Oligospermia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

 One of the main reasons of male infertility is oligospermia, a disease in which males have low sperm counts. Because they produce fewer sperm cells, men with oligospermia have a lower probability of conceiving naturally. Although this disease might be upsetting for couples who are trying to conceive, there is new hope because to the advancements in fertility treatments, such as those offered at an IVF center in Jaipur. In order to provide couples with the information they need to make the best decisions for their fertility journey, this article will examine the causes, symptoms, and potential treatments for oligospermia.


 

What is Oligospermia?

The concentration of sperm in semen determines the classification of oligospermia. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that a minimum of 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen is considered normal. When this quantity drops below the typical range, oligospermia develops. Three categories further subdivide the condition:

  • Mild Oligospermia: 10 to 15 million sperm per milliliter

  • Moderate Oligospermia: 5 to 10 million sperm per milliliter

  • Severe Oligospermia: Less than 5 million sperm per milliliter

Men who have mild oligospermia may still be able to conceive naturally, but the likelihood decreases with the severity of the disorder. It's critical to identify and treat oligospermia as soon as possible, particularly for infertile couples. 

Causes of Oligospermia

Oligospermia can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle choices to underlying health conditions. Some of the common causes include:

  1. Hormonal Imbalances:A lack or imbalance in hormones including testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) can lead to a low sperm count. Hormones are essential in controlling sperm production.

  2. Infections: Certain infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), inflammation of the testicles, or infections in the reproductive system, can affect sperm production and lead to oligospermia.

  3. Varicocele: Reduced sperm production and quality can result from varicocele, a disorder in which the testicles' veins expand. One of the most prevalent reversible causes of infertility in men is this.

  4. Lifestyle Factors:Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drug use, and poor food can have harmful impacts on sperm count. Obesity, in particular, is connected to hormonal imbalances that impair sperm production.

  5. Genetic Disorders: Some genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, can result in impaired sperm production or abnormal sperm function, leading to oligospermia.

  6. Exposure to Toxins: Regular exposure to harmful chemicals, radiation, and heavy metals can have long-term effects on sperm production and lead to oligospermia.

  7. Medical Conditions and Medications: Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases can also contribute to low sperm count. Additionally, certain medications, especially chemotherapy drugs and anabolic steroids, are known to reduce sperm production.

  8. Heat Exposure: Prolonged exposure to heat, especially around the testicles, can impair sperm production. Regular use of hot tubs, saunas, or wearing tight clothing can negatively affect sperm count.

Symptoms of Oligospermia

A couple's attempts at conception are generally the first indication that oligospermia is present. In many situations, there could not be any overt symptoms, which makes it challenging to identify without a thorough medical examination. Nonetheless, certain men could have symptoms that indicate a deeper problem, such as: 

  • Difficulty in achieving pregnancy with a partner after prolonged attempts

  • Problems with sexual function, such as low libido or difficulty maintaining an erection

  • Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicle area

  • Decreased facial or body hair, which may indicate a hormonal imbalance

For men experiencing any of these symptoms, a semen analysis is usually the first step in diagnosis, providing insights into sperm count, motility, and morphology.

Treatment Options for Oligospermia

Fortunately, there are treatments for oligospermia, and with the right care, many men can become fertile again. The severity of the ailment and its underlying cause determine the course of treatment. Here are a few typical forms of treatment: 

  1. Lifestyle Changes: Healthy lifestyle choices can greatly increase sperm count in men with lifestyle-related oligospermia. Reducing alcohol intake, quitting smoking, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help increase fertility.

  2. Medications: Medication for hormonal imbalances can include drugs that control hormone levels, such as clomiphene citrate, which is used to treat female infertility and can also be used to promote sperm production in males with oligospermia.

  3. Surgical Treatment:Surgery to repair the damaged veins can increase sperm production in men with varicocele. Restoring fertility may also involve other surgical procedures like reversing a vasectomy or clearing obstructions in the reproductive system.

  4. Infections and Inflammation:Antibiotics can treat infections that interfere with sperm production. Anti-inflammatory medications may be required when inflammation is the cause of a low sperm count. 

  5. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): In vitro fertilization (IVF) is one assisted reproductive technology that can help with severe oligospermia, when natural conception may be challenging. Prior to implantation of the embryo into the uterus, IVF entails fertilizing an egg with sperm in a lab environment. Finding a trustworthy IVF facility in Jaipur might be a crucial first step for couples dealing with male infertility. 

Conclusion

For couples attempting to conceive, oligospermia may provide difficulties, but they are not insurmountable. Men with oligospermia can still become fathers with the help of assisted reproductive technologies, lifestyle modifications, medical therapies, and early diagnosis. Speaking with professionals at the Best IVF hospital in Jaipur while a couple is considering their options for fertility treatment guarantees that they will get the greatest care and individualized solutions for their particular requirements. 



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