Increasingly, infertility is a growing health issue worldwide, affecting millions of couples. While the most frequently discussed reproductive problems revolve around women, it is also important to note that infertility in men is just as important when it comes to conception. Low sperm count is one of the leading causes of male infertility. But what are the signs of sperm depletion? In this article, we dive into the biology, lifestyle, and environmental causes of low sperm count to get to the bottom of the matter, and how it can be helped and treated.
What Is Low Sperm Count?
Low sperm count, or oligospermia, occurs when the number of sperm in a man’s semen falls below the normal level. As defined by the WHO, a healthy sperm count should be at least 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. Anything below this is considered low sperm count and can hamper natural conception. But the good news is, even with low sperm count, you can still father a child.
Low sperm count can be attributable to a variety of causes, from illness to lifestyle choices. Let’s talk about these causes in depth.
Medical Causes of Low Sperm Count
Hormonal Disbalancing: Male fertility is closely connected to hormonal body balance. Testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and other hormones control the production of sperm. Low levels of these hormones, often in the form of hypogonadism, can result in low sperm count and decreased sperm production.
Testicular Disorders: Problems with the testicles (or organs that make sperm) – can dramatically reduce the number of sperm. Common testicular issues include:
Varicocele: Spiky veins in the scrotum that raise testicles’ temperature and decrease sperm count.
Un-descended Testicles: Testicles that fail to descend into the scrotum during gestation can result in fertility problems later in life.
Diseases and inflammations: Infections like orchitis (inflammation of the testicles) or epididymitis (inflammation of the sperm-transporting tube) may damage the testicles and disrupt sperm generation.
Genetic Diseases: Certain genetic disorders (like Klinefelter syndrome or Y chromosome microdeletions) disrupt sperm production and result in decreased sperm count. Men who suffer from these disorders also find it difficult to conceive naturally.
Problems With Ejaculation: Occasionally, males suffer from ejaculation problems such as retrograde ejaculation, wherein semen is deposited in the bladder rather than flowing out through the penis when ejaculated. It doesn’t necessarily mean that it decreases sperm production, but it diminishes the ability of sperm to enter the female reproductive tract.
Drugs and Therapies: Certain drugs (such as anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and some antibiotics) can diminish sperm numbers. Cancer medicines, for example, often target quickly dividing cells – and unfortunately, sperm cells belong to this group, so less sperm can form.
Asthma, Illnesses, and Autoimmune Diseases: Chronic conditions like poorly controlled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and cystic fibrosis can also affect sperm and fertility.
Lifestyles Related to Low Sperm Count?
Unhealthy Diet: The processed foods, trans fats and sugars that are omnipresent in the modern diet damage sperm. Poor nutrition, in particular a deficiency of micronutrients such as zinc, selenium, vitamin C and E, directly impacts sperm quality and numbers.
Obesity: Overweight is associated with hormonal imbalances which result in decreased testosterone and decreased sperm counts. Additionally, obesity can raise scrotal temperature, further damaging sperm.
Smoking and Drinking: Toxins in cigarettes, including nicotine and heavy metals, can erode the DNA of sperm and reduce sperm counts. Likewise, excessive drinking can reduce testosterone and eventually affect sperm health.
Substance Abuse: Recreational drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine and anabolic steroids, are incredibly disruptive to the body’s sperm-making process. Long-term use of these drugs will irreversibly destroy male fertility.
Stress: Stress, specifically chronic stress, has a profound effect on hormone health. Higher concentrations of the stress hormone cortisol can inhibit testosterone and diminish sperm production. Stress can also cause lifestyle factors such as eating too much or smoking to exacerbate it.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Exercise is necessary to maintain the right hormones and to help the blood supply to the ovaries. Lean diets and prolonged sitting (such as at computer screens) heat the testicles, which lowers sperm counts over time.
Environmental Determinants of Sperm Deficit Low Sperm Count
Heat Exposure: Spermatogenesis (the production of sperm) is extremely sensitive to changes in temperature. The scrotum naturally stores the testicles just a little cooler than the rest of the body to maximize sperm production. The long term heat exposure — such as repeated swimming in a hot tub or sauna or wearing baggy underwear — may temporarily lower sperm count.
Chemicals and Toxins: Environmental pollutants, including pesticides, heavy metals and industrial chemicals, alter hormones and harm sperm. These dangers are particularly acute in men who work in high-risk sectors like agriculture or industry.
Radiation and Electromagnetic: Infrared (EM) exposure at the wrist area or close to the groin can reduce sperm counts, according to some research.
Understanding Low Sperm Count and How to Treat It.
When you are worried about your low sperm count, first ask a male fertility specialist. A semen sample is normally taken to determine sperm density, movement, and structure. It may also prescribe further tests including hormone analysis, genetic testing and imaging.
Therapies vary based on the cause, but can include:
Lifestyle Changes: A healthy diet, regular exercise, less stress, and the cessation of smoking or drinking can improve sperm production.
Medical Interventions: Hormones, medications, or surgery (in cases such as varicocele) may be used to treat specific diseases.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In men with persistently low sperm counts, ART techniques such as IVF or ICSI can lead to conception.
Conclusion: What Causes Low Sperm Count?
A low sperm count is an individual disorder that can be caused by multiple medical, lifestyle and environmental causes. Men need to be proactive about their health, live fertility-friendly lives, and seek professional help when they need it. When couples learn what causes low sperm counts, they can make better decisions to enhance their chances of conceiving and having the family they desire. Male fertility plays as much a role in the process of childbearing as female fertility, and public education around conditions such as low sperm counts can go a long way towards encouraging reproductive wellbeing.
