As per experts at the best IVF center in Mumbai low sperm count means that the fluid one ejaculates during the orgasm contain minimum sperm than average. A low sperm count is also known as oligospermia. If you have fewer than 15,000,000 sperm per ml of semen, your sperm count is lower than usual. When you have a low sperm count, your chances of fertilizing your partner’s egg resulting in pregnancy are limited. But at the same time, men that have low sperm count are still able to become a father. So if you are facing any issues with low sperm count, then you don’t need to think twice before visiting an IVF specialist in Navi Mumbai.
The symptoms of low sperm count
The inability to conceive a child is one of the significant signs of oligospermia. There might not be any other obvious symptoms. An underlying problem in some men has inherited chromosomal abnormality or a hormonal imbalance that blocks the passage of sperm, leading to the signs and symptoms. Some of the symptoms generally seen are as follows:
- Problems with sexual functions like low sex drive or difficulty in maintaining the erection.
- Swelling or pain in the testicles area
- Minimum facial or body hair
Some causes of low sperm count
The sperm production process is complex and requires normal functioning of the testis and the pituitary glands, which are the organs in the brain that produce hormones that lead to sperm production. Delicate tubes transport the sperms once they are made in the testicles until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis.
There can be some issues of abnormal sperm shape and movement.
Some of the common causes of oligospermia are as follows
Medical issues
- A varicocele is generally the swelling in the veins that drain the testicle, and it is one of the most common reversible causes of male infertility. Even though the exact reason behind this condition is unknown, it might be related to abnormal testicular temperature regulation.
- At times infections can also interfere with sperm production, which leads to the scarring that blocks the sperm passage. It could include the inflammation of the epididymis and some sexually transmitted infections like HIV. Even though conditions can lead to permanent testicular damage, some sperm can still be retrieved.
- Retrograde ejaculation generally occurs when semen enters the bladder during the orgasm instead of emerging out of the penis tip. Different health conditions can lead to retrograde ejaculation or lack of ejaculation, like diabetes and spinal injuries. Some medications might also result in ejaculatory issues, like blood pressure medication known as the alpha-blockers.
- Antibodies might also attack this form like anti-spam bodies are immune cells that mistakenly identify the sperm as harmful invaders and might destroy them.
- Cancers and tumors directly affect the male reproductive system through the glands that release the hormones related to reproduction, like the pituitary gland. In addition, chemotherapy or radiation can affect male fertility.
- One or both testicles might fail during the fetal development the distance from the abdomen into the sack that typically contains this sperm. Therefore, decreased fertility is more likely in men that have this condition.
- Chromosome defects are inherited disorders in which a male is born with 2 X chromosomes and one y chromosome, which leads to abnormal development of the male reproductive organs.
- Some medications like therapy or long-term steroids can impair sperm production and decrease male fertility.
Environmental causes
- Extended exposure to some chemicals leads to a low sperm count.
- Exposure to radiation or X-rays can also reduce sperm production, and it might take several years for the sperm production to return to normal, as per the experts at Gynecologist Center in Kamothe, Navi Mumbai. Sperm production can be reduced permanently with high doses of radiation.
- The elevated temperature might also impair this production function. For example, experts say that frequent use of hot tubs or saunas might damage the sperm count. Additionally, sitting for long periods wearing tight clothing or working on a laptop computer also increases the temperature in the Scott room and lightly reduces sperm production.
Lifestyle and other causes
- If you consume drugs, then there are chances that sperm production will decrease.
- It would be best if you did not drink alcohol because drinking alcohol can reduce testosterone levels which leads to decreased sperm production.
- Some occupations might also be linked with the risk of fertility, like welding, or those connected with prolonged sitting like truck driving.
- Men who consume tobacco have a lower sperm count than those who do not smoke.
- Obesity can also lead to fertility issues directly impacting this form and causing hormonal changes, reducing male fertility.
If you see any oligospermia signs, then you should not think twice before connecting with the medical professionals.