Causes and treatment of low sperm count

What is Low sperm count?

Low sperm count, also known as oligozoospermia is a situation whereby a man has less than 15 million sperm in a millilitre of semen. When a man has low sperm count, it will be difficult for him to impregnate a woman.

Causes of low sperm count

Some of the causes of low sperm count are;

· Hormone imbalance. 

  A reduction in the production of hormone (hypogonadism) can cause low sperm count. 

· Klinefelter syndrome. 

  This is a genetic problem whereby a child has undescended testicles.

· Damaged or blocked tubes used for carrying sperm.

· Absent sperm tubes from birth.

· Genital infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc.

· Enlarged veins in the testicles (varicoceles).

· Past surgeries in the testicles.

· Overheated testicles.

· Smoking and regular drug abuse. E.g consuming marijuana , cocaine, etc.

· Excessive alcohol consumption 

· Chemotherapy (cancer medications).

· Some antidepressants and antibiotics.

· Replacement therapy of testosterone. 

Low sperm count treatment

Some of the best ways to treat low sperm count are:

1. Adequate rest- Exercise and sleep

Several studies have revealed that exercise and weight loss in overweight men leads to an increase in sperm çount.

2. Reduction of stress

When men are stressed, they become less concerned with sex or reproduction, their major focus is on solving the cause of that stress. This is also peculiar to women. Reducing stress is a good way to increase sperm count.

3. Stop smoking

Studies have shown that consistent smoking reduces sperm count.

4. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption and drugs.

Cocaine, marijuana and alcohol use reduces sperm count.

5. Avoid using some medications

Good production of sperm can be decreased with the use of certain medications.

Some of these medications which can reduce sperm count are:

· Anti-androgens

· Anti-inflammatories

· Corticosteroids

· Antipsychotics

· Anabolic steroids

· Methadone, etc.

6. Use of Fenugreek supplement 

Fenugreek supplement is a good supplement for low sperm count. It improves the quality of semen and sperm count.

7. Intake of Vitamin D and Calcium

Vitamin D and Calcium improves sperm health. Taking vitamin D and Calcium supplements improves sperm count.

Other options available for men with low sperm count:

1. Keep trying to conceive

Your chances of conceiving can be higher if;

· You engage in regular sex with your wife. For instance, have sex two or three days weekly.

· Less consumption of alcohol and smoking.

· Healthy balanced diet

· Regular exercising.

2. IVF

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) is a good option after trying to conceive for years. This process involves removing the eggs in a woman's ovaries and fertilizing it with sperm in a laboratory. 

3. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

This is a type of IVF technique whereby a single sperm is collected from the man, and then injected into the woman's egg in order to fertilize it. The fertilized egg will then be transferred to the womb of the woman. After unfruitful attempts to conceive naturally with your wife, you can try this method. A test will be carried out by your doctor before proceeding to commence this ICSI, to ensure it is appropriate. 

Questions asked during this assessment will revolve around your sexual and medical history. Also, there will be a screening test to check for STD's and infections, and genetic issues that might be a problem to your baby.

4. Donor insemination

This is a process whereby the sperm of another man is used in fertilizing the eggs of your wife. You have to be extremely careful doing this because the donor might have genetic problems which you don't want passed on to your child.

5. Gonadotrophin Medication 

This medication is being offered to a man with low sperm count after a medical test reveals the cause of his predicament. A gonadotrophin medication helps to improve fertility.