Is Low Sperm Count Affecting Your Family Planning?

Starting or growing a family can be challenging for men with infertility. A common cause is oligospermia, which is an abnormally low sperm count. A healthy sperm count ensures sufficient sperm reaches the egg in the fallopian tubes after sexual intercourse. While measurements vary, oligospermia is generally regarded as less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. The lower this measurement, the less likely a couple would conceive. Oligospermia is not absolute. There are different strategies that could help improve sperm quantity or support pregnancy efforts. A fertility specialist can recommend the best treatment based on individual needs.

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Causes of oligospermia

A healthy sperm count requires a delicate balance of hormones and healthy reproductive organs, so there are many opportunities to develop oligospermia. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone work together to produce sperm. An imbalance can cause oligospermia. A physical blockage, like varicocele, can prevent sperm from effectively combining with seminal fluid during ejaculation. While rare, some men may have chromosomal abnormalities or mutations in genes related to sperm production. Constant exposure to toxins in jobs or certain spaces can damage the testes or cause hormonal imbalances. Finally, many oligospermia cases can be traced to lifestyle habits or diseases. With these reasons in mind, here are 3 powerful solutions to increasing the chances of pregnancy.

1. Tap into lifestyle changes for a sperm boost

Making simple, consistent lifestyle changes may be enough for men to have a healthier sperm count. There are direct relationships between reproductive health and diet, activity levels, and use of substances. Studies show that maintaining a healthy body weight can improve hormone production and potentially normalize fertility. Adopting healthier diets can provide the vitamins and minerals needed for sperm production. Studies also show that smoking, use of recreational drugs, and alcohol consumption can negatively impact sperm count. Adopting a healthier lifestyle while trying to conceive can reduce stress, improve overall health, and increase pregnancy chances.

2. Consider hormone therapy

Even with lifestyle changes, some men may have abnormally low hormones like FSH or LH. Men previously on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may experience lower FSH and LH levels, impacting fertility. Doctors may recommend hormone medication to supplement the compounds needed for sperm production. For instance, oral clomiphene citrate has long been prescribed to improve FSH levels and sperm concentration. A fertility specialist and pharmacist can work together to create a custom solution based on the individual needs of the patient. Using hormone medication consistently over several months may be an effective solution to oligospermia.

3. Addressing underlying health issues

Medical checks may reveal an underlying physical issue or condition impacting sperm health. If a man has varicocele, for instance, there is a blockage that can be corrected with surgery. The procedure removes the potential blockage, restoring blood flow and, eventually, sperm health. Doctors can use minimally invasive surgery to address the problem, leading to a quick recovery. Prior surgeries, tumors, or other blockages may need a reversal or removal to restore sperm count. Treating medical conditions like diabetes, infections of the reproductive tract, or thyroid disorders with medication can lead to better outcomes.

Turning to ART when all else fails

Addressing underlying issues or making lifestyle changes is enough to improve sperm count, but sometimes this is not enough. The medical team can use assisted reproductive technology (ART) to improve the chances of pregnancy. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is the most common ART method for oligospermia. A fertility clinic takes a sperm sample and attempts to fertilize extracted eggs in a fertility laboratory. Once multiple embryos form, a healthy embryo is then transferred to the intended woman’s endometrium for pregnancy. Additional embryos are cryopreserved for future use. If embryo production fails, the fertility clinic may attempt intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which uses a single sperm to fertilize the egg. IVF and ICSI have high success rates for men with oligospermia.

Address oligospermia, achieve pregnancy

A low sperm count can impact couples trying to start or grow a family. Men can feel overwhelmed and ashamed, but there is hope. Seeking medical advice can reveal that simple changes may be enough to increase pregnancy rates. Consider a healthier lifestyle, hormone medication, or addressing an underlying health challenge. If these fail, couples can discuss starting the journey of IVF or ICSI. If there is a challenge with quantity and quality, donor sperm may be recommended. Tackle oligospermia directly, and positive results will follow.

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