Oligospermia: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

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What is oligospermia?

Oligospermia or low sperm count is when the semen that is ejaculated (excreted) during orgasm contains fewer sperm than its normal amount.

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, the sperm count is low, or is considered lower than normal, if there are only less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

When there is absolutely no sperm in the semen, the condition is called azoospermia.

Oligospermia or having a low sperm count is one of the problems of infertility.

This condition reduces your chances of being able to fertilize your partner's egg until pregnancy occurs.

Even so, many men who have low sperm counts can still impregnate their partners.

How common is a low sperm count?

Low sperm count, aka oligospermia, is very common. It can affect patients of any age.

Oligospermia can be overcome by reducing the trigger factors. Therefore, discuss with your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms of oligospermia

Common symptoms of oligospermia (low sperm count) are:

• Sexual function problems - for example, low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicular area
• Reduced facial or body hair, another sign that a chromosomal or hormonal abnormality is present

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above or that you may not even have typical symptoms when sperm is low.

If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function
• Pain, discomfort, lump or swelling in the testicular area
• History of testicular, prostate or sexual problems
• Groin, testis, penis, or scrotum surgery

Causes of oligospermia

Sperm production is a complex process because it requires normal testicular function.

Likewise with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (organs in the brain that produce hormones that trigger sperm production).

After sperm is produced in the testes, a very small tube will transport it until the sperm mixes with the semen and is ejaculated outside the penis.

When there is a hormonal disturbance, sperm production will be interrupted.

In addition, this condition can trigger other problems such as abnormal sperm shape (morphology), movement (motility), or sperm function.

The cause of oligospermia or low sperm count is usually due to a number of health problems and medical treatment. Some include:

1. Varicocele

A varicocele is an inflammation of the blood vessels that drain the testicles.

This is the most common cause of infertility in men and is likely to result in decreased sperm quality.

2. Infection

Some infections can interfere with sperm production or health, including oligospermia.

This condition can sometimes cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm.

3. Ejaculation problems

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of popping up and out of the tip of the penis.

As a result, the sperm that comes out is only a little.

4. Tumor

Cancer and benign tumors can directly affect the male reproductive organs.

This affects the condition of a low sperm count. Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy to treat tumors can also affect male fertility.

5. Undescended testicles

During fetal development, one or both testicles sometimes fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally holds the testicle (scrotum).

Decreased fertility is more likely in men with this condition.

6. Hormone imbalance

The hypothalamus, pituitary, and testes produce hormones essential for the formation of sperm.

These hormonal changes, as well as other systems such as the thyroid and adrenal glands, can interfere with sperm production.

As a result, oligospermia or low sperm count occurs.

7. Defects in the tubules that carry sperm

There are many different channels that transport sperm. These ducts can become blocked due to other causes.

Includes accidental injury from previous surgery and infection.

Then, other causes of oligospermia can also occur due to trauma or abnormal development, such as cystic fibrosis or similar inherited syndromes.

8. Certain drugs

There are types of drugs that can interfere with sperm production, causing oligospermia, such as:

• Testosterone replacement therapy
• Use of anabolic steroids for a long time
• Cancer drugs (chemotherapy)
• Some antifungal drugs and antibiotics

9. Previous operation

Certain surgeries can prevent you from producing sperm or oligospermia when ejaculating.

These include vasectomy, inguinal hernia repair, scrotal or testicular surgery, prostate surgery, and major abdominal surgery for cancer of the testicles and rectum.

Oligospermia can also be affected by certain environmental elements, including:

• Prolonged exposure to industrial chemicals.
• Exposure to heavy metals such as lead or other heavy metals can also cause infertility.
• Radiation or X-rays.
• High temperatures in the testicles or scrotum can interfere with sperm production and function.

Risk factors for oligospermia

There are many factors that increase a person's risk of having a sperm count that is lower than normal, namely:

• Tobacco smoking
• Drink alcohol
• Using certain drugs
• Overweight
• Having had certain infections in the past or in the present
• Exposure to poisonous substances
• Testicles too hot
• Experiencing trauma to the testicles
• Born with fertility problems or have a family history of suffering from fertility problems
• Have certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic diseases
• Undergoing cancer treatment, such as radiation
• Using certain drugs
• Previously had a vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Have a history of undescended testicles

Diagnosis of oligospermia

When you see a doctor for infertility and want to plan a pregnancy, he will try to determine the underlying cause.

If the doctor finds that the problem is low sperm count, it will be evaluated to eliminate potential contributing factors and determine treatment.

Tests and diagnosis of oligospermia can include:

General physical examination and medical history

This examination involves examining the genitals and asking for any inherited conditions.

Such as chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries or surgeries that can affect fertility.

Your doctor may also ask about your sexual habits and development.

Semen analysis

Diagnosing oligospermia or low sperm count is part of the semen analysis test.

Examine the semen under a microscope to see how many sperm appear in a grid on a grid pattern.

Depending on the initial findings, your doctor may order additional tests to look for the cause of oligospermia and other possible causes of infertility in men.

Some additional tests to diagnose oligospermia may include:

• Scrotal ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to look at the testicles and their supporting structures.
• Hormone test. Determine the levels of hormones that play an important role in sexual development and sperm production.
• Post-ejaculatory urinalysis. Sperm in the urine can indicate that the sperm did not pass through the penis.
• Genetic test. Done to diagnose various congenital syndromes.
• Testicular biopsy. The result is whether sperm production is normal or you have a low sperm count.
• Anti-sperm antibody test. This test checks for immune cells (antibodies) that attack sperm and affect their ability to function.
• Transrectal ultrasound. A small stick is inserted into the rectum to check for the prostate and for blockages in the ducts that carry semen

Oligospermia treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

Some of the recommended oligospermia treatments are:

• Operation.
• Treat infection. Antibiotics can cure reproductive tract infections, but this does not always restore fertility.
• Treatment for sexual problems. Medicines can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
• Hormone therapy and drugs. If the cause of oligospermia is a certain hormone level that is too high or low, or body problems related to hormones.
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART). ART treatment involves taking sperm through normal ejaculation, then inserting it into the female genital tract.

Prevention & home remedies for oligospermia

The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with oligospermia or low sperm count to increase the potential for pregnancy, are:

1. Increase the frequency of sex

Have sexual intercourse every day or at least every other day since four days before ovulation. This can increase your chances of getting your partner pregnant.

2. Having sex at conception

A woman is more likely to become pregnant during ovulation — which occurs in the middle of her fertile cycle.

When you do this, sperm, which can live for several days in the uterus, are more likely to meet with the egg.

3. Avoid lubricants

Some products such as Astroglide or K-Y jelly, lotions, and saliva can interfere with sperm movement and function.

Ask your doctor about lubricants that are safe for sperm.

If you have further questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.