Oligospermia Treatment in Delhi, India

The primary and foremost symptom of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. Apart from that, there might be no other obvious signs or symptoms present among individuals. In some cases, an underlying problem like an inherited chromosomal abnormality, a hormonal imbalance, or dilated testicular veins may produce signs and symptoms.

Various low sperm count symptoms are as follows:

• Problems with sexual function like low sexual desire or problems in holding an erection.
• Presence of pain, swelling or a lump situated in the testicles.
• Decreased facial or body hair or other associated signs of a chromosome or hormone abnormality.

Generally, the cause of low sperm count isn't identified.

Decreased sperm count can be caused due to the following factors-

• Varicocele: It is defined as the swelling of the veins draining the testicle and is the most common reversible cause of male infertility.
• Infection: Certain infections can interfere with the production of sperm and cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm.
• Ejaculation problems: Retrograde ejaculation takes place when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of emerging out of the tip of the penis.
• Antibodies that attack sperm: Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that identify sperm as harmful invaders and try to demolish them.
• Tumours: Various cancers and nonmalignant tumours can affect the male reproductive organs directly. Apart from that, surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy is given to treat tumours that do affect male fertility.
• Undescended testicles: During fetal development, either one or both testicles sometimes fail to descend from the abdomen into the scrotum. Decreased fertility is more likely found in men with this condition.
• Hormone imbalances: Any kind of alterations in the hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles may impair sperm production.
• Defects of tubules that transport sperm: Several tubes carrying sperm can be blocked because of several causes, including inadvertent injury from surgery, infections, trauma or any abnormal development, such as cystic fibrosis or similar inherited conditions.
• Chromosome defects: Inherited disorders such as Klinefelter's syndrome cause atypical development of the male reproductive organs. Other genetic syndromes linked with infertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann's syndrome and Kartagener's syndrome.
• Certain medications: Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, chemotherapy, various antifungal and antibiotic medications, a few ulcer medications, and several other medications can impair sperm production and decrease male fertility.

The doctor will take a medical history followed by a physical examination. They may recommend various other tests, which are as follows:

• Semen analysis and sperm function tests.
• Urinalysis to test for retrograde ejaculation, i.e., sperm moving backwards.
• Imaging tests of the reproductive organs, including transrectal and scrotal ultrasounds.
• Tests of the endocrine system to measure hormone levels.
• Testing for genetic disorders.
• Testicular biopsy. This involves obtaining samples from the testicle with the help of a needle. The results of the testicular biopsy can determine if sperm production is normal.

Treatments for low sperm count include:

• Surgery: A varicocele can often be surgically corrected. In cases where sperm are absent in the ejaculate, they can often be achieved straight either from the testicles through sperm retrieval techniques.
• Treating infections: Antibiotics help to cure an infection of the reproductive tract, but this doesn't always help to restore fertility.
• Treatments for sexual intercourse problems: Medication or counselling can certainly help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
• Hormone treatments and medications:The doctor might recommend hormone replacement therapy or medications in cases where infertility occurs because of high or low levels of a few hormones or issues related to the way the body uses certain hormones.
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART): This involves taking sperm either through the normal ejaculation process, surgical extraction or from donor individuals, based on the specific situation and requirements.

A variety of risk factors are often associated with low sperm count and certain other issues that cause low sperm count. These comprise of:

• Smoking and tobacco consumption
• Drinking alcohol
• Using certain illicit drugs
• Being obese
• Depression or stress
• Having a history of infections
• Being exposed to toxins
• Overheating the testicles
• Any trauma to the testicles
• An individual born with a fertility disorder or having a family member with a fertility disorder
• Presence of certain medical conditions like tumours and chronic illnesses
• Undergoing cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy
• Consumption of certain medications
• Having a prior vasectomy or any major abdominal or pelvic surgery

Infertility caused due to low sperm count can be stressful for both the individual and his partner. Complications comprise of:

• Surgery or other treatments for low sperm count
• Costly and assisted reproductive techniques, such as in-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
• Stress

In order to maintain fertility, avoid certain factors that can affect sperm count and quality. For example:

• Avoid smoking.
• Restrict or refrain from alcohol consumption.
• Steer clear of illicit drugs.
• Tell the doctor about medications that can affect sperm count.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid heat.
• Control stress.
• Avoid exposure to pesticides, metals and various other toxins.

Low sperm counts reduce the chances of an individual conceiving naturally with his partner. However, it can't be ruled out entirely. Many men with Oligospermia are capable of fertilising their partner's egg in spite of lower sperm count numbers. Ask the doctor about techniques or strategies that might help improve the chances of conception.