Low sperm Count and Infertility For Men.
Men with low sperm count are not identified by qualifications, marital status or body size rather it requires conducting a semen analysis test in order for the result to be determined.
Low sperm count can be defined as that fluid (semen) every male ejaculate during an orgasm which may contain fewer sperm than normal. A sperm count is considered lower than normal if one has fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A low sperm count is also called oligospermia (ol-ih-go-SPUR-me-uh).
Symptoms
There might be no other obvious signs or symptoms but the main sign of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. In some men, an underlying problem such as:
- An inherited chromosomal abnormality.
- A hormonal imbalance.
- Dilated testicular veins or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm.
However, the cause of low sperm count isn’t identified.
Also, there can be problems of abnormal sperm shape (morphology), movement (motility) or function.
Causes or Risk Factors
A number of risk factors are linked to low sperm count and other problems that can cause low sperm count. They include:
- Smoking tobacco
- Drinking alcohol
- Using certain illicit drugs
- Being overweight
- Being severely depressed or stressed.
- Having certain past or present infections.
- Being exposed to toxins.
- Overheating the testicles.
- Having experienced trauma to the testicles.
- Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative, such as family member with a fertility disorder
- Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses.
- Undergoing cancer treatments, such as radiation.
- Taking certain medications.
- Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery.
- Having a history of undescended testicles.
Prevention
To protect your fertility, avoid known factors that can affect sperm count and quality. For example:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid heat.
- Manage stress.
- Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins.
- Don’t smoke.
- Limit or abstain from alcohol.
- Steer clear of illicit drugs.
- Talk to your doctor about medications that can affect sperm count.