Men Suffering from Low Sperm Count Here's Why

When you're thinking about starting a family, the quality and quantity of sperm become important. Even though only one sperm is needed to fertilize an egg, having more healthy sperm increases the chances of success. If you're concerned about low sperm count, it's essential to understand why it might happen, how to confirm it, and what can be done to improve your chances of getting pregnant. By addressing these factors, you can enhance your sperm reserves and increase the likelihood of achieving pregnancy with your partner.

What Causes Low Sperm Count?

Low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, is a big reason some guys may struggle to help make a baby. Doctors say it's low if there are fewer than 15 million sperm in one drop of a guy's fluid, and the usual is about 75 million.

Things that could make it more likely for a guy to have low sperm count include being too heavy, having surgery or injuries near the private area, taking specific medications, or having medical problems. Other factors include too much heat down there or other health issues like hypothyroidism.

Things that could make it more likely for a guy to have low sperm count include being too heavy, having surgery or injuries near the private area, taking specific medications, or having medical problems. Other factors include too much heat down there or other health issues like hypothyroidism.

• Medical:Certain health issues and medical history can affect a guy's sperm count. If he has had problems with his testicles, injuries, or surgeries down there, or if he has a genetic condition like Klinefelter syndrome, it might make low sperm count more likely. Also, treatments for cancer, like chemotherapy or radiation, can mess with hormone and sperm production. If the radiation is directed toward the testicles or the brain, it can directly damage cells that make sperm or affect the hormones that stimulate sperm production.

  Other reasons for low sperm count include:

  • Swelling in the veins around the testicles is known as varicocele.

  • Past infections or STDs can cause blockages or damage to the reproductive system.

  • Problems with erections or ejaculation, like issues from diabetes or spinal injuries.

  • Immune system problems.

  • Conditions like cystic fibrosis or being a carrier of cystic fibrosis, may prevent sperm from getting into the semen.

  • Medical procedures, treatments, or certain medications for different conditions, including some cancer drugs, antifungals, antibiotics, and ulcer medications.

  • Past surgeries on the male reproductive system, such as surgeries on the testicles, bladder, undescended testicles, inguinal hernia repair, or getting a vasectomy.

• Environmental:Sperm likes to be a bit cooler than our body temperature, which is why the testicles hang outside the belly. If things get too hot down there, it can mess with sperm production. So, sitting in hot tubs often or having your laptop on your lap a lot might lower your sperm count. Other things in the environment, like being around weed killers, bug sprays, chemicals, or metals from work, could also be a problem. Getting X-rays or being around other sources of radiation might harm how much sperm your body makes.

• Lifestyle Changes:Certain lifestyle choices can affect sperm production. Drugs, marijuana, alcohol, smoking, and vaping can lower sperm count. Taking anabolic steroids to build muscles can make testicles smaller and reduce sperm production.

Other things that might mess with sperm production include:

• Some supplements that claim to boost testosterone or help with workouts might have small amounts of steroids that can harm sperm.

• Jobs where you sit a lot, like truck driving, might also be a factor.

• Long-lasting and severe stress or depression can affect sperm production.

• Excess weight can mess with hormones and affect sperm production.

Diagnosing Low Sperm Count

If you've been trying to have a baby with your partner for a year without success, it's a good idea to see a doctor. If you're experiencing issues like trouble ejaculating, testicle pain, or had surgeries before, it's a good reason to go earlier than that.

The diagnosis process involves taking a thorough medical history, a physical examination, and a semen analysis. Don't worry too much about the semen analysis – it's like giving a urine or blood sample and is essential for figuring things out.

During the analysis, your sperm will be checked for how many there are, how well they move, and their shape. Sometimes, the doctor might want to repeat the test to make sure the results are consistent because it can vary between samples.

Your doctor might give you a container and ask you to masturbate and collect the sample either at the clinic or at home. If you do it at home, they'll tell you how to take care of it until you bring it back to the lab within an hour.

Other tests your doctor might do include:

• Blood tests to check hormones or chromosomes.

• Ultrasound to get a look at the testicles or prostate.

• Biopsy, which means checking sperm production in case there are blockages.

Final Words:

Even with low sperm count, couples can still have a chance to get pregnant. It might take a bit longer than expected, but there are ways to improve sperm quality with the help of a doctor.

If you suspect a problem, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor. They can assess the situation, determine how low the sperm count might be, discuss available treatments, and explore options like IUI or IVF to help you grow your family.

Here at Juhi Fertility, we can address the concerns about fertility and help with other symptoms you may be experiencing.

Don't hesitate to take the first step towards building your family. Contact Juhi Fertility today to schedule a consultation and explore your options for a successful pregnancy journey.