Overall, couples facing the prospect of infertility may undergo an emotional and difficult journey. Male infertility is often caused by a significant case of oligospermia, or low sperm count. This issue is faced by many couples across the globe, which can be extremely stressful and frustrating to those wishing to conceive.
For example, couples are affected because a low sperm count reduces the chances of natural conception making it more difficult to become pregnant. Therefore, to address male infertility and enhance the chances of getting pregnant, Nimaaya, One of the best fertility clinics in Surat uses cutting-edge technology as well as personalized oligospermia treatment programs that involve thorough assessments.
If diagnosed early enough and treated appropriately at Nimaaya health services, the couple’s chances of having children could significantly increase.
If you want to know more about Oligospermia-its risk factors, symptoms, and various treatments for male infertility due to Oligospermia read on!
What is Oligospermia?
Oligospermia refers to a situation wherein the number of sperm is so low. According to one medical definition, there are fewer than 15 million of them in each milliliter of semen. For instance, it is typical for sperm counts to be over 15 million per 1 milliliter of ejaculate.
Moreover, oligospermia does not just mean low sperm count signs but also oligozoospermia. On the other hand, severe oligospermia refers to meager sperm count (in fact below five million). This categorization categorizes male infertility into various types depending on the number of sperms present in the ejaculate: mild, moderate, or severe categories concerning their quantity.
There is a significant decrease in the number of sperm found in severe oligospermia unlike the slight decrease exhibited by its mild counterpart. In this case, there are less than 15 million sperms in every milliliter of semen.
Causes of Oligospermia
There are a variety of things that could cause you to experience oligospermia or other sperm disorders. The list of causes includes:
○ Medical Factors:
Multiple diseases and medical conditions also contribute to the development of oligospermia. These consist of:
○ Hormonal Imbalances:
Inadequate testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels can interfere with the reproduction of male gametes.
○ Varicocele:
A varicocele is an enlarged scrotal vein that increases the temperature in the testicles and consequently lowers sperm production.
○ Infection:
Conditions such as epididymitis (which is sexually transmitted) decrease the amount of sperm produced as well as cause inflammation.
○ Genetic Anomalies:
Some genetic disorders lead to poor-quality sperm that may be too few for procreation resulting in oligospermia.
Environmental Aspects:
Low sperm counts may be attributed to environmental pollution and contaminants. They include:
○ Chemical Exposure:
Constancy in contact and absorbing pesticides, chemicals, and various other pesticides would harm a man’s ability to move his own personal or outside being’s ability.
○ Radiation:
Excessive amounts of radiation received from job performance or health care could destroy reproductive cells that yield semen.
Lifestyle Factors:
Oligospermia may be a consequence of certain lifestyle choices that greatly affect male fertility. Such factors are:
○ Smoking:
Lower sperm count, slower sperm movement, and more defective sperm are linked with smoking.
○ Alcohol and Drug Use:
Drug and alcohol use might impact both the quality and quantity of sperm when they are used excessively.
○ Obesity:
Excess body fat can affect the hormonal balance in the body thereby resulting in oligospermia.
○ Stress:
Prolonged stress may disrupt hormonal equilibrium and decline sperm production.
○ Heat Exposition:
Regularly being in hot conditions as those found in saunas or hot tubs can reduce spermatogenesis temporarily.
○ Infections:
Infestations such as Epididymitis or other sexually transmitted diseases cause inflammation that affects the reproductive system’s sperm concentration.
To treat oligospermia male fertility physicians at Nimaaya need to do complete assessments so as to identify the exact cause. Once a diagnosis has been made, lifestyle changes and treatments aimed at increasing sperm count can be suggested as the best way forward. Early diagnosis of oligospermia, coupled with specialized treatment by clinicians at the Nimaaya IVF Center, offers a ray of hope for male infertility couples because such interventions improve their chances of conception.
Symptoms of Oligospermia
Oligospermia often goes unnoticed until a couple faces difficulties conceiving. However, some Oligospermia symptoms and signs might suggest its presence:
○ Difficulty Conceiving:
The most prominent symptom is the inability to conceive a child despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse over a year or more.
○ Hormonal Imbalances:
Symptoms such as reduced facial or body hair, or other signs of chromosomal or hormonal abnormalities, might be present.
○ Sexual Dysfunction:
This includes problems such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, or other issues related to sexual performance.
○ Testicular Pain or Swelling:
Discomfort or swelling in the testicles can be an indicator of underlying issues affecting sperm production.
Diagnosis of oligospermia
To diagnose oligospermia, the physician usually evaluates the patient’s medical background, their way of life, and undertakes a physical examination. Following are some of the tests that might be done:
1. Semen Analysis:
The semen analysis is the main diagnostic tool for checking sperm count motility and morphology. It consists of emission into a specimen cup and then analyzing the sample in a lab.
