Low Sperm Count

A low sperm count, also called Oligozoospermia, is where a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Having a low sperm count can make it more difficult to conceive naturally, although successful pregnancies can still occur.

Problems with sperm, including a low sperm count and problems with sperm quality, are quite common. They’re a factor in around one in three couples who are struggling to get pregnant.

Getting your sperm count checked

See your Doctor/GP/PCP for proper diagnosis and if you have not managed to conceive after one year of trying for a baby.

It’s a good idea for both you and your partner to get advice, as fertility problems can affect men and women and often it’s a combination of both. It’s important to understand what the exact issue is before you decide on your next steps.

One of the tests your GP can arrange is a semen analysis.

This is where a sample of your semen is analyzed in a laboratory to check the quality and quantity of the sperm. The results are usually available within a week.

If the results are abnormal, the test should be repeated to ensure it was accurate. This will normally be performed after three months.

Your GP can refer you to a specialist in male infertility at your local hospital or fertility clinic if any problems are found.

Causes of a low sperm count

In many cases, it’s not obvious what causes a low sperm count.

Sometimes problems with sperm count and quality are associated with:

  • a hormone imbalance, such as hypogonadism (reduced hormone production)
  • a genetic problem such as Klinefelter syndrome
  • having had undescended testicles as a baby
  • a structural problem – for example, the tubes that carry sperm being damaged and blocked by illness or injury, or being absent from birth
  • a genital infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea or prostatitis(infection of the prostate gland)
  • varicoceles (enlarged veins in the testicles)
  • previous surgery to the testicles or hernia repairs
  • the testicles becoming overheated
  • excessive alcohol consumption, smoking and using drugs such as marijuana or cocaine
  • certain medications, including testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), some antibiotics and some antidepressants

Treatment

If you or your partner has been diagnosed with a low sperm count, there are several options available.

Keep trying

Your doctor may initially suggest trying to conceive naturally for a little longer. Many couples conceive within the second year of trying.

You can help maximize your chances of conceiving by:

References

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-sperm-count/Pages/Introduction.aspx

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