Low sperm count: What you need to know

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A low sperm count means that the fluid (semen) ejaculated during orgasm contains less sperm than usual. A lower than normal sperm count is less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A low sperm count reduces the sperm's ability to fertilize an egg. However, many men with low sperm counts are still able to fertilize an egg.


1. Signs of Low Sperm The main sign of low sperm count is inability to conceive. However, these signs may not be as obvious. Certain problems such as genetic chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, varicose veins in the testicles or a condition that interferes with sperm movement can cause signs of low sperm count.
Signs of low sperm count may include:
Problems with sexual function, for example: low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection Testicular area: pain, swelling and lumps Signs of chromosomes, abnormal hormones, ... 2. Causes of low sperm count Normal sperm count in 1ml of semen is about 75 million. Sperm count if it falls below 15 million sperm per ml.
A normal sperm count depends on sperm production which is a complex process and requires the normal functioning of the testes as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands - organs in the brain that produce hormones activates sperm production. When sperm are produced, the seminiferous tubules transport them until they mix with semen and ejaculate out of the penis. In addition, there may be problems with abnormal sperm shape, movement, or function.

2.1. Medical causes Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health problems or medical treatments, including:
Varicose veins in the testicles - swelling of the veins that drain the testicles. It is the most common reversible cause of male infertility and may be related to abnormal thermoregulation of the testicles. Infection . Sperm production or sperm health or sperm movement can be caused by an infection. These include epididymitis or orchitis and some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea or HIV. Although some infections can lead to permanent testicular damage, sperm can usually be retrieved. Ejaculation problems: Retrograde ejaculation, failure to ejaculate, including diabetes, spinal cord injury, and bladder, prostate, or urethral surgery. Tumors . Cancers and benign tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, through the glands that secrete hormones involved in reproduction: the pituitary gland. Surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy can also affect male fertility. Hidden testicles. During fetal development, one or both testicles are sometimes unable to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally contains the testicles (scrotum). Reduced fertility in men with this condition. Hormone Imbalance: Hormones are produced from the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testes to make sperm. Hormone changes in this region, as well as from other systems such as the thyroid and adrenal glands, can decrease sperm production. Defects in the tubules that transport sperm. Many different tubes carry sperm. They can become blocked due to various causes, including accidental trauma from surgery, previous infection, trauma or cystic fibrosis... The blockage can happen in the testicles, in the tubes. vas deferens, in the epididymis, in the vas deferens, near the ejaculatory ducts, or in the urethra. Certain medications: some antibiotics, medications that treat ulcers, and can decrease sperm production and decrease male fertility. Previous surgeries. Certain surgeries can prevent you from having sperm during ejaculation, including a vasectomy, repair of an inguinal hernia, etc. Surgery can reverse these blockages or remove them. sperm directly from the epididymis and testes.

2.2. Environmental causes Sperm function can be affected by overexposure to certain environmental factors, including:
Industrial chemicals. Long-term exposure to industrial chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, paint materials and lead can contribute to low sperm count. Exposure to heavy metals can also cause infertility. Radiation or X-rays. Risk factor radiation exposure reduces sperm production. Sperm production can be permanently reduced if radiation levels are high. Heat testicles. High temperatures impair sperm function and production. Although studies are limited and inconclusive, regular use of a sauna or hot tub may temporarily reduce sperm count. Sitting for long periods of time, wearing tight clothing, or working on a laptop for long periods of time can also raise the temperature in your scrotum and slightly decrease sperm production. 2.3. Other causes Drug use. Anabolic steroids used to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Use alcohol. Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone and decrease sperm production. Job. Certain jobs can pose a risk of infertility, including welding or those that involve prolonged sitting, such as truck driving. Stressful emotions. Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including stress about fertility, can interfere with the hormones in sperm production. Weight. Obesity can reduce fertility in a number of ways, including directly impacting sperm by altering hormones that lead to decreased male fertility. Customers who need accurate examination and advice on low sperm count can choose Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec International General Hospital.

The center currently gathers a team of leading experts in the fields of obstetrics and gynecology, domestic and international, and a team of doctors and nurses trained in the world's leading countries in medicine such as the US and Singapore. , Japan, Australia and world famous Assisted Reproductive Centers. With a high level of expertise and extensive experience, the team of experts at Vinmec Fertility Center are capable of synchronously and comprehensively deploying today's most advanced assisted reproductive techniques, helping to realize fulfill the parenting dream of hundreds of families across Vietnam.

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.

Articles refer to sources: mayoclinic.org, healthline.com