Sperm is a fluid that a male ejaculate during an orgasm. In the modern era, cases of low sperm count are increasing rapidly because of many reasons. The stage of low sperm count is also known as Oligospermia whereas the complete absence of sperm is known as Aazoospermia. Trend of low sperm count treatment in India is increasing as people are facing this problem because of their daily routine. Usually, sperm count is considered low if its quantity is fewer than 15 million per milliliter of semen.
Symptoms: There are no obvious symptoms of low sperm count. The major symptom of this problem is the inability to conceive a baby.
Risk factors:
The low sperm count may be because of various risk factors. These factors may include:
- Taking too much medications
- Overweight
- Past or present infections
- Using drugs
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Performing too much prolonged activities like bicycling on hard seat etc.
- By birth fertility disorder
Precautions:
Avoid some factors that can affect your sperm count and its quality:
- Don’t smoke.
- Try to reduce stress.
- Avoid pesticides and other heavy metals
- Avoid heat
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Consult with your doctor
Semen Analysis:
Semen analysis test is to diagnose the low sperm count. This test is generally examined under a microscope to count the sperm count within squares that’s too on a grid pattern. Sometimes, computer is used to measure the sperm count. Doctor will collect your sperms in a special container. Usually, a sperm takes around 40 to 76 days to mature.
Doctors take two or more semen samples to ensure the consistency between different samples. The doctor will need the following things to ensure the accuracy in a collection:
- Second sample should be taken after seven days from the first test.
- Avoid use of lubricants as it can affect sperm motility.
- If you have recovered from a serious illness then you can wait for at least three months before giving a sample.
Treatment for this problem:
Surgery: This problem can be surgically fixed or by the repairing of an obstructed vas deferens.
Treatment of Infection: An infection of the reproductive tract can be cured with the antibiotics but it doesn’t ensure to restore fertility.
Hormone treatments and medications: Hormone treatments can take approx. six months for result. This treatment can change hormone levels.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART): In this treatment, sperm of the male are obtained through normal ejaculation and then these are inserted into the genital tract of female which is used for vitro fertilization.
In case, if low sperm count can’t be treated then there are no chance for a man to father a child. In this case, you and your partner can consider to take sperms from donor or to adopt a child.