Have you and your partner been trying to have a baby for a while, but haven't been able to conceive? At such times, one of the questions that probably comes to mind is, "Is there something wrong with me?" In fact, one of the main reasons that affects male fertility is a low sperm count. In medical terms, we call this (Oligospermia) . Don't worry, the most important thing is to be aware of this.
What is this (Oligospermia)? Let's understand it simply!
Simply put, oligospermia is when the number of sperm in your semen is lower than normal. A healthy man can have anywhere from 15 million to over 200 million sperm per milliliter (1ml) of semen. However, if you have oligospermia, your semen contains fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter.
There is another name for this, which is (Oligozoospermia). Sometimes doctors also call it "severe (Oligospermia)". This means that there are less than 5 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
Important: Having a low sperm count doesn't mean you'll never be able to be a father. However, having a baby may take longer or be more challenging.
What are the symptoms of low sperm count?
Most of the time, you may not even know you have oligospermia. This is because it rarely has any specific symptoms. The main thing is that your partner is unable to conceive a child after a year of continuous sexual intercourse without using any form of birth control.
However, some men may show symptoms related to an underlying medical condition that is causing low sperm count. These include:
- Loss of body and facial hair.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Low sex drive/libido.
- Swelling, pain, or a lumpy feeling in the testicles.
If something like this happens, it is very important to seek medical advice.
What are the causes of low sperm count (Oligospermia)?
There are many factors that can affect not only the condition of oligospermia, but also other sperm-related problems. Let's take a look at the main factors that affect it.
1. Some medical conditions
- Bacterial and viral infections: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea and HIV can affect.
- Obstructions in the reproductive system: If there are any obstructions that prevent sperm from coming out.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions that affect hormones, such as hypogonadism.
- Genetic diseases: Genetic conditions such as `(Klinefelter syndrome)` and `(Cystic fibrosis)` can also affect sperm production.
2. Toxins in the environment
Some toxins in the environment we live in can affect any part of the body, including sperm.
- Heavy metals: Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury.
- Industrial chemicals: Things like pesticides, herbicides. Just imagine, farmers in our country may be exposed to these without even knowing it.
3. High temperature
Your testicles need a temperature slightly lower than body temperature to function properly. Exposure to high temperatures can affect sperm production.
- Undescended testicles: These are located high up near the groin and therefore get hotter.
- Varicoceles: This is also a major cause of low sperm count. We will talk about this a little further on.
- Spending too much time in a hot environment: For example, staying in a hot tub all the time.
4. Lifestyle factors
Some of our daily lifestyle habits also affect this.
- Binge drinking: Drinking a lot of alcohol over a long period of time.
- High Body Mass Index (BMI): If the `(BMI)` value is more than 25 (that means overweight or obesity).
- Smoking and use of other tobacco products: These directly damage sperm.
- Stress: A problem that many people face today.
- Some drug use: things like marijuana and cocaine.
5. Some medications
Some medications you take can also cause low sperm count. For example, some medications for mental illness, some anti-cancer drugs, testosterone therapy, and many other medications.
Important: If you think it may be due to a medication you are taking, never stop taking it without talking to a doctor.
The main cause of oligospermia is varicose veins in the testicles (Varicoceles).
It is currently known that if you take 10 men with low sperm count, about 4 of them will have a condition called varicoceles, which is a condition in which the veins in the testicles are twisted. This is the most common cause of oligospermia.
How can you reduce the risk of low sperm count?
If you have oligospermia, or think you are at risk of low sperm count, a doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes.
- Reduce or completely stop drinking alcohol.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Regular exercise and a balanced diet are very important.
- Avoiding the use of drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.
- Quitting smoking.
- Avoid wearing tight underwear and protect the testicles from excessive heat.
- Find ways to reduce stress. Things like meditation and yoga may help.
How do doctors diagnose oligospermia?
First, the doctor will ask about your medical history, then perform a physical examination. If there is a suspicion that your sperm count is low, he or she will order a semen analysis . This is the most important test.
In addition, other tests may be recommended to find the cause of the condition (Oligospermia):
- Genetic testing .
- Imaging tests of the reproductive system: such as transrectal ultrasound and testicular ultrasound.
- Endocrine system tests: Measure your hormone levels.
- A urine test (Urinalysis) .
Can the condition (Oligospermia) be cured?
This depends on the cause. In some cases, stopping medications that are causing low sperm counts or quitting bad habits can help increase sperm count.
Other causes may require treatment, including:
- Antibiotics for infections.
- Counseling for issues such as sexual dysfunction.
- Hormone supplements .
- Surgery for varicose veins (varicoceles) or blockages in the testicles.
Sometimes it is not possible to increase sperm count. If you are trying to have a baby, a doctor may suggest other options such as `(In Vitro Fertilization - IVF)`.
Can vitamins increase sperm count?
Malnutrition can affect the health of your sperm, and can also lead to low sperm count. Some vitamins, minerals, or herbal supplements may help. For example:
- Coenzyme Q10 `(Coenzyme Q10)`
- L-carnitine `(L-carnitine)`
- Vitamin C
- Zinc
- Selenium `(Selenium)`
Important: Always consult a doctor before using any supplement, as not everything works for everyone.
What drinks help increase sperm count?
Unsweetened, 100% fruit juices are rich in vitamins and minerals. These are good for sperm health and can also help increase sperm count.
- Citrus fruits: oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and tangerines.
- Goji berries .
- Pomegranate.
- Tomatoes.
Try to include these in your diet regularly.
When should I see a doctor?
If you and your partner are trying to have a baby but are unsuccessful, be sure to seek medical advice and testing.
If a doctor diagnoses you with oligospermia, you may be asked these questions:
- What is causing my low sperm count?
- Is there anything I can do to increase my sperm count?
- Is oligospermia caused by a serious medical condition?
- Do I need to see another specialist, for example a urologist?
What is the difference between (Oligospermia) and (Azoospermia)?
Oligospermia means that there are measurable sperm in your semen, but the number is lower than expected.
However, if you have ``Azoospermia'', it means that there are no sperm in your semen.
Finally, a few things to consider
You often find out you have oligospermia when you're trying to conceive. It's not something you can feel without a lab test. However, if you've had sex for a year without using birth control and haven't conceived, you may want to start thinking about it.
Having a low sperm count does not make you less valuable as a person, nor does it mean you cannot be a father. Many causes can be treated, and assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), can help you conceive. If you have any questions, your doctor is there to help you. So don't be afraid to talk to them about your concerns.
` Oligospermia, Low Sperm Count, Male Infertility, Sperm Test, Varicoceles, IVF, Azoospermia
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