2. Blood Tests:
Hormone levels such as testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), as well as prolactin could be evaluated through blood tests.
3. Imaging Studies:
On reproductive organs imaging studies may help see imaging tests like ultrasounds could be done to evaluate the structure of these organs and detect any abnormalities.
4. Genetic Testing:
It can be suggested to carry out genetic tests to find out any genetic components that could have brought about oligospermia.
Treatment of oligospermia
To increase the number of sperm and thereby the possibilities of conception, oligospermia treatment options are available. Depending on the cause of oligospermia, there are different forms of treatment. Following are some of these treatments:
Medical Treatments
○ Hormonal Therapy:
Hormonal replacements or medications that stimulate hormone production may be given if it is observed that hormonal imbalance exists.
○ Antibiotic Treatment:
Antibiotics can be employed for infections affecting the reproductive tract.
○ Medications:
Some drugs boost sperm count or improve their functions.
Surgical Treatments
○ Varicocele Repair:
Surgery to correct varicocele increases both sperm count and quality.
○ Vasovasostomy or Vasoepididymostomy:
This refers to operations used in correcting blockages along ducts that carry male reproductive cells.
○ Transurethral Resection of the Ejaculatory Duct (TURED):
This is done to remove an obstruction from the ejaculatory ducts.
Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
○ Intrauterine Insemination (IUI):
During ovulation, sperm are collected, processed, and put into the uterus.
○ In Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
Embryos are formed by combining sperm and egg outside with implantation back into the uterus.
○ Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI):
Single sperm is injected directly into an oocyte which is transferable back into the uterus later on.
Lifestyle Tips and Home Treatments
○ Consuming Nutritious Food and Exercising:
Upkeeping an adequate body weight and a balanced diet helps boost general wellness thus sperm generation.
○ Eliminating Pollutants:
Minimizing contact with structural contaminants, chemical products, as well as ionizing energy.
○ Curbing Substance Use:
Abstaining from smoking, drinking alcohol and drug abuse can enhance the volume of sperm in terms of number and quality.
○ Stress Control:
Relaxation practices, psychotherapy, or suitable slumber tend to ease anxiety which leads hence to better hormones affecting fertility.
Conclusion
Oligospermia can become a problem for men and couples trying to conceive. To overcome infertility challenges and reach reproductive goals, individuals or couples struggling with oligospermia must understand its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
With a diagnosis of oligospermia, Nimaaya IVF Center can help develop a personalized treatment strategy that will raise sperm count and increase the chance of pregnancy success. This plan might involve dietary changes, medications for oligospermia treatment, or assisted reproductive techniques.
Our experienced and talented Dr. Pooja Nadarkrni, Dr. Yuvrajsingh Jadeja, and Dr. Prabhakar Singh will assist you at every step for successful conception and ultimately lead to the joy of parenthood.
FAQ
Is it possible to become pregnant if you have oligospermia?
In the case of mild or moderate oligospermia, the couple can opt for natural pregnancy; however, it may take more time. They can choose conventional IVF or IUI procedures. If they are faced with severe oligospermia or cryptozoospermia, ICSI should be combined with IVF.
Can treatments reverse oligospermia?
Depending on its cause and severity, oligospermia can be largely reversed or improved through appropriate treatment. For instance, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, medical interventions, or adopting assisted reproductive techniques to enhance sperm counts and promote fertility.
Are there any natural ways to boost sperm count?
Sperm counts can be enhanced naturally by adopting certain lifestyle changes including eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, managing stress levels properly as well as avoiding destructive habits such as smoking and excess alcohol consumption among others.
Does oligospermia affect overall sexual health?
Generally speaking, the presence of oligospermia does not have direct effects on male sexual health. Nevertheless, factors that contribute to this condition like hormonal imbalance or infections might compromise men’s sex life adversely. It is therefore advisable to consult a medical expert about the relationship between sexual health and oligozoospermia problems.
Is oligospermia a common condition?
Yes, oligospermia is a frequently occurring condition affecting many men. It accounts for a substantial number of male infertility cases. Regular check-ups and timely intercession facilitate effective management of this condition.
Is it possible to perform IVF with oligospermia?
IVF has the highest overall success rate and also records high pregnancy rates among patients with oligospermia as well as asthenospermia. In patients with azoospermia, severe oligospermia, and teratozoospermia; ICSI has positive outcomes. When sperm concentration goes above 10 million per milliliter, then IUI should be considered the first line of treatment.
Can oligospermia be treated permanently?
Patients suffering from oligospermia can benefit from stem cell therapy which allows them to give birth even when they previously had low sperm counts since after treatment; the quality and quantity of their semen improves.
