Low sperm count: Common symptoms and causes

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vo Thien Ngon - Department of General Surgery - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital
A low sperm count means that the ejaculate ejaculate contains less sperm than normal. Low sperm count is one of the factors leading to male infertility.

1. What does low sperm count mean?

Sperm count is defined as lower than normal when there are less than 15 million sperm in a milliliter of semen (there may even be no sperm in the semen at all).
Low sperm count means that the chances of sperm reaching and successfully fertilizing an egg are reduced, so the chances of pregnancy are lower. However, in fact, many men with low sperm count still have normal children.

2. Symptoms of low sperm count

The main and most prominent symptom of low sperm count is the inability to conceive. Apart from this symptom, there may not be any other symptoms. In some men with an underlying medical condition such as a genetic disorder, hormonal imbalance, varicocele, or an obstruction of sperm mobility, signs and symptoms may develop.
Symptoms of low sperm count may also be present:
Problems with sexual performance, eg decreased libido, difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction) Pain, swelling, or unusual mass in the testicle area Hair, thinning hair, or other signs of a genetic or hormonal abnormality

3. When to consult a doctor?

Consult your doctor if, after a year of regular sex, without using any contraceptive, still do not conceive, or sooner if:
Have problems with erection or ejaculation, impaired decreased interest in sex, or other problems with sexual performance, pain, discomfort, swelling, or abnormal mass in the testicles Have a history of testicular, prostate, or sexual problems surgery in the groin, testicles, penis, or scrotum

4. Causes of low sperm count

Sperm production is a complex process and requires the normal functioning of all the organs involved such as the testes, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, they will be transported to mix with the semen and will follow the semen out during ejaculation. Any problem during this process can affect sperm production. Besides, there are many factors that affect the normal shape, motility and function of sperm.
However, in fact, the cause of low sperm count is often difficult to determine.
4.1. Medical causes Several conditions and treatments can cause low sperm count, they include:
Varicose veins: varicocele is one of the most common causes of infertility. in men , but thankfully is curable . The cause of varicocele is unknown. Varicose veins cause a decrease in sperm quality. Infections: some infections affect sperm production or sperm health or create scarring that interferes with sperm transport (mechanical obstruction). These include epididymitis, orchitis, and certain sexually transmitted diseases (including gonorrhea, HIV). Although some infections can cause permanent testicular damage, in most cases sperm can be retrieved. Ejaculation disorders: Retrograde ejaculation is a condition in which semen does not come out, but ejaculates back into the bladder. There are many causes of retrograde ejaculation (and inability to ejaculate), including diabetes, spinal cord injury, bladder surgery, prostate surgery, etc. Some medications also cause problems. Ejaculatory disorders such as beta-blockers in the treatment of hypertension. Ejaculatory dysfunction can be temporary or permanent, but in most cases it's permanent, sperm can still be retrieved directly from the testicle. Autoimmune disease: rare, when antibodies attack and destroy the body's sperm. Tumors: Tumors themselves can cause hormonal imbalance, affecting reproductive organs; or treatment for tumors that affect male fertility. Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones are an integral part of sperm production. Therefore, hormonal imbalance will compromise this process. Obstruction on sperm transport: the sperm transport route can be disrupted by mechanical obstacles, affecting male fertility. The causes of these obstructions can be trauma, infection, surgery, etc. Previous surgeries: certain surgeries can cause semen to be ejaculated without sperm, such as tubal ligation. spermatozoa, inguinal hernia surgery, scrotal or testicular surgery, prostate surgery, etc. In most cases, surgery can be used to restore normal state, or direct sperm collection. from the epididymis or testicles. Certain medications: Some medications can directly harm spermatogenesis and reduce male fertility. Other causes: genetic disorders, birth defects, undescended testicles, etc. can all affect male fertility.

4.2. Environmental causes Spermogenesis and sperm motility will be affected if the body is overexposed to a number of agents:
Industrial chemicals: prolonged exposure to benzene, toluene, xylene, Herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, paint materials, etc. can cause low sperm count. Heavy Metals: Exposure to lead and other heavy metals can cause infertility. Radiation: Exposure to radiation can reduce or completely destroy spermatogenesis. In cases where recovery is possible, it may take several years to return to normal. 4.3. Lifestyle and other causes Other causes of low sperm count may be:
Alcohol consumption: alcohol and other alcoholic beverages can lower testosterone levels and cause a decrease in sperm count. Occupation: Certain occupations are associated with male infertility (such as occupations that involve a lot of sitting), but the evidence is inconsistent. Smoking: Men who smoke have a lower sperm count than non-smokers. Stress and depression: affect spermatogenesis. Weight: Obesity can both directly affect sperm and disrupt hormonal balance (which affects spermatogenesis).

5. Prevention of low sperm count

Understand the factors that affect sperm count and quality to protect fertility, such as:
Don't smoke Limit or don't drink alcohol Don't use drugs Maintain a healthy weight Avoid stress Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, heavy metals Talk to your doctor about treatments that could potentially affect fertility. Currently, at Vinmec International General Hospital, the Pre-Marriage Examination Package is being applied to encourage couples to have a pre-marital examination to assess fertility and detect early possible causes. infertility, infertility, including performing semen analysis. Examination package with many outstanding advantages:
Vinmec Fertility Center is the leading modern center in Vietnam built and applied a treatment process that combines comprehensive examination, combining both male and female medicine. gynecology to give the optimal plan for each customer case. Vinmec Fertility Center's team of highly qualified and experienced specialists is capable of synchronously and comprehensively deploying the most advanced assisted reproductive techniques today. Modern equipment, synchronous with international standard lab. The cleanroom system has been tested and certified to international standards, along with the advanced mini-incubator system, contributing to the success of IVF cycles. Fully guarantee the safety and privacy of customers. >>>>> Checkup package for couples who are about to get married or are planning to become pregnant. For consultation and to book an appointment, you can contact HERE.
Doctor Vo Thien Ngon has over 7 years of experience working as a urologist and surgeon at Hospitals: Hue Central Hospital, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Tam Tri Da Nang General Hospital .
Doctor Ngon with the ability to specialize in the field of examination and treatment of diseases of the Urology and Andrology system, Urology surgery, endoscopic urological surgery, Laparo urinary tract surgery, endoscopy Urinary. Currently, Dr. Vo Thien Ngon is a Urology - Orthopedic Surgery Doctor, Department of General Surgery, Vinmec Da Nang International Hospital

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Article referenced source: Mayoclinic.org