Low sperm count is referred to as oligospermia. A mL of semen contains less than 15 million sperm, according to one medical definition it is diagnosed as oligospermia. For every mL of semen, there are usually around 15 million sperm. Severe oligospermia is another term for a very low sperm count (less than 5 million sperm in 1 mL of semen).
Types Of Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
Oligospermia is classified into different types based on the severity of the condition. Understanding these types can help in diagnosing the issue and determining the appropriate treatment options.
1. Mild Oligospermia
Mild oligospermia is when the sperm count is slightly below the normal range. Typically, the sperm count in this condition ranges between 10 to 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen.
- Impact on Fertility: While conception might still be possible with mild oligospermia, it may take longer, and the chances of natural conception may be reduced compared to normal sperm counts.
- Treatment Options: Lifestyle changes such as improving diet, reducing stress, and avoiding harmful substances can often help improve sperm count. In some cases, medications or supplements may be prescribed.
2. Moderate Oligospermia
Moderate oligospermia is when the sperm count is further reduced, typically ranging between 5 to 10 million sperm per millilitre of semen.
- Impact on Fertility: The chances of natural conception are lower with moderate oligospermia, as the reduced sperm count may affect the ability of sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
- Treatment Options: In addition to lifestyle changes and medications, assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be recommended to increase the chances of conception.
3. Severe Oligospermia
Severe oligospermia is when the sperm count is very low, typically less than 5 million sperm per millilitre of semen.
- Impact on Fertility: With severe oligospermia, natural conception is challenging, and the likelihood of successful fertilization is significantly reduced.
- Treatment Options: Fertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are often recommended for couples dealing with severe oligospermia. These treatments involve directly inserting sperm into the egg to facilitate fertilization.
4. Cryptoozospermia
Cryptoozospermia is an extreme form of oligospermia where the sperm count is so low that sperm are only detectable in a semen sample after it has been processed in the laboratory.
- Impact on Fertility: Natural conception is extremely unlikely with cryptoozospermia due to the extremely low number of sperm.
- Treatment Options: Advanced fertility treatments like ICSI, where even a single sperm can be used for fertilization, are often necessary. In some cases, sperm retrieval techniques may be required to collect sperm directly from the testes.
While a low sperm count can affect male fertility, it doesn’t mean that conception is impossible. Many men with low sperm count can still father children, either naturally or with medical assistance. If you suspect you have a low sperm count, it’s important to consult with an infertility specialist who can guide you through the available male infertility treatments in Lucknow and support your fertility journey.
Factors Responsible For Low Sperm Count
Oligospermia, also referred to as low sperm count is a situation where the semen produced has a reduced number of sperm than usual. Major low sperm count reasons behind male infertility and handling such cases and even reversing the situation are all listed below.
1. Hormonal Imbalances
The hormonal imbalances are one of the leading causes of low sperm count. The gland responsible for sperm production has hormonal control from the hypothalamus, Pituitary gland and testes. Any problem with any of these can result in reduced production of sperm in the human body.
2. Medical Conditions and Treatments
There are several medical conditions and their treatments, which can lead to low sperm count. Infertility which is caused by varicocele is perhaps one of the most common and most treatable conditions that affects male fertility.
3. Lifestyle Factors
Lifestyle is an important determinant of reproductive health. There are various causes of low sperm count, some of which include smoking, taking excessive alcohol, and using drugs.
4. Environmental Influences
The surroundings that you put yourself in can also be a cause for low sperm count. Determination of sperm production can be affected by chemicals from industries such as pesticides, herbicides, solvents and even paints.
5. Psychological Stress
Hormonal factors that are a result of psychological issues or even stress can greatly affect sperm production. Even stress can produce changes in the levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormones that play a very important role in the release of sperm-forming hormones.
This kind of stress can also make one change his or her habits such as the kind of food he takes, the level of exercise taken and even the drug used, all of which are also considered for low sperm count reasons.
6. Age
Low sperm count is also caused by age; it is another critical factor among the causes of the condition. It has been evidenced that with increasing male age, the level of testosterone reduces and therefore the sperm density and motility. While men can make sperm throughout their ‘senior’ years, sperm mobility and genetic quality are lowered correspondingly.
7. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), particularly those that result in the reproductive tract being permanently inflamed or scarred. The number of sperm can be decreased by infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia that cause scarring and obstructions in the tubes that articulate sperm.
Call For Action
You can rest assured you will only be in the hands of the best personnel at Vansh IVF Center in Lucknow, who will make sure that you are treated as an individual with the best technology available to enhance fertility success rates. Vansh IVF provides complete privacy and support for IVF treatment, thanks to the empathetic staff who will accompany you throughout the process. Make the right choice to conceive a child with a trusted IVF clinic – Trust Vansh IVF.
Contact Us at +91 740 841 5995 to book consultations and discuss your issues with a fertility specialist in Lucknow.
