What is Low sperm count?
It means the fewer sperm count present in the fluid (semen) that a man ejaculates during the sex. A low sperm count is also named as Oligospermia where the sperm count is below than 15 million sperms /ml of semen whereas the complete absence of sperms in the semen is named as azoospermia.
Having the problem of low sperm count reduces the possibility that any of the sperms will be able to fertilize the partner’s egg resulting in pregnancy. Thus low sperm count makes it hard to conceive normally, nonetheless, unbeaten pregnancies can still happen. Above all many males with low sperm count can still have the ability to become a father.
Problems associated with sperms along with low sperm count are universal. Nowadays, this problem is present in about 1in 3 couples who are stressed to become pregnant. CK Birla Hospital is one of the best hospital for men health in Gurgaon. Book your visit for the treatment of the problems like low sperm count and other fertility problems.
What are the symptoms of low sperm count in males?
The major symptom of low sperm count in males is the inability to have a child. No other significant symptom or sign can be noticed. Rarely, a primary issue like a hormonal imbalance, a genetic chromosomal anomaly, swollen testicular veins, or disarray that causes the blockage of the passing of sperms may cause forewarning symptoms or signs.
Low sperm count signs;
The main signs of low sperm count can be as follows:
- Problems related to sexual functionalities-e.g. reduced sex drive or some erection problem (erectile dysfunction)
- Presence of a lump, pain or bulkiness in the testicle region
- Lesser body or facial hair or some additional signs of hormonal abnormality
When to see a doctor?
look for a doctor if a male:
- Has a genetic history of prostate, sexual or testicle problems
- Is facing a type of ejaculation or erection problem
- Has a lump presence or discomfort in testicular portions.
- Has undergone any kind of surgery of penis, scrotum or testicles
- Is incapable to conceive a baby even after a regular intercourse
Treatment of low sperm count in men
There are several kinds of treatments available for the problem of low sperm count which will help you to become a father.
Regular trying
Doctor can initially advise conceiving naturally after regular trying because conception within 1-3 years of trying is also noticed in some cases.
The chances of conception can be increased by:
- Having regular sex (every 2 or 3 days)
- Minimizing smoking and drinking alcohol
- Taking a well-balanced or healthy diet
- Doing exercise on a daily basis
IVF
In case of low sperm count, IVF (in vitro fertilization) may be an alternative. During an IVF process, the fertilization of eggs with the sperm is done in a laboratory and this fertilized egg is transferred back to the female’s womb to develop.
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
This is a kind of IVF procedure in which a single sperm is injected straight into an egg for fertilization which is then returned to the womb. Appropriate measurement of the assurance of the treatment is compulsory before having ICSI. This is usually referred to if a man is trying regularly for 2 years to conceive naturally, and he has low or not at all sperms in his semen.
Donor insemination
Sperms donated by some other man are used in this process. This is also referred to as an option for ICSI, especially in case of having a genetic disorder and the possibility of its passing to the baby is there. Counseling as a couple can also be offered about the complications of the process. This may be used as a part of IVF if needed.
Gonadotropin medicine
A man can be advised to take gonadotropin medicine as a treatment for improving fertility, if his gonadotropin hormonal levels are low which helps to stimulate the production of sperms.
A person can be referred to take some hormone-based medicines to improve fertility (not proven yet); if no particular cause is found for low sperm count.
Precautions to prevent low sperm count in men
Avoid these well known factors to maintain the fertility which can lead to low sperm count. For example:
- Quit smoking
- Avoid adulterous drugs
- Control the stress elements
- Don’t drink alcohol
- Manage your weight
- Stay away from high temp
The bottom line
Always consult the doctor or best urologist and andrologist in Gurgaon about all the consequences and then take a final decision.If, no treatment works on some people for fertility and conception becomes impossible. In that case, the couple should consider the adoption of a child.