Low Sperm Count : Symptoms & Causes

Low sperm count according to Mayo Clinic, 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.

Symptoms of Low Sperm Count

The symptoms of low sperm count listed below are not exhaustive.
1.The inability to conceive a child.
2.Problems with sexual function — for example, low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
3.
Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area

4.
Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosome or hormone abnormality



When to see a Doctor

See a doctor if you:
•Are unable to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.
•Have erection or ejaculation problems,
•low sex drive or other problems with sexual function
•Have pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicular area

Causes of Low Sperm Count

The production of sperm is a complex process and requires normal functioning of the testicles (testes) as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands — organs in your brain that produce hormones that trigger sperm production. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis. Problems with any of these systems can affect sperm production. Also, there are problems of abnormal sperm shape (morphology) or movement (motility). Often the cause of low sperm count isn’t ever identified – Mayo Clinic

Medical causes

Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include:
•Varicocele. A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It’s a common cause of male infertility. This may prevent normal cooling of the testicle, leading to reduced sperm count and fewer moving sperm.
•Infection. Some infections can interfere with sperm production and sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. These include some sexually transmitted infections, including chlamydia and gonorrhea; and other infections of the urinary tract or reproductive organs.
•Hormone imbalances. The hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles produce hormones that are necessary to create sperm. Alterations in these hormones, as well as from other systems such as the thyroid and adrenal, may impair sperm production.
•Sperm duct defects.The tubes that carry sperm can be damaged by illness or injury.

Environmental causes Overexposure to certain environmental elements can affect sperm production or function. Specific causes include:

· Industrial chemicals eg herbicides, pesticides, etc;

· Radiation or X-rays Exposure to radiation can reduce sperm production. It can take several years for sperm production to return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced.

· Overheating the testicles. Frequent use of saunas or hot tubs may temporarily lower your sperm count. Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or using a laptop on your lap for long periods of time also may increase the temperature in your scrotum and reduce sperm production. The type of underwear you choose to wear is unlikely to significantly impact your sperm count.

· Health, lifestyle and other causes of low Sperm Count includes but not limited to Illegal drug use, use of alcohol, Tobacco smoking. Emotional stress overweight..