At Advance Fertility & Gyne Centre, we usually check both the man and woman for fertility issues when a couple cannot get pregnant. Male infertility—particularly involving low sperm count—is a frequent issue we encounter. In such cases, we carefully determine the causes of low sperm count and address the issue promptly. We then tailor the treatment of low sperm count based on our findings. Our goal is to offer the best solution that can help men overcome their infertility and increase the couple’s chances of conceiving.
Have you been diagnosed with male infertility caused by a low sperm count? In this guide, we explain what it is to help you understand how to overcome it. Additionally, we will discuss various treatment options, including modern solutions for addressing the causes of low sperm count.
What does having a “low sperm count” mean?
When you are found to have a low sperm count, that means you produce a less-than-normal amount of semen or fluid when you ejaculate. Also known as oligospermia, this condition occurs when we find that you have less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. We have also encountered cases where the patient has a complete absence of sperm, and this condition is called azoospermia. In any case, a man will find it difficult to impregnate a woman if he has any of those conditions.
A low sperm count decreases the chances that one of your sperm can fertilize your partner’s egg and result in pregnancy. If you and your partner have been trying to have a baby for years but are unsuccessful due to this condition, don’t lose hope. You can undergo treatment for low sperm count at Advance Fertility & Gyne Centre.
How is it diagnosed?
The main indicator of low sperm count is being unable to conceive. Some men don’t show obvious symptoms or signs unless the causes of low sperm count are related to other medical conditions, such as dilated testicular veins, a hormonal imbalance, or an inherited chromosomal abnormality.
In addition, we may look into other symptoms to determine the best treatment for low sperm count to provide to every patient. Here are the signs we look out for when determining low sperm count:
- Issues with sexual function, such as erectile dysfunction or low sex drive
- Swelling, a lump, or pain in the testicles
- Decreased body or facial hair and other signs of hormone or chromosomal abnormalities
What are the causes of low sperm count?
Various factors can impact the number and quality of your sperm. At Advance Fertility & Gyne Centre, we try to get to the bottom of what causes a patient’s low sperm count. This allows us to plan an effective treatment of low sperm count that works best for their condition.
Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why your sperm count may be low:
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Varicoceles –
When you have varicoceles, it means you have swollen veins inside your scrotum, resulting in disrupted blood flow and higher testicular temperature. These conditions can prevent sperm’s proper development. Medical science does not know the exact reason why veins swell and drain the testicle, but it could be due to the inability of the testicles to regulate their own temperature.
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Immunologic infertility –
Sometimes, your antibodies can be among the causes of low sperm count. These antibodies are produced by your body when there’s an infection or after surgery. However, there are times when they attack the sperm and prevent their regular function.
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Retrograde ejaculation –
This phenomenon occurs when the semen goes backward into your bladder rather than exiting your penis. As such, sperm cannot reach the vagina. Retrograde ejaculation happens when bladder muscles and nerves malfunction during orgasm. However, it can also be caused by other health conditions, like spinal injuries, diabetes, or a surgical procedure on the urethra, prostate, or bladder. At Advance Fertility & Gyne Centre, we address these conditions as part of the treatment of low sperm count.
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Infections –
Some infections can prevent sperm health and production or cause scarring to block the sperm’s passage. These include orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) and epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis). However, some sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like HIV and gonorrhea, can also become causes of low sperm countif not treated promptly. We also customize the treatment of low sperm count based on these infections.
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Medications, habits, and health history –
Do you take certain medications for digestive issues, mood disorders, infections, or cancer? Unfortunately, some of these medicines can reduce your sperm count. Additionally, we consider lifestyle factors in the treatment of low sperm count. Excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, and medications for high blood pressure, arthritis, and depression are known causes of low sperm count. Moreover, we look into chronic conditions you might have, such as childhood infections (e.g., mumps), hormonal imbalances, and kidney failure.
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Your body –
Some men have structural issues in their reproductive system, and these can cause low sperm count or completely prevent sperm production. For instance, we have found 40% of patients with azoospermia or a complete absence of sperm with an obstruction in their sperm transportation tubes because of infections or birth defects.
Other causes of low sperm count
At Advance Fertility & Gyne Centre, we have also encountered patients with low sperm count because of the following factors:
- Being overweight or obese
- Age (being over 40)
- The testicles are constantly exposed to excessive heat
- Exposure to environmental toxins (i.e., lead and mercury) and radiation
- Undescended testicles
No matter the cause, our fertility doctors will tailor the treatment of low sperm count to best address the issue. We carefully diagnose male infertility and low sperm count by thoroughly examining a patient’s medical history and physical condition. Plus, we have a state-of-the-art lab for semen analysis.
Allow us to address your low sperm count
Book your appointment with us by calling +91-9871250235. Let our specialists at Advance Fertility & Gyne Centre provide treatment for low sperm count to address your symptoms and improve your chances of becoming a parent.
