Reviewed By: Dr. Ashish Reddy, fertility specialist at Ferty9 Fertility Clinic,Secunderabad
Sperm quality is not something you think about very often. However, if you and your partner want to get pregnant, the number and quality of the sperm may be the most important considerations. Although it only takes one sperm to fertilize an egg, getting there can be difficult. A higher sperm count improves your chances of fertility. Conversely, a low sperm count, medically known as oligospermia or oligozoospermia, can affect men of any age.
What Is Low Sperm Count?
It is a condition in which a man’s semen contains a low concentration of sperm. It can make it more difficult to become pregnant, although it is still possible to conceive naturally. Many men may not detect the problem until they encounter problems in starting a family. Certain early signs of low sperm count , however, may indicate an underlying problem, such as hormone imbalances, decreased libido, or testicular discomfort. Detecting these symptoms early enables timely medical intervention and lifestyle modifications that may benefit reproductive health.
Why Recognizing Symptoms is Crucial?
Understanding the signs of low sperm