Low sperm count – When should you see a doctor?

Low sperm count defines a situation in which the semen ejaculated during an orgasm contains fewer sperm cells than normal. If a man has less than 15 million sperm cells per millimeter of semen, he is said to have a low sperm count.

Low sperm count

This condition is also called oligospermia while the complete absence of sperm is called azoospermia. Having a low sperm count does not mean you cannot father a child, it only reduces the probability.

Symptoms of Low sperm count

The major symptom here is the inability of conceiving a child. Other symptoms might include.

  • Problems with sexual function, eg low sex drive or finding it difficult to have or maintain an erection.
  • Having pains, swellings, or lumps in the testicle area.
  • Some chromosomal or hormonal abnormalities like decreased facial or body hair.

When should you see a doctor?

If you haven‘t been able to conceive a child after a year of regular unprotected sexual intercourse, see a doctor. Other situations include:

  • Ejaculation problems, erection problems, low sex drive, or any other general problem associated with sexual function.
  • Swelling or pains in the testicle area.
  • A history of sexual problems.
  • Any surgery associated with the groin, testicle, penis, or scrotum.

Causes of Low sperm count 

The production of sperm requires the normal functioning of the testicles, as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. We have classified the causes of low sperm count into different categories.

Medical causes

The causes in this category include

  • Varicocele: a condition of swelling of the veins that drain the testicles.
  • Testicles
  • Ejaculation problems
  • Antibodies that attack the sperm
  • Tumors
  • Undescended testicles
  • Defects of tubules that transport sperm
  • Chromosome defects
  • Celiac disease
  • Certain medications
  • Prior surgeries

Environmental causes

The environmental causes of low sperm count include

Health, lifestyle, and other causes

Thes causes include:

  • Drug abuse
  • Alcohol use
  • Occupation
  • Tobacco smoking
  • Emotional stress
  • Depression
  • Weight
  • Sperm testing issues

Risk factors

  • Smoking tobacco
  • Drinking alcohol
  • Using certain illicit drugs
  • Being overweight
  • Being severely depressed or stressed
  • Having certain past or present infections
  • Being exposed to toxins
  • Overheating the testicles
  • Having experienced trauma to the testicles
  • Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative, such as your brother or father, with a fertility disorder
  • Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses
  • Undergoing cancer treatments, such as radiation
  • Taking certain medications
  • Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
  • Having a history of undescended testicles

Prevention of Low Sperm Count

Finally, you have to be very careful with your fertility, to protect your fertility, follow the tips below.

  • Don’t smoke.
  • Limit or abstain from alcohol.
  • Steer clear of illicit drugs.
  • Talk to your doctor about medications that can affect sperm count.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Avoid heat.
  • Manage stress.
  • Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins.

Further research can be done on Google.

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