Recognise the Early Symptoms of Low Sperm Count

Have you considered that your inability to fulfill your dream of parenthood might be due to a low sperm count? This is a common cause of infertility in men but often goes undiagnosed until you face difficulties in achieving pregnancy. While there are several signs of a low sperm count, they are not commonly known. So, before you visit a fertility expert to learn how to increase your semen count, read on to learn more about oligospermia and its treatment.

What is Oligospermia?

The normal spermatozoa count is over 15 million sperm per 1 ml of semen. A count less than this is considered low. This condition is known as oligospermia or oligozoospermia. A spermatozoa count much below normal (less than 5 million in 1 ml of semen) is called severe oligospermia and will require Assistive Reproductive Technology (ART) to help with pregnancy.

Common Early Signs of Low Sperm Count

The common symptoms of a low sperm count include:

Changes in Sexual Function

• Problems with Ejaculation: Early ejaculation or difficulty maintaining an erection.
• Low Semen Volume: Semen volume of less than 2 ml on at least 2 successive semen analysis is diagnosed as hypospermia.
• Pain or Discomfort: A lump, swelling or pain in the testicle area is another symptom of oligospermia.

Hormonal Imbalances

• Gynaecomastia: Bothlow sperm count and enlarged breasts in men (gynaecomastia) are associated with hormonal imbalance, so the latter is often a sign of the former.
• Loss of Body Hair: Loss of facial or body hair (alopecia).

Testicular Issues

• Swelling or Lumps in the Testicles: A low sperm count leads to lumps or swellings in the testicles. 
• Varicocele: Enlargement and dilation of the veins within the scrotum creates blood pools in them. This prevents blood from circulating out of the scrotum and can be a sign of low sperm count.

General Health Symptoms

• Unexplained Fatigue: Low testosterone levels can cause unexplained exhaustion and low libido.
• Obesity: Obese men have a 42% higher likelihood of developing oligospermia than men with a healthy weight. In fact, obesity is related to several causes of male infertility.

If you have noticed one or more of these symptoms, consult a fertility specialist for oligospermia treatment.

It is also important to know the less common signs of low sperm count. For instance, several types of respiratory issues have been linked to a lower-than-normal spermatozoa count, as have thyroid problems, like hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Causes of Oligospermia

Before you learn how to enhance male fertility, you should know that a wide range of causes have been linked to oligospermia, not the least of which are lifestyle factors. One of the most common reasons for a low sperm count is genetic disorders, such as Klinefelter syndrome and cystic fibrosis. In fact, 10%-15% of oligospermia cases are found to have genetic causes. Sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections and viral illnesses like mumps can also lead to a low sperm count.

Hormonal imbalances are another common reason for this condition, especially low testosterone levels. In addition, certain health conditions can also decrease the sperm count, such as tumours, chronic illnesses, varicocele and testicular injury.

The lifestyle factors that have been linked to signs of low sperm count include:

Diet and Nutrition

Certain nutritional habits and diets can contribute to oligospermia.

• Eating less vegetables and fruits can adversely affect semen quality.  
• Studies reveal that a diet high in red meat, especially processed meats, can result in low sperm concentration.
• Semen quality can decline due to a diet rich in trans and saturated fats.
• Low protein consumption can also lead to male infertility.
• High intake of alcohol and caffeine is a risk factor for oligospermia.
• Fish with high mercury levels can negatively affect fertility by draining omega-3 reserves in the body.
• Sugary drinks are likely to impair sperm motility.

Alcohol and Smoking

Excessive alcohol consumption can lower hormone production and damage sperm motility and morphology. Binge drinking too can affect sperm production. Similarly, heavy smoking can lead to DNA damage to sperm quality and count.

Stress and Sleep

High stress levels lead your body to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones can lower sperm production and testosterone levels. Oxidative stress can also affect sperm quality, leading to infertility. In addition, poor or insufficient sleep can reduce semen quality.

Male infertility has also been linked to obesity, medications and cancer treatments such as radiation, and exposure to heavy metals, toxins, paint, pesticides and solvents.

Conclusion

If you have noticed any of the above signs of a low sperm and are looking for effective oligospermia treatment, visit your nearest Oasis Fertility Clinic. Our fertility specialists will guide you on how to enhance male fertility. You can also have a live chat with us on our website or call 1800-3001-1000 to receive immediate assistance.

FAQs on Low Sperm Count

Q: Can a man with low sperm get a woman pregnant?

A: Yes, a man with low sperm count can still get a woman pregnant, but it might take a little longer, and the chances are lower. Since there are fewer sperm, it becomes harder for them to reach and fertilize the egg. In some cases, where the sperm count is very low, treatments like IUI or IVF might be needed to help with pregnancy.

Q: How do I know if my sperm count is low?

A: It’s not always easy to know if your sperm count is low because there might not be obvious signs. However, you might notice problems like difficulty with ejaculation, less semen than usual, lumps or swelling in the testicles, or feeling tired for no clear reason. Hormonal imbalances, like enlarged breasts or loss of body hair, can also be clues. If you’re concerned, it’s best to see a fertility doctor for a check-up.

Q: Can you increase sperm count?

A: Yes, you can increase your sperm count. Making lifestyle changes like eating healthier, managing stress, getting enough sleep, cutting down on alcohol and smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help. If needed, a doctor might recommend treatments like hormone therapy or surgery for specific issues like varicocele.

Q: What foods increase sperm count?

A: Eating the right foods can boost your sperm count. Try to eat more fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, like berries, spinach, and citrus fruits. Fish high in omega-3, like salmon, is great for sperm health too. On the other hand, it’s best to avoid processed meats, sugary drinks, and foods with unhealthy fats. Stick to lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats for better results.