Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
Low sperm count (also known as oligospermia) can significantly affect male fertility. It’s a condition where the semen you ejaculate during an orgasm contains fewer sperm than normal. This can impact your ability to conceive a child naturally.
The expert urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta offer accurate diagnoses and tailor-made treatment plans for those experiencing low sperm count. Call or book an appointment now at any of our multiple locations throughout Georgia.
What Does it Mean to Have a Low Sperm Count?
Having a low sperm count (oligospermia) means that the fluid (semen) that you ejaculate during an orgasm contains fewer sperm than is considered normal.
Low sperm counts contain fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen compared to normal sperm counts. Therefore, having a lower sperm count can cause male infertility issues and thus decrease the chances of getting your partner pregnant. However, many men with a lower sperm concentration in their semen can still father a child.
Low sperm count is not the only cause of fertility problems in males. Poor sperm health can also be caused by low sperm motility, which refers to the ability of the sperm to swim and reach the egg.
What Causes a Low Sperm Count?
A low sperm count can be caused by several different health issues and medical treatments, including:
- Hormone imbalances
- A varicocele
- Infections (epididymitis and orchitis, gonorrhea, HIV)
- Ejaculation issues (retrograde ejaculation)
- Tumors
- Antibodies that attack sperm
- Undescended testicles
- Defects of the tubules that transport the sperm
- Chromosomal defects (such as Klinefelter syndrome)
- Celiac’s disease
- Certain medications (chemotherapy, antifungal, and antibiotic medications)
Symptoms of a Low Sperm Count
Signs of a low sperm count or decreased sperm production may include:
- Inability to conceive a child
- Sexual dysfunction (a low sex drive or erectile dysfunction)
- Decreased facial or body hair (perhaps due to a chromosome or hormone abnormality)
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in the area of the testicles
When to See a Doctor
Those with the following symptoms should see a doctor to analyze their sperm production:
- Unable to conceive a child after a year of regular unprotected intercourse
- A history of sexual, prostate, and testicular problems
- Recently had a groin, scrotum, testicle, or penis surgery
- Pain, discomfort, or swelling in the testicle area
Doctors can diagnose a low sperm count with specialized sperm function tests such as semen analysis tests. During a semen analysis test, your healthcare provider will conduct an examination of your genitals and obtain a sperm sample from you. Then, your physician will use a microscope and a computer to measure sperm count. The doctor will then determine your sperm health and density.
Things You Can Do if You Have a Low Sperm Count
There are many things you can do to improve your sperm quality and increase the count, including the following:
- Avoid smoking.
- Limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
- Stay away from illicit drugs.
- Consult your doctor about medications that may affect sperm count.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Stay cool and avoid excessive heat.
- Manage stress effectively.
- Minimize exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins.
Treatment for a Low Sperm Count
Many with a low sperm count choose to receive treatment when trying to conceive a child. Treatments for low sperm count include:
- Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with in vitro fertilization (IVF): These are assisted reproductive techniques that involve collecting a sperm sample and cleansing it to isolate the healthiest sperm. The sperm is then injected directly into the egg for fertilization. This is often the best treatment for males with a low sperm count.
- Hormonal treatment: A procedure involving injectable hormones such as Humagon and Pergonal to increase sperm count so that a couple can conceive naturally.
- Antibiotic treatment: In some cases, infections can interfere with sperm production and block the passage of sperm. Antibiotic treatments can, in most cases, eliminate the infection and positively affect sperm concentration.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery is needed to repair a blockage in sperm transport caused by a varicocele. Removing the blockage can, in most cases, improve sperm production.
- Artificial donor sperm insemination: If the testicles are unable to produce sperm and male fertility problems can’t be treated, a couple can consider alternative sperm donation. This would involve using sperm that has been donated and frozen in a sperm bank.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you have concerns regarding low sperm count and male infertility and would like to know about the available treatment options, then make an appointment to speak to one of the urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta. Call or book an appointment now.
