>Lifestyles &ndash; Drug use and prolonged sitting 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Diagnosis

The diagnosis involves asking for the patient&rsquo;s medical history, including sexual habits and sexual development, and a physical examination.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>

The doctor may then order a semen analysis test to assess the number, shape, and movement of sperm in the ejaculate. 
&nbsp;

They may also order additional tests to identify the cause of the low sperm count:

<ul>
	<li>Urinalysis</li>
	<li>Genetic tests, such as DNA fragmentation index</li>
	<li>Imaging tests, such as scrotal or transrectal ultrasound</li>
	<li>Hormone testing</li>
	<li>Testicular biopsy</li>
	<li>Anti-sperm antibody tests 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the cause of the low sperm count. These include:

<ul>
	<li>Medication: Hormonal treatments, such as gonadotropin injections, help stimulate sperm production in cases of hormonal imbalances.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> If the low sperm count is due to infections, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.</li>
	<li>Surgical Interventions: Surgical procedures, such as varicocele repair or testicular sperm extraction (TESE), help correct anatomical issues or retrieve sperm for assisted reproductive techniques.</li>
	<li>Alternative Medicine: Some studies show dietary supplements like black seed, folic acid, or zinc improve sperm count. However, more research is needed to validate these results.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a></li>
	<li>Counseling: The healthcare provider may suggest seeking professional help to deal with issues like premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Low sperm count is a leading cause of male infertility and can make it challenging for couples to conceive a child naturally. Around 1 in 3 couples struggle to get pregnant due to a low sperm count.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a>

Additionally, this also causes emotional stress, anxiety, and depression for men and their partners, impacting their overall well-being. 
&nbsp;

There is an increased risk of low sperm count due to:

<ul>
	<li>Occupational exposure to heavy metals and radiation</li>
	<li>Previous surgery to the testicles or hernia repairs</li>
	<li>Unhealthy habits, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, testosterone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and antibiotics 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Lifestyle modifications, like minimizing exposure to environmental pollutants, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough quality sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking, can help protect sperm count.

Additionally, managing stress, not wearing tight clothing, and avoiding working on computers for long periods can also improve sperm production. 
&nbsp;

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>A low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, is defined as having fewer than 15 million sperm per millimeter of semen.</li>
	<li>The types of low sperm count include mild, moderate, and severe oligospermia.</li>
	<li>Signs and symptoms of low sperm count may include difficulty conceiving, abnormal breast growth, and pain or swelling in the testicle area.</li>
	<li>Causes of low sperm count range from environmental factors, underlying diseases, and lifestyle choices.</li>
	<li>Semen analysis, hormone testing, genetic testing, and imaging studies help assess the condition and identify the underlying causes.</li>
	<li>Treatment options for low sperm count include medication, surgical interventions, and counseling.</li>
	<li>Low sperm can lead to infertility and negatively affect an individual&rsquo;s mental health.</li>
	<li>Risk factors for low sperm count encompass occupational exposure to heavy metals and radiation and previous surgery to the testicles or hernia repairs.</li>
	<li>Preventive measures for low sperm count focus on avoiding toxins, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and stress management to support male reproductive health and fertility.</li>
</ul>