Low sperm count, also known as oligospermia is a condition where the fluid (semen) a man ejaculates during orgasm contains very little sperm. A man is said to have low sperm count when the sperm contained in his ejaculate is less than 15 million per millimeter of semen.
For men who are experiencing difficulty with getting their partner pregnant, low sperm count might just be responsible. In other words, low sperm count might lower the chances of a couple getting pregnant. At other times, some men with low sperm count can still impregnate their partner.
There are several factors that can cause low sperm count, some of these causes include:
👉Heat
This affects normal sperm production and too much heat can completely halt the production of sperm. Men can expose their testicles to too much heat when they: soak in a bathtub of warm water, sit for very long hours or wear tight briefs and pants. Obese and overweight men can also have their sperm count affected because the excess fat can overheat their testicles.
👉Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
Both tobacco use and alcohol consumption have been found to: reduce sperm count and motility; lower the production of sperm and the production of testosterone, the male hormone.
👉Stress and fatigue
Men who overwork themselves and are constantly stressed may experience reduced sperm production.
Some medical conditions that may also cause low sperm count include:
🍆Varicocele
🌶Ejaculation problems
🍍Infections
🥕Undescended testicles
🍍Hormone imbalances and
chromosome defect
🌶Cancer and some tumors
🥓Certain medications.
When a man has been diagnosed with low sperm count, there are different treatment options available depending on the cause of the problem. Treatments generally include
🍞surgery, some antibiotics, hormone replacement therapy and assisted reproductive technology (ART).
It is very important for couples who are trying to conceive to live a healthy lifestyle. Stress, smoking and alcohol should be avoided; on the other hand, regular exercise and healthy eating should be embraced.
Credits:Doctor O.
