Author - Dr Poonam Garg
Consultant - Obstetrician, Gynaecologist at Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital, Chandigarh

Low Sperm Count- Causes and Treatment

Oligospermia or low sperm count is not something that strikes anyone’s mind until you wish to start your family. While it takes only one sperm to fertilize the egg, the journey to fertilize the egg can be difficult. According to Dr Poonam Garg, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Foetal Medicine, the more sperm your partner has, the better your chances of getting pregnant. The only way, however, to know if you have a low sperm count is through tests. If you have been trying to conceive for a year, visit the best infertility doctor in Chandigarh immediately for early detection.

What is Oligospermia?

The best doctor for infertility treatment defines oligospermia as a condition when you have less than 15 million sperm in 1 millilitre of semen. A healthy sperm count is more than 15 million sperm per 1 millilitre of semen. Another term for severely low sperm count is oligospermia which refers to less than 5 million sperm in 1 milliliter of semen.

What is the Difference Between Oligospermia and Azoospermia?

Oligospermia refers to a condition when you have a nominal amount of sperm in your semen. The numbers, however, are not adequate for pregnancy. Azoospermia, on the other hand, refers to a condition when you have no sperm in your semen.

What Causes Low Sperm Count?

Although the exact cause of low sperm count is not known yet the best infertility doctor in Chandigarh considers the following reasons:

1. Certain hormonal or genetic diseases

   Some diseases including cystic fibrosis, sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, and hypogonadism can result in oligospermia.

2. Environmental toxins 

   Toxins are not good for any part of your body, especially for sperm count. Some toxins including arsenic, cadmium, lead or mercury can also cause oligospermia.

3. Drugs 

   The best doctor for infertility treatment tells us that both prescribed and non-prescription drugs can cause low sperm counts.

4. Heat 

   Testicles in your body only produce sperm at a particular temperature. The temperature of testicles is usually lower than your body temperature. Certain heat-related situations including having undescended testicles, varicocele, using a laptop on a lap, and spending a long time in hot tubs can cause low sperm count.

What are the Symptoms of Oligospermia?

The main symptom of a low sperm count is the inability to conceive a baby after one year of unprotected sexual intercourse.

How is Oligospermia Treated?

If you are unable to get pregnant for a year, visit the best doctor for infertility treatment in Chandigarh to get yourself evaluated. The doctor will diagnose the cause of infertility and begin treatment depending on your medical condition. The treatment may involve the following:

1. Surgery to treat varicocele or blocked sperm ducts.
2. Hormone supplements.
3. Antibiotics for infections.
4. Counselling to deal with erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.

What Precautions Should You Take During Treatment?

Once you have visited the doctor and received a treatment plan, make sure that you also make certain lifestyle changes in your routine. This includes:

1. Maintaining a healthy weight by exercising and eating a balanced meal.
2. Stopping alcohol or tobacco consumption.
3. Reducing the consumption of other intoxicating beverages.
4. Stopping the use of marijuana or other substances.

The best way to treat oligospermia is by making lifestyle changes and following the doctor’s treatment. The sooner you consult the doctor, the better your chances of conceiving a baby. If you are going through a difficult time conceiving a baby, consult Dr Poonam Garg at the Motherhood Hospitals for expert guidance.