Low Sperm Count Symptoms and Reasons

It is necessary to identify the reasons and symptoms of a disease to treat it. For Infertility or Low sperm count symptoms and reasons must be pointed out in order to cure it.

One of the main reason for infertility in men is low sperm count also called oligospermia. This terminology is used to describe the condition when the sperm count is less than 15 million sperm per ml. If the sperm count is zero in the sample, then this condition is called azoospermia.

Low sperm count means that the semen ejaculated during sexual intercourse contains less sperm than the normal. This would reduce the chances of conception. Men who live a healthy lifestyle are more likely to produce healthy sperm. Unfortunately, a damaged testicle will not usually regain its sperm-making capabilities. Despite medicine’s limited ability to treat male infertility, many successful treatment options are available for its many causes. If you have signs of low sperm count, then It is necessary to know the main reasons for low sperm count so it can be treated.

Symptoms of Low Sperm Count

Most men with low sperm count are usually unaware of this problem until they are actively trying to conceive and are unable to do so. Unlike a lot of reproductive health complications, low sperm count can have very little to no obvious symptoms. Signs of low sperm count are not very obvious, the first thing that man think of after having difficulty in conceiving is the problem with the sperm quantity or quality.

Following are some of the signs and symptoms of low sperm count

Symptoms of Low Sperm Count

Inability to conceive

First symptoms of low sperm count are the inability to get pregnant your partner after trying actively for about a year.

Low Libido

Experiencing a low libido might also point to having a low sperm count. Quite a number of man faces low libido having low sperm count.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction or the lack of ability to main a strong erection is also one of the symptoms of low sperm count.

Pain in Testicles

If you have noticed swelling or feeling pain in the back region of your groin, then it might be a sign of low sperm count and should check out.

Reasons for Low Sperm Count

Sperm production is a complex process which requires the functioning of testicles as well as brain organs that produces necessary hormones for sperm production. According to a study, an estimated 1000 sperm per second is produced in normal sperm production.

Mostly low sperm count is the topmost reason for infertility. There are several issues with men`s sperm which can cause infertility, like low sperm count, low sperm motility, abnormal sperm shape. However, according to expert half of the infertility problems in men are due to low sperm count. Various factors are identified as reasons for low sperm count which can be divided into internal factors and external factors.

Internal Reasons for Low Sperm Count

Internal reasons for low sperm count include causes related to health issues and medical treatment. These are briefly explained here:

Varicocele

It is one of the common reason for low sperm count. Varicocele is the swelling of the testicles. Men suffering from Varicocele not only affect the normal sperm production but it can also impact libido and the ability to maintain a strong erection.

Infections

Infections like orchitis or epididymitis (A type of bacterial infection that causes pain in the back of the testicles) causes inflammation which results in lower sperm production. There are other types of infection that cause the blockage of passage for sperms.

Antibodies that attack Sperm

Sometimes the body immune system wrongly identifies your sperms as harmful invaders. The antibodies in your immune system attack them and remove them so they may not harm your body.

Side Effects of certain medications

Some antibiotics and antidepressants medicines are also a reason for low sperm count. The negative effect of these medicines stops when you discontinue its usage and your sperm count get back to normal.

Hormone Imbalance

Low level of testosterone (the hormone that produces sperms) is also considered one of the reasons for low sperm count and infertility.

Prior Surgeries

Procedures such as hernia surgery, prostate resection and surgical removal of cancers affecting the testicles, rectum, and prostate may all increase the risk of developing a low sperm count.

Cancer

Tumors that affect testicles or reproductive system can also impact fertility. Treatment of such type of cancers with radiations and other therapies may cause blockages and reduction in sperm count.

External Reasons for Low Sperm Count

External factors are due to the unhealthy lifestyle and the environmental issues around you. They are listed below briefly:

Radiations or X-Rays

Exposure to X-rays or other radiations may also reduce your sperm count. With high exposure to radiations, sperm production may be permanently reduced or it takes years to return to normal sperm production.

Industrial Environment

Extended exposures to chemicals and some metals may cause infertility and reduce your sperm count.

Overheated testicles and tight clothing

Testicles are vulnerable to heat and that’s why they are outside of the body. Frequent use of hot tubs, saunas might lower your sperm count.  Wearing tight clothing and underwear have the same heating effect.

Sitting for long hours might also reduce sperm count.

Frequent Intercourse

Very frequent intercourse can lead to the demand exceeding the supply. There are a number of men who ejaculates 2-3 times a day thus giving them a lower sperm count.

Smoking

Excessive smoking cigarettes daily may reduce both the sperm count and sperm motility.

Alcohol & Drugs Use

Alcohol and drugs (marijuana and cocaine) lowers the testosterone levels and cause low sperm production and reduce the quality of sperm.

Conclusion

Low sperm count can be treated within days or month depending on the cause of the condition. The duration, it takes to cure your sperm counts depends on how much committed you are towards your treatment. Sticking consistently to the treatment prescribed by your doctor may show improvements in your sperm count in a few weeks.

Low Sperm count Infertility can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding some unhealthy habits.

• Abstain from Alcohol
• Don1t Smoke
• Avoid activities that lead to heat to testicles
• Reduce stress
• Avoid exposure to chemicals, pesticides and some metals.
• Manage healthy weight
• Abstain from illicit drugs.