Sperm count

Sperm count or sperm concentration measures the concentration of sperm in a man's semen. While not the sole measure of male fertility, a low sperm count is a factor for infertility in men.

Overview

Sperm count is typically measured in millions per milliliter (m/mL). A low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, is where a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Having a low sperm count can make it more difficult to conceive naturally, although successful pregnancies can still occur. Problems with sperm, including a low sperm count and problems with sperm quality, are quite common. They're a factor in around one in three couples who are struggling to get pregnant naturally.

Causes

There are many potential causes of low sperm count and male infertility, these include:

• Infection: Some infections can interfere with sperm production or sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm.
• Varicocele: This is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It's the most common reversible cause of male infertility.
• Ejaculation problems: These can include retrograde ejaculation, certain genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis, structural problems, such as blockage of the part of the testicle that contains sperm (epididymis), or damage or injury to the reproductive organs.
• Hormone imbalances: The hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles produce hormones that are necessary to create sperm. Alterations in these hormones, as well as from other systems such as the thyroid and adrenal gland, may impair sperm production.
• Environmental causes: Overexposure to certain environmental elements such as heat, toxins and chemicals can reduce sperm production.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually involves a semen analysis to check the number of sperm in your semen. Other tests may be needed to look for possible causes of a low sperm count, such as a hormone imbalance or blockages in the tubes that carry sperm.

Treatment

Treatment for low sperm count can vary depending on the cause. Some men may only need lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or limiting alcohol. Others may need medication or surgery. In some cases, assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), may be recommended.

See also

• Semen analysis
• Male infertility
• Oligospermia
• Varicocele
• In vitro fertilization

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