Couples can struggle with fertility issues when they are diagnosed with low sperm counts, for example. A quarter of a third of couples are infertile, and around 30-50% of these instances are male-related. When your husband is told he has low sperm count, it’s perfectly normal to experience feelings of confusion, frustration and anxiety. The good news, though, is that most of the time, there are ways to make things right, to make your chances of conception better. By knowing what low sperm count is and what options are out there, you and your partner can both go through this process with optimism and security.
In this post, we’ll discuss low sperm count, what causes low sperm count, and what you as a couple can do to remedy this significant but manageable issue.
Understanding Low Sperm Count
Low sperm count, or oligospermia in medical parlance, happens when the sex that is flogged during orgasm contains fewer than normal sperm cells. A healthy sperm count is typically greater than 15 million per millilitre of sperm. If the number falls below this level, it becomes more difficult, though not impossible, for a couple to naturally have a baby.
Keep in mind that just because you’re low on sperm doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t have children. The vast majority of oligospermic men do father children, either naturally or through assisted reproductive methods. It’s about figuring out what’s wrong and solving it.
Reasons For Low Sperm Count?
Finding out what is causing your husband’s low sperm count is an important first step in making the decision to act. Here are a few causes that doctors often associate with male infertility:
Lifestyle Factors:
Lifestyle choices are key factors in reproductive health. sperm production is affected by smoking, drinking, using drugs, obesity and chronic stress.
Medical Conditions and Infections:
There are certain medical conditions that can lead to low sperm counts, including varicoceles (swelling veins on the testicles), hormonal fluctuations, infections (like sex-related infections or mumps orchitis), and autoimmune diseases.
Genetic Factors:
On occasion, genetic diseases like Klinefelter syndrome or Y chromosome microdeletions could interfere with a man’s ability to make sperm.
Environmental Exposure:
For extended periods, exposure to toxins such as pesticides, heavy metals, radiation or industrial chemicals can reduce sperm count.
Heat Exposure:
Temperature influences the production of sperm. In extreme situations, prolonged heat (like regular hot tubs, saunas or long underwear) can deplete sperm over time.
Medications and Health Issues:
Some medications, such as anabolic steroids, chemotherapy, and cures for certain chronic diseases, can reduce sperm count and quality.
Using a medical professional, your husband can be tested to determine what exactly is causing his low sperm count, which will guide treatment.
What You Can Do: Actionable Couples Steps
When your husband has been diagnosed with low sperm count, there are lifestyle, medical, and emotional interventions you can make. As a couple, you can act on the issue.
1. Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle
Male fertility can be directly affected by good health. Get things going first by making good lifestyle choices:
Balanced Diet: A healthy diet full of antioxidants, vitamins (C and D), zinc, folic acid, and omega-3 fatty acids can aid in sperm production. Eat fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains and lean proteins.
Get Fit: Staying at a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help increase testosterone levels and enhance sperm quality. However, keep your biceps from overtraining and developing hormonal changes.
Keep out of Bad Things: Avoid or cut back on alcohol, smoking, and other recreational substances.
Additionally, ask your husband to wear loose-fitting clothing, avoid overheating the groin, and avoid exposure to environmental pollutants as much as possible.
2. Seek Medical Treatment
If lifestyle changes don’t suffice, medical interventions may be needed. These could include:
Hormonal Therapy: If hormonal changes are making you low on sperm count, hormones or medications can help get things in the right balance.
Surgery: If you have varicoceles or blockages, surgery might be necessary to correct the issue and increase the production of sperm.
Drugs: Some drugs treat infections or promote procreation.
An evaluation by a urologist or fertility physician will provide you with personalized advice on which treatment options would best suit your husband.
3. Explore Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
If natural conception is ineffective, assisted reproductive technologies can provide alternative routes to parenthood. Some common options include:
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Sperm is harvested and placed directly into the womb to maximise the chances of fertilization.
In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): An egg is fertilised outside the body by sperm and the baby is implanted in the womb.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): ICSI injects one healthy sperm directly into an egg during IVF.
These techniques have helped millions of couples get pregnant. You can discuss these options with your fertility specialist and decide which option is best for you.
4. Prioritize Emotional Support and Communication
Trying to get pregnant as a couple can be emotionally draining. We need to be there for each other:
Communication: Share your feelings and worries as honestly and sympathetically as possible. Don’t blame yourself and remember that you’re taking on this task together.
Advice: Seek fertility counseling or join a support group. Seeing others through the same process can bring hope and clarity.
If you can take the time to build a relationship that feels real to you, you can become strong even through the failures.
Conclusion: What To Do If Husband Has Low Sperm Count?
Parenthood isn’t necessarily an overnight process, and you need to stay prepared and patient as you and your partner try to find solutions. Remember that sperm depletion is not uncommon, and modern medicine has given most couples the ability to conquer male infertility.
Keep in mind that the low sperm count diagnosis doesn’t describe your husband’s personality or personhood, nor does it preclude you from making a healthy family together. By grouping together, trusting medical professionals and being gracious with yourself, you can conquer the obstacles that come your way.
And regardless of the result, it’s that shared commitment to creating a future for each other that really defines your parenthood. When we’re patient, and persistent, and loving, the road ahead is still uncharted.
