MEDICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL AND LIFESTYLE CAUSES OF LOW SPERM COUNT

DEFINITION OF LOW SPERM COUNT

Low sperm count means that the fluid (semen) you ejaculate during an orgasm contains fewer sperm than normal.

A low sperm count is also called oligospermia (ol-ih-go-SPUR-me-uh). A complete absence of sperm is called azoospermia. Your sperm count is considered lower than normal if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

Having a low sperm count decreases the odds that one of your sperm will fertilize your partner’s egg, resulting in pregnancy. Nonetheless, many men who have a low sperm count are still able to father a child.

CAUSES OF LOW SPERM COUNT

Risk factors include having obesity or overweight, having experienced trauma or surgery in or around the testicles, and taking certain medications. Other things that may put you at risk include exposing your testicles to too much heat or having other medical issues.

Beyond that, there are various causes of low sperm quality, which can be divided into three main categories: medical, environmental, and lifestyle.

MEDICAL CAUSES OF LOW SPERM COUNT

previous infections or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can cause blockages, scarring, or other damage to the reproductive system
issues with erections or ejaculation (For example, diabetes and spinal injuries may cause erectile dysfunction or retrograde ejaculation.)
issues with the immune system

ENVIRONMENTAL CAUSES OF LOW SPERM COUNT

You may be surprised to learn that ideal sperm conditions are a little less than body temperature, which is the reason testicles are placed outside the abdominal cavity.

Overheating your testicles can lower sperm produce and quality . This means that anything from frequent hot tubs to sitting with your computer placed on the lap may lower your counts.

exposure to herbicides, pesticides, and other industrial chemicals or heavy metals. Exposure to radiation from X-rays or other sources may harm sperm production as well.

LIFESTYLE CAUSES OF LOW SPERM COUNT

Excessive intake of alochol, smoking and heavy drugs

jobs that require long periods of sitting, such as truck driving

emotional issues, like stress and depression, particularly if they’re long term and severe

body weight, particularly if you have obesity or overweight, can also affect hormones

PREVENTION

To protect your fertility, avoid known factors that can affect sperm count and quality. For example:

Don’t smoke.

Limit or abstain from alcohol.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Avoid heat.

Manage stress