Low Sperm Count, Male Infertility
Low Sperm Count
This means that semen a male ejaculate during orgasm have fewer sperms than normal. This condition is also known as oligospermia. When these is complete absence of sperm it is known as azoospermia. Low sperm count is when sperm level is below 15 million per mililiter of semen.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Appearance of lump or swelling along with pain in testicular area
- Decrease body and facial hair
Causes
Problem with the system of sperm production leads to the low sperm count. Normal sperm production requires the function of both testes and hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Many causes can lead to this system dysfunction include:
- Problem in the sperm morphology
- Varicocele of the veins that drain the testicles
- Infections causing inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) or testicles (orchitis).
- Undescended testicles
- Tumors
- Certain medications like alpha blockers that causes ejaculation problem
- Heavy metal exposure
- Overheating of testicles
- Radiation and x-rays
- Chromosomal abnormalities
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination and genital examination of the patient. Other tests include the following:
- Semen analysis
- Scrotal ultrasound
- Hormone testing
- Post-ejaculation urinalysis
- Testicular biopsy
- Genetic analysis
- Specialized sperm function tests.
- Antisperm antibody test
Treatment
Treatments for low sperm count include:
- Surgery for varicocele
- Antibiotics for infection
- Hormone treatment and medications
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Home Remedies
- Increase the sex frequency
- Having sex when female partner is ovulating
- Avoid the use of lubricants.