Low sperm count often has no obvious signs or symptoms. The most common indicator is difficulty conceiving with a partner. In some cases, however, underlying conditions that contribute to low sperm count may cause noticeable symptoms, such as:
- Sexual dysfunction – Trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, or a reduced sex drive
- Testicular problems – Pain, swelling, or the presence of a lump in the testicular area
- Hormonal changes – Altered body or facial hair growth, which may signal hormone imbalances
It’s important to note that these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have low sperm count—they could be linked to other medical issues. If you’re experiencing any of these signs or having difficulty conceiving, seek evaluation from a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and guidance.
What Causes Low Sperm Count?
Low sperm count can result from a variety of factors, including:
- Lifestyle habits – Excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, smoking, obesity, and prolonged stress can all reduce sperm production.
- Medical conditions – Hormonal imbalances, infections, and some chronic illnesses may contribute to low sperm count.
- Environmental exposures – Contact with toxins, heavy metals, or frequent high heat can damage sperm quality.
- Physical problems – Conditions like varicoceles (enlarged veins in the scrotum), testicular injuries, or blockages in the reproductive tract can interfere with sperm production or delivery.
- Medications – Certain prescription or over-the-counter drugs may impair sperm production or function.
Identifying the underlying cause is essential. A healthcare professional can provide the right evaluation and recommend treatment options to address male fertility concerns.
Fertility Treatments for Low Sperm Count
Achieving a successful pregnancy depends on many factors. In simple terms, a healthy sperm must reach a mature egg and fertilize it. When a man has a low sperm count, fewer sperm are available to make that journey, significantly lowering the chances of conception.
The right treatment depends on the specific cause of male infertility. In cases of severely low sperm count or poor motility, most treatments have limited success—except for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) combined with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). Below are some of the most common treatment options:
1. IVF with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
This advanced fertility treatment is often recommended for couples dealing with male infertility challenges like low sperm count or reduced sperm motility.
- How it works: Mature eggs are retrieved from the woman’s ovaries, fertilized with sperm in a lab, and the resulting embryos are transferred into the uterus.
- Why ICSI helps: Instead of relying on natural fertilization, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, bypassing potential sperm quality or quantity issues. This significantly improves fertilization chances.
2. Hormonal Fertility Treatment
When low sperm count is linked to hormonal imbalances, hormone therapy may help stimulate sperm production.
- Examples: Pergonal and Humagon (forms of human menopausal gonadotropin – hMG) increase the body’s production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), both essential for sperm production.
- Important note: These medications are prescribed under strict medical supervision due to potential side effects and the need for careful monitoring.
3. Antibiotic Therapy
If an infection is reducing sperm count, antibiotics may restore sperm production and quality.
- Possible infections:
- Bacterial prostatitis (prostate inflammation)
- Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
