Low Sperm Count: Causes and Symptoms

When semen ejaculate during sexual intercourse has fewer sperm than normal levels, then the condition is known as low sperm count or oligospermia. When a male has a complete absence of sperm it is known as azoospermia. The normal sperm count should be 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen.

Symptoms of low sperm count

Although there is no such sign of low sperm count, if a man has an underlying problem like a hormonal imbalance, inherited chromosomal abnormality, a condition that blocks sperm passage, or dilated testicular veins may show symptoms such as-

Erectile dysfunction
Pain in the testicle area
Swelling in the testicle area
Lump in the testicle area
Decrease in facial or body hair

Causes of low sperm count

One of the main causes of male infertility is low sperm count, also known as oligospermia. Sperm count is considered low when it falls below 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. Several risk factors of low sperm count are being overweight, having trauma or surgery on or around the testicles, and taking certain medications. Other things that can put you at risk include exposing your testicles to too much heat or other medical problems.

Moreover, there are other causes as well that promote poor semen quality, which can be broken down into three main categories- medicine, environment, and lifestyle.

When to see a doctor

You can consult a fertility specialist if you are facing issues in conceiving a child after regular, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or so. You can visit a fertility specialist near you if you have-