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Sperm Count

Oligozoospermia is the medical term for low sperm count and this condition is the main cause of male infertility. Sperm count is the number of sperm found in a man’s ejaculate. According to the World Health Organization, a healthy fertile man should be able to secrete two milliliters of semen which should contain at least 40 million sperm. Ideally, there should be 20 million sperm per one milliliter of semen. Of these 40 million sperm, 75% should be alive, 30% should conform to a normal shape and size, 50% should be moving in a forward direction, and 25% should be moving rapidly. If these statistics are not met, a man is considered to have a low sperm count and possibly infertile.

Causes of oligozoospermia are just as diverse as the men who suffer from it.
The most common causes include:

  • Genetic Causes: Diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis, Klinefelter Syndrome, and Kartagener Syndrome can all contribute to a low sperm count.
  • Stress: Because stress affects hormone levels, this can in turn affect the hormones responsible for sperm production.
  • Nutrient Deficiencies: A lack of zinc, selenium, foliate, and Vitamin C have been linked to a low sperm count.
  • Infections: Certain infections and sexually transmitted diseases can inhibit sperm production. Furthermore, some of the antibiotics prescribed to treat various infections can also be hazardous to sperm production.
  • Smoking tobacco.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption.
  • Illicit drug usage such as marijuana and cocaine.
  • Taking anabolic steroids.
  • Too much heat in and around the testicular region: Sperm needs to have a temperature that is four degrees below your normal body temperature in order to survive.
  • Obesity: Due to the excess fat that surrounds the groin area in obese men; the region can become overheated leading to a higher body temperature and lower sperm production.
  • Lack of Ejaculation: Contrary to popular belief, having too much sex will not affect your sperm count. In fact, the opposite is true. Not being able to ejaculate enough can lower your sperm count. It is recommended that a man ejaculate once every 24 to 48 hours.
  • Age: As man ages his sperm count decreases. This is typically seen in men over the age of 35.
  • Sexual Lubricants: A majority of over the counter lubricants can be detrimental to the production of sperm and should be avoided.
  • Varicocele: This is a swollen vein inside the scrotum that inhibits or completely eliminates sperm production.
  • Damaged Sperm Ducts: The duct system is responsible for carrying sperm from the testicles to the penis. If this is damaged as a result of injury, surgery, or genetic inheritance then sperm count will be almost non-existent.
  • Anti-Sperm Antibodies: Sometimes men will produce antibodies that will attack their own sperm causing sperm count to drop.

Unfortunately there are no physical symptoms to alert a man that he may have a low sperm count and the only time that this condition is diagnosed is when a couple is having difficulty conceiving. However, it is easily diagnosed. Your doctor will recommend that you have a semen analysis to check your sperm levels. Preparing for a semen analysis is very simple. You will be required to refrain from sexual activity or any activity that results in ejaculation for 1 to 2 days before the test, from drinking alcohol, and to disclose any medication or herbal supplements you are taking.

During a semen analysis, you will be required to ejaculate into a sterile container. There is no discomfort involved, except maybe a little embarrassment about masturbating at your doctor’s office. However, if this is against your religious beliefs or totally uncomfortable for you, you may be able to provide a semen sample while at home that will then have to be transported to your doctor. Your semen will then be examined under a microscope. In addition to determining the volume (amount) of semen and sperm ejaculated, the sperm will be tested for motility and morphology (size and shape). The semen itself will be tested for pH levels, white blood cells (which should not be present in semen), fructose levels (which give the sperm energy to move forward), and liquefaction time. Liquefaction time is the amount of time it takes for the thick, gelatinous semen to become liquid. It should normally take only 20 minutes for this to occur. If it takes any longer than this, it could be indicative of a fertility problem.

Even though a low sperm count can pose a real problem for couples who are trying to conceive, it is also easily treatable. Simple lifestyle changes, changes in your diet, daily activities, and sexual practices can increase your sperm count, thereby reversing this problem. If these methods don’t help, possible herbal supplements, acupuncture, and sometimes medication can help.