Low Sperm Count

Many men have a low sperm count, which can lead to not being able to father a child and being stressed and overwhelmed.

Low sperm count

A low sperm count is when the sperm count is less than 15 million sperm in 1 milliliter of semen. The normal count is 15 million to over 200 million sperm in 1 milliliter of semen.

Causes and risk factors of low sperm count

• Health conditions, such as varicocele, certain infections like gonorrhea, ejaculation problems, tumors, undescended testicles, hormonal imbalance, genetic conditions, and problems in the tubes that carry the sperm.
• Environmental factors, such as exposure to heavy metals, industrial chemicals, extreme heat on the scrotum, and radiation or x-rays.
• Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol, drug abuse, stress, and obesity.
• The risk of oligospermia increases due to the following factors:
• Major abdomen or pelvic surgeries.
• Certain medications, like those for anxiety, depression, arthritis, hypertension, and infections.
• Traumas to the testicles.

Symptoms of low sperm count

• Not being able to conceive after one year of repeated intercourse without using birth control.
• Some males might suffer from a low sex drive, decreased body and facial hair, erectile dysfunction, and pain or a lump in the testicle area.

Diagnosis of low sperm count

• Semen analysis.
• Blood tests.
• Imaging tests.

Treatment of low sperm count

• Treating low sperm count depends on the cause.
• The risk of oligospermia can be reduced by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking and drugs, limiting alcohol consumption, managing stress, and avoiding heat in the scrotum.