A Low Sperm Count: Causes and possible Treatments

Infertility afflicts both sexes, but it can be a psychologically devastating condition for men.  Their inability to successfully conceive a child with their mate can damage or hinder a healthy relationship.  This is why most men are concerned with their fertility, particularly the quantity and motility of their sperm, if they are having difficulty in conception with their partners for some time.  A low sperm count is one of the main reasons for male infertility, a condition clinically known as idiopathic oligospermia.  This means that there is less concentration of sperm per volume of ejaculated semen, or the sperm are less functionally capable of fertilizing the egg. 

There are ideal conditions for a normal sperm count, such as a concentration twenty million cells for every milliliter of semen, a minimum volume of semen of two milliliters, and other requirements concerning sperm motility, functionality and capability.  If the profile of a man’s sperm sample does not meet theses prerequisites, he has a low sperm count or motility.  These conditions are caused by a number of factors, such as genetics; stress, since it can interfere with the release of hormones needed in the production of healthy sperm; problems with intercourse techniques like premature ejaculation and improper use of lubricants; an increased temperature in the testes, as is the case if the male uses a sauna booth or a hot tub; intake medications, both prescribed and illicit; prolonged exposure to chemicals and toxins, as well as heavy metals like lead and cadmium; infections; and obesity and smoking (inconclusive evidence supports these last two factors).

There are numerous ways of improving sperm count; but these are dependent on the male’s physiological profile.  These are just recommendations; if they are proven to be inefficient, a visit with a doctor is advised for further evaluation.  Exercise is one way of improving sperm count, as stress is reduced, and the body is relaxed after a tense regimen.  Males should however stay clear from excessive workouts, as well as exercise that can adversely impact the testicles, the way cycling does.  Massaging the body with oil essences may improve circulation and provide benefits for the condition.  Avoid subjecting the testes to increased temperatures; for this purpose, wearing tight underwear, going to saunas or whirlpool Jacuzzis are discouraged.  Nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are also imperative in achieving fertility; keep the diet high in protein, low in fat, and rich with veggies and whole grains.  Give up the smoking and drinking habit, or reduce intake to minimal levels.  Supplements can also be helpful for the purpose, including natural herbal supplements, and particularly the vitamins C, E, and B12 Selenium, as well as Zinc Arginine and Carnitine.

Unfortunately, there is no current ‘cure’ for a low sperm count, but certain procedures may enhance the sperm’s capability in reaching and fertilizing the egg, such as in vitro fertilization, where the sperm of the male is medically injected deep into womb of the female.  In cases where the sperm quantity is severely incapable of fertilization, microinjection, or intracytoplasmic sperm injection is opted for.  The latter procedure greatly increases the chances for fertilization, even with a very low sperm count.