LOW SPERM COUNT: FORM OF MALE INFERTILITY

The changes in lifestyle and other known and unknown causes have enhanced the male infertility issues that mainly caused due to low sperm count. Around 40% of all infertility cases male factor has taken participation. Abnormal or low sperm count can be evaluated with the help of semen analysis. It assesses the volume, presence of WBC, concentration of sperm and percentage of normal sperm. You might be thinking, what is a low sperm count? The sperm count helps in knowing the presence of sperm in the volume of semen. If it is below 15 million sperm per milliliter then it is considered to be low sperm count.

 It is also known as oligospermia which may be caused due hormonal insufficiency, genetic disorders etc. There are the conditions when a total absence of sperm in semen is known as Azoospermia. Having less sperm can affect the chances of fatherhood. Although, there are a lot of males’ facing infertility issues and still have hopes to become a father. The presence of assisted reproductive technique and medical science has made the fatherhood possible with low or nil sperm count. A male can take action after evaluating the low sperm count symptoms.

The major symptoms of low sperm count are not having a baby after a consistent trial of unprotected sex. Apart from this, there is no accurate sign through which it can find out. At times, a person may face difficulty with sexual functionality. In this condition, the desire of having sex lowers down and may have a problem in erection. Besides this, a person may experience pain or swelling in the testicle region. In many cases reduction in body and facial hair may occur due to hormonal imbalance. Every couple has a doubt of when to consult a doctor? When you are not able to have a child after a year of marriage with unprotected sex. 

What are the causes of low sperm count?

There are several conditions and lifestyle factor that may enhance the risk of low sperm count in men. Male infertility generally occurs due to an abnormality of sperm, ejaculation problem, and an insufficient number of sperms in semen (Fluid).

 Following low sperm count causes are explained underneath: 

Varicocele:  Swelling in veins can interrupt the blood flow to the testicles. As a result, the temperature in the testicles tends to increase. Raise in temperature can have negative implications on the production of sperm. Around 40% of men suffering from low sperm count have this common issue. 

Problem with ejaculation: Men suffering from oligospermia face issues in ejaculation. However, some ejaculation problems can lower down the sperm count. Retrograde ejaculation is kind of this problem. It generally happens when semen does not come out of the penis but moves into the bladder.

 

Hormonal issues: Several hormones are being produced by the brain and testicles which is responsible for the production of sperm and ejaculation. If an imbalance in hormones occurs it will ultimately affect the number of sperms.

 

Weight issues: In several cases, being overweight can uplift the chances low sperm count in many ways. Apart from this, weight issues can also interfere with the production of hormones. 

Consumption of alcohol and drugs: The consumption of substances like marijuana, alcohol, and cocaine can create low sperm count. Apart from this, men who smoke cigarettes may have sperm count issues as compared to those who don’t. 

How does low sperm count affect fertility? 

Some men with low sperm count still have a chance to conceive irrespective of oligospermia. At times, the fertilization process can be difficult but treatment for low sperm count can help these men. For instance, undergoing IUI, IVF or ICSI can improve the chances of parenthood of the infertile couple. Apart from this, the presence of various treatments like surgery and medication can improve the quality and number of sperms. For instance, in the case of varicocele often needs surgery. In this process the expert will close off the swelled veins. Moreover, medication is also provided to treat infection and any inflammation. In such conditions, a couple needs to take early consultation from the doctor so that it can help them to overcome issues. At last selection of good fertility expert will enhance the chances of successful treatment. 

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