Low sperm count, or oligospermia, refers to having fewer sperm cells than the average sperm count necessary for optimal male fertility. The World Health Organization (WHO) sets a threshold of 15 million sperm cells per milliliter as the standard for a normal sperm count. Sperm counts below this threshold can reduce the chances of successful conception, contributing to male factor infertility, a common cause of difficulty conceiving.
While a lower-than-average sperm count can impact fertility, the condition may also reveal insights about a man’s overall health. Below, we cover what low sperm count entails, potential causes, diagnostic tests and treatment options.
Symptoms of Low Sperm Count Beyond Fertility Challenges
While difficulty achieving pregnancy is a primary symptom of low sperm concentration, other signs may suggest oligospermia:
- Reduced Libido and Low Testosterone Levels: Low testosterone levels, often associated with low sperm counts, can reduce libido and energy.
- Physical Symptoms in the Testicle Area: Pain, swelling or discomfort in the testicle area may indicate underlying issues, such as varicocele or infections affecting sperm production.
- Hormonal Imbalance and Fatigue: Symptoms like fatigue, mood changes or decreased muscle mass could suggest hormonal imbalances.
Diagnostic Process for Low Sperm Count
Diagnosing low sperm count typically involves a semen analysis, which examines key aspects of semen quality and sperm health. During this test, clinicians assess factors such as:
- Sperm concentration: This measures the number of sperm per milliliter of semen to determine if it falls within the average or normal range.
- Sperm motility: Effective sperm movement is necessary for fertilization.
- Sperm morphology: The shape of sperm cells can impact their ability to fertilize an egg.
- Volume and pH Levels: These indicate overall semen quality, with ideal pH supporting sperm survival.
In some cases, doctors may recommend additional blood tests to examine hormone levels (like FSH, LH, and testosterone) and rule out any hormonal imbalance, which could impact sperm production.
Common Causes of Low Sperm Count
Understanding the cause of low sperm count can guide appropriate treatments. Causes often fall into three categories:
Pre-Testicular Causes
- Hormonal Imbalances: Issues in the pituitary gland or low testosterone levels can disrupt sperm production.
- Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, smoking tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption and anabolic steroids can harm sperm health.
- Medications and Medical Conditions: Certain medications and conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can reduce sperm production.
Testicular Causes
- Varicocele: An enlargement of veins in the scrotum, which affects the temperature of the testicles and can lead to lower sperm concentration.
- Genetic Factors: Y chromosome microdeletions or conditions like Klinefelter syndrome can impair sperm production.
- Testicular Injury or Infections: Injuries, infections, or procedures like chemotherapy may impact the testicles and reduce sperm count.
Post-Testicular Causes
- Obstructions and Infections: Issues like blocked vas deferens, inflammation, or obstruction in the ejaculatory duct can hinder sperm flow.
- Retrograde Ejaculation: A condition in which semen moves backward into the bladder rather than being expelled through the penis.
How Lifestyle Factors Impact Sperm Count
Lifestyle factors play a significant role in maintaining sperm health. To support optimal sperm quality and reproductive health, consider these changes:
- Balanced Diet with Antioxidants: Foods rich in antioxidants, including lycopene and vitamin C, help protect sperm cells from damage.
- Regular Exercise and Weight Management: Avoiding obesity and maintaining healthy weight through exercise can positively impact sperm production.
- Avoiding Environmental Toxins: Exposure to toxins, such as heavy metals and radiation, can decrease sperm concentration and motility.
Treatment Options for Low Sperm Count
While there is no single treatment to increase sperm production significantly, various options can support fertility and reproductive health:
- Lifestyle Changes and Herbal Remedies: Certain lifestyle changes, like maintaining a balanced diet and reducing alcohol consumption, may improve sperm health. Supplements like maca root and ashwagandha have shown promise in enhancing sperm count and motility.
- Medications and Hormone Therapy: Hormonal treatments can balance hormone levels, potentially improving sperm count and quality. In some cases, medications may also address specific underlying medical conditions like diabetes.
- Surgical Interventions: Procedures such as varicocele repair or the removal of blockages in the reproductive tract can improve semen quality.
- Fertility Treatments: Advanced reproductive techniques, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), enable fertilization even with low sperm counts. This treatment can benefit couples who face challenges with natural conception due to male factor infertility.
When to Seek Help
For men experiencing difficulty achieving conception, a consultation with a fertility specialist or healthcare provider is essential, especially if trying to conceive for over a year. Specialists recommend semen analysis at least twice, spaced several weeks apart, for an accurate understanding of sperm count and semen quality.
Improving Sperm Health Naturally
To maintain optimal reproductive health, consider these tips for improving sperm quality and concentration:
- Antioxidant-Rich Diet: Foods like tomatoes, bell peppers and green leafy vegetables, high in antioxidants such as lycopene, help safeguard sperm cells.
- Manage Stress and Blood Pressure: Chronic stress and high blood pressure can impact hormone levels and sperm production, so consider relaxation practices or regular physical activity.
Conclusion
A low sperm count, or oligospermia, is not only a factor in male infertility but may also highlight important aspects of a man’s health. Understanding the causes, symptoms and treatments available is essential for managing and improving reproductive health. Through lifestyle changes, medical interventions and, if needed, fertility treatments, men with low sperm counts can take positive steps toward enhancing their fertility and overall well-being.
At Andrology Center, we provide a range of diagnostic tests to thoroughly assess male fertility, including both manual and AI-assisted semen analysis, the DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI), and essential blood and hormone testing. Our Sperm Chromatin Structure Assay (SCSA®) test for DFI offers an in-depth assessment of sperm DNA integrity, and we are proud to be the only authorised laboratory in India equipped to perform this essential test. These evaluations give fertility specialists a clear understanding of the person’s fertility health, empowering them to make informed choices and explore solutions that best suit their client’s health and lifestyle.
