The body produces sperm in a complex process that involves the testicles, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. After sperm production, thin tubes direct sperm out through the penis. The number of sperm can be reduced due to a problem in any of these systems.
According to Salamat News, quoting the Iranian era, you are generally considered as a person with a low sperm count when you have less than 15 million sperm per millimeter of semen. By reducing the number of sperm, you may have problems with fertility.
According to the New Health Advisor, a decrease in sperm count could mean that you do not have a good chance of fertilizing an egg. Men with low sperm counts can still have children, but becoming more familiar with these conditions can be helpful.
What are the reasons for low sperm count?
The body produces sperm in a complex process involving the testicles, pituitary gland, and hypothalamus. After sperm production, thin tubes direct sperm out through the penis. The number of sperm can be reduced due to a problem in any of these systems. However, it is sometimes difficult to identify the cause of low sperm count.
1. Medical reasons
A number of diseases and medical treatments can negatively affect sperm count. These include the following:
Varicocele
Some veins are responsible for draining the testicles. Sometimes abnormal testicular temperature regulation can cause these veins to swell, which can lead to a significant reduction in sperm count. It is a reversible disease.
Infection
Having an infection can affect the health or production of sperm. Sometimes the infection causes sores to form that block the sperm path. This condition usually occurs when you have a sexually transmitted infection, and inflammation of the testicles or epididymis can negatively affect sperm count.
Ejaculation problems
Sperm counts can be reduced by a condition known as recurrent ejaculation, in which semen enters the bladder instead of leaving the penis. Spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and prostate, bladder, or urethral surgery are common causes of recurrent ejaculation. Certain medications, such as alpha-blockers or medications prescribed for high blood pressure, may cause ejaculation problems. In this case, it is still possible to increase the number of sperm.
Tubular defects
Any problem with the sperm transfer tubes can reduce the number. These tubes may be blocked by surgery, trauma, previous infections, or abnormal growth. Obstruction can occur at various levels, including the ejaculatory duct in the testis, the vas deferens, the epididymis, and the testis.
Chromosome defects
Certain inherited disorders such as Kalman syndrome, Klein-Felter syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and Cartagena syndrome can reduce sperm count.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a digestive disorder that results from the immune system’s reaction to gluten. This disorder can also lead to male infertility. Following a gluten-free diet may help improve the condition.
medicines
Long-term use of anabolic steroids, testosterone replacement therapy, and cancer medications can cause infertility. Similarly, antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and ulcer drugs can interfere with sperm production.
Other medical conditions
Cancerous or benign tumors, anti-sperm antibodies, testicular descent, and hormonal imbalances may also affect sperm count.
2. Environmental reasons
Exposure to certain environmental elements can in many cases reduce sperm count. for example:
Industrial chemicals
Exposure to toluene, benzene, organic solvents, herbicides, paints, and pesticides may reduce sperm count.
Heavy metals
Exposure to heavy metals such as lead may eventually lead to infertility problems.
Radiation
Exposure to X-rays or radiation can affect sperm quality and number. In these cases, it may take years for the sperm count to return to normal.
3. Lifestyle, health and other reasons
Many other factors can affect sperm count. for example:
alcohol consumption
Alcohol consumption can lower testosterone levels, which will reduce sperm production.
Job
If you have to sit for hours, your sperm count may drop below normal.
Emotional stress
Chronic stress can affect your health in many ways. Fertility stress can affect hormonal balance and reduce sperm count.
Excessive heat
Overheating of the testicles can in some cases reduce sperm count. Various studies have shown that frequent use of hot water or sauna loans may increase the risk of low sperm count. Wearing tight clothing, sitting for long periods of time, and working with a laptop while lying on your feet can affect sperm production.
In addition, sperm counts may decrease due to smoking and obesity.
Treatment of low sperm count
To determine the best treatment, accurate diagnosis of the cause of these conditions is of particular importance.
Surgery may be needed if you have varicocele.
Low sperm count due to infection may be treated with antibiotics to help clear the infection and return the sperm count to normal.
In cases of hormone imbalance, hormone replacement therapies may be considered.
If you experience sperm motility, assisted reproductive technology (ART) therapies can have dramatic results.
