In medical terms, low sperm count is called oligospermia. This condition applies when a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. The World Health Organisation defines it as a count below this, and below it, a man has a low sperm count; it’s more prevalent than you might think. If very few sperm are present in the ejaculate, you could have severe oligospermia. Male fertility tests help address all these concerns related to male reproductive health.

Understanding normal sperm health

Fertility problems for males are nothing new. It is estimated to be the case in one in six couples having trouble getting pregnant, with a male factor responsible in at least half of these couples. The more likely you are to have fewer sperm, the more likely it is that there won’t be enough to fertilise an egg. With a semen analysis, you can save months and years of a delayed pregnancy.

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sperm health in terms of sperm count, morphology and motility. Here’s what normal sperm health means:

  • Sperm Count: A normal single ejaculate has 15 million sperm per milliliter. When the sperm count is lower than this, the chances of getting pregnant decrease as the sperm count to fertilise the egg decreases.
  • Sperm Morphology: A healthy sperm can be determined through morphology. A healthy sperm has an oval head and a long tail (not an abnormal head and a branched tail). The concentration of the normal sperm must be 4% of the total sperm count.
  • Sperm Motility: Male problems with fertility can also be checked through sperm motility. The sperm is normal if 30 percent movement is progressive. This is important because the sperm has to swim and reach the egg; if it is slow, it might die before reaching the egg.

What causes low sperm count?

Factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and consumption of alcohol and tobacco can be contributing factors to low sperm count. There are physical conditions, hormonal imbalances and other hidden causes like medications, genetics and past infections.

The most common and curable cause is varicocele, where veins in the scrotum swell up. This increases the temperature of the scrotum, impairing sperm production. Undescended testes, previous infections (such as mumps orchitis) and injury in the testicles can permanently or temporarily affect sperm production.

Testosterone, FSH and LH are involved in sperm production. If any of these is altered, sperm production is slowed.

Everyday habits that quietly reduce sperm count

There are simple, everyday habits that could quietly reduce the sperm count.

  • Heavy alcohol use reduces testosterone.
  • Cigarette smoking causes damage to sperm’s DNA
  • Marijuana and cocaine can affect both the number and motility of sperm.
  • Even high levels of stress can disrupt hormone levels and production.

The temperature in the scrotum needs to be 2 degrees Celsius lower than body temperature to produce sperm. Jacuzzis, sitting for extended periods, using your laptop on your lap and wearing tight-fitting underwear all increase scrotal temperatures.

Getting tested: what actually happens

Is it possible to have oligospermia without symptoms? Yes, you can have oligosepermia without symptoms. You only get to know when there is difficulty in conceiving a child, even after unprotected intercourse for a long time. So getting a male fertility test sooner rather than later, particularly if you are trying for a baby, is helpful.

When such an issue occurs, you should get tested for semen analysis. A semen analysis is a non-invasive test to check male fertility. Then the semen and sperm are analysed for motility, liquefaction, concentration, volume, morphology and pH. You will receive the reports within 3 working days after the submission of the semen sample. You can then start with your fertility consultation.

People often have a question: “Is low sperm count treatable? Low sperm count is often treatable if there is a known cause. If the cause is lifestyle factors, significant improvement can be seen three to six months after changes. Other medicines, diagnosis and surgery can treat the common male fertility problems, helping you with improved fertility.

How to improve male fertility

There can be lifestyle changes that you must incorporate to improve the health of sperm. Here are some tips for better sperm health:

  • Avoid alcohol and reduce stress
  • Work out, but don’t overdo it
  • Include plenty of vegetables, fish, nuts, eggs, and whole foods rich in vitamin C, lycopene, and beta-carotene

Conclusion

Low sperm count is not the end of the world. It’s a diagnosis for many men, a clue that we should be looking for something treatable. The key is to be tested, to understand the results, and to seek specialist help to determine whether there is an underlying condition which can be treated. The Male Fertility Clinic provides discreet expert semen analysis and clear advice. For more information, call 0203 143 1294 and get in touch with the experts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the main cause of oligospermia?

Conditions like bacterial infections (urinary tract infections), genetic disorders (cystic fibrosis, Klinefelter Syndrome), hormonal fluctuations, lifestyle factors, drugs, medications and stress can be the cause of oligospermia.

Yes, oligospermia can be corrected by treating the underlying cause of the condition. You need experts to help diagnose and treat it successfully.

Yes, pregnancy is possible with oligospermia, but the success rate is lower. The best way is to treat it successfully and then plan your pregnancy.

The fastest way to treat low sperm count is to get an expert’s help and diagnostic methods like semen analysis and advanced testing. The specialists help treat the underlying cause and recommend better lifestyle habits for good sperm health.