Signs of weak sperm

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
Strong or weak sperm is closely related to male fertility. In which, low sperm count is a condition of reduced sperm quality, which can lead to male infertility.

1. What determines healthy or weak sperm?

Sperm health depends on many different factors, including the number, motility and structure of the sperm:
Quantity: the ability to conceive will be quite certain if the semen after one ejaculation Each ml contains at least 15 million spermatozoa. Too few sperm in semen after ejaculation makes conception difficult, because less sperm will be able to reach and fertilize an egg. Mobility: to reach and fertilize an egg, sperm must move (swim and wriggle through a woman's cervix, uterus and fallopian tubes), and this is called motility. sperm. Chances of successful conception will be quite certain if there are 40% or more motile sperm. Structure (morphology): normal sperm morphology has an oval head and a long tail, coordinated to move together to move sperm. Although not as important as the other two factors (count and motility), the more morphologically normal sperm, the greater the chance of conception.

2. What are the signs of low sperm count?

By sensory, it is not possible to determine exactly whether the sperm is healthy or weak. The most obvious sign of low sperm count is infertility. Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular sex without using any contraception. However, infertility is not only caused by weak sperm (or more broadly, by the husband), but also by the wife, or by both. To determine exactly whether the sperm is healthy or weak, you need to do a test called a semen analysis.
Signs that may suggest low sperm count are:
Dilute semen, small quantity: semen does not have the characteristic stickiness and viscous consistency, but is as thin as rice water, which is a sign of abnormal decline. The quantity and quality of sperm greatly affect fertility in men. Semen clumping: This condition manifests as the appearance of small white particles like rice grains, when squeezed, it feels like a powder. Semen in this state makes it easy for sperm to die and difficult to move to fertilize an egg. Semen is frozen: when at 37oC, semen from a viscous state will liquefy after less than 60 minutes. If liquefaction does not take place or is only partially liquefied, it is a sign that the semen is solidified, and this condition makes it difficult for sperm to reach the egg, affecting the results of conception. Unusual color of semen: the color of semen is also one of the warning signals about reproductive health, if abnormal colors appear, it is a sign that it is necessary to see a specialist as soon as possible. as soon as possible to determine the cause and timely treatment.

3. Causes of weak sperm

Sperm production is a complex process and requires the normal functioning of all the organs involved such as the testes, hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Any problems during this process can affect sperm production and health. Causes of weak sperm include:
3.1. Medical causes A number of diseases and treatments can cause low sperm count, including:
Varicose veins: varicocele is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. men, but thankfully can be cured. 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). 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. Certain medications: Some medications can directly harm spermatogenesis and reduce male fertility. Other causes: genetic disorders, birth defects, ... can affect fertility in men. 3.2. 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 severe damage to sperm. 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. 3.3. Lifestyle and other causes Other factors affecting sperm may be:
Alcohol consumption: alcohol and other alcoholic beverages can lower testosterone levels and affect sperm. Smoking: Smoking is harmful to many aspects of health, and reproductive health is also severely affected. Stress and depression: affect spermatogenesis. Weight: Obesity can both directly affect sperm and disrupt hormonal balance (which affects spermatogenesis).

4. How to prevent weak sperm

There is no sure way to avoid low sperm count, but there are a few things that can help:
Maintain a healthy weight: some studies show an increase in mass index Body mass index (BMI) is associated with reduced sperm quality and motility. A healthy diet: Choosing lots of green vegetables and fruits rich in antioxidants can help improve sperm health. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention: sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, can cause male infertility. To prevent this, limit the number of sex partners and use a condom every time you have sex, or preferably stay faithful to a single partner who doesn't have the disease. Avoid stress: Stress can reduce sexual performance and affect the hormones needed for sperm production. Be active: Moderate physical activity can help increase the activity of antioxidant enzymes, which help protect sperm. Don't smoke: Smoking is harmful to many aspects of health. If you can't quit smoking, get help from your doctor. Limit alcohol: Alcohol and other alcoholic beverages can lower testosterone levels and affect sperm. If you drink alcohol or other alcoholic beverages, limit yourself to moderate amounts. Beware of toxins: exposure to pesticides, lead and other toxins can affect sperm count and quality. If you must work or come into contact with toxins, be very careful, for example, wear protective clothing and equipment, and avoid direct skin contact with chemicals. Wear cool clothes: increased scrotal temperature can harm sperm production. Although benefits have not been fully demonstrated, not wearing tight underwear, reducing sitting time, limiting saunas or hot baths, and limiting exposure of the scrotum to warm objects (such as laptops) can Can help increase sperm quality. To examine and treat weak sperm, patients can go to the Department of Andrology - Vinmec International General Hospital.
Andrology specialty has the function and task of specializing in examination, treatment as well as early detection of health problems related to male genital organs, physiological diseases, reproductive functions and diseases. sexually transmitted.
Common diseases of the department such as: seminal cystitis, orchitis, balanitis, cystitis, urethritis, foreskin length, foreskin stenosis,...
Doctor Vo Thien Ngon has over 7 years of experience as a urologist and surgical doctor 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

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Article referenced source: Mayoclinic.org