Fertility issues affect over 7% of men globally, making oligospermia one of the most pressing reproductive health concerns facing couples today. Most men remain unaware of fertility complications until they face challenges in conceiving with their partners. Understanding the root causes and recognising warning signs can support your parenthood. If you are experiencing conception difficulties, you might be dealing with low sperm count (oligospermia), a condition that affects male fertility and requires proper understanding and treatment.

So, let’s understand it in detail.

What is Oligospermia?

Low sperm count (oligospermia) is a condition where sperm concentration is less than 15 million per millilitre of semen, making it even harder for you to conceive naturally. Medical professionals further categorise this condition into three scales according to their severity.

Types of low sperm count (oligospermia levels):

  • Mild oligospermiaThe sperm count is between 10 and 16 million, which is below the normal range. But natural conception is often possible with patience. It might need timing adjustment and lifestyle management.
  • Moderate oligospermiaIn this category, the sperm concentration is between 5-10 million/ml, which is moderately below the normal range. In most cases, it is treated medically with fertility treatment.
  • Severe oligospermiaIt is where sperm is under 5 million/ ml, which is below the normal range. It often requires advanced fertility treatments such as IVF or ICSI.

The higher the density of your sperm, the higher your chances of conception, but other aspects, such as motility and morphology, are equally important. According to recent studies, sperm counts have dropped by about 50% over the last 40 years.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of oligospermia

Symptoms of oligospermia are challenging to recognise since the majority of men do not have specific physical symptoms. The most common indicator is the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular intercourse.

However, several other signs and symptoms of low sperm count may indicate this condition.

1. Sexual function changes

Low sperm count signs may include:

  • Difficulty achieving or maintaining erections
  • Less sexual desire or libido
  • Changes in ejaculation patterns
  • Premature or delayed ejaculation
2. Testicular symptoms

Many men with a lower sperm count experience:

  • Testicular pain or swelling
  • Noticeable size changes in testicles
  • Discomfort around the epididymis
3. Hormonal indicators

Hormonal imbalances related to low sperm count can cause the following physical and emotional symptoms:

  • Reduced facial or body hair growth
  • Breast tenderness or swelling
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Mood changes or depression
  • Chronic fatigue or low energy
  • Sleep disturbances

Some men also experience alterations in ejaculate volume, colour, consistency or notice thin and watery semen, though normal-looking sperm can still contain signs of low sperm count concentrations.

What are the causes of low sperm count? 

The causes of lower sperm count are essential for proper treatment and management. These factors can be broadly categorised into medical, environmental, and lifestyle-related causes.

1. Medical causes

What causes low sperm count from a medical perspective includes several conditions:

  • Varicocele: The most common medical cause, representing enlarged veins in the scrotum.
  • Hormonal disorders: Disruptions in testosterone or thyroid function can affect sperm development and count, often be detected through a blood test
  • Genetic factors: Chromosomal abnormalities, such as Y chromosome microdeletions and cystic fibrosis gene mutations, affect sperm production
  • Infections: sexually transmitted infections, mumps orchitis, prostate infections
  • Undescended testicles: cryptorchidism affecting sperm production
2. Environmental factors

Environmental exposures also affect sperm count, such as:

  • Heavy metals and industrial chemicals
  • Pesticides and radiation exposure
  • Excessive heat from saunas or hot baths
  • Occupational hazards in specific industries
3. Lifestyle-related causes

These could be the reasons:

  • Smoking directly damages sperm DNA
  • Excessive alcohol disrupts hormone balance
  • Obesity changes hormone production and increases scrotal temperature
  • A poor diet lacking essential nutrients like zinc and selenium
4. Medical effects

Certain medications can temporarily or permanently reduce sperm production:

  • Blood pressure medicines
  • Antidepressants
  • Anabolic steroids
  • Chemotherapy drugs
  • Testosterone replacement therapy

Hence, the reason for a lower sperm count often involves multiple factors working together.

How to diagnose low sperm count?

Diagnosing low sperm count requires a semen analysis test. A semen analysis is performed after 2-3 days of abstinence to assess sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. And the results below 15 million sperm per ml indicate oligospermia.

Treatment for low sperm count varies based on the underlying cause and severity. Medical treatments include hormone replacement, varicocele surgery, and infection treatment. Lifestyle changes work, like quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy body weight, and taking zinc supplements to help improve sperm production. At the same time, severe cases may require IVF procedures. Hence, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment begin with selecting a professional fertility clinic.

Conclusion 

Low sperm count is treatable, and many men achieve fatherhood with the right support. Take the first step and understand oligospermia to reclaim your fertility. From lifestyle changes to advanced treatments, there is a solution to every case. This is whereThe Male Fertility Clinic can change your experience with personalised care and effective treatment. Remember, millions of men have successfully overcome the causes of low sperm count, so you can too. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve your fertility results.

FAQs

How do I increase sperm volume?

Maintain proper hydration, consume zinc-rich foods like oysters and pumpkin seeds, engage in regular moderate exercise, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Consider supplements like CoQ10, vitamin D, and antioxidants under medical supervision.

Professional semen analysis testing is the most accurate method to diagnose low sperm count. Since symptoms are rare, medical testing is essential for diagnosis.

You cannot accurately self-diagnose low sperm density through symptoms. Get semen analysis from a trusted clinic, which measures the concentration, motility, and morphology and gives accurate results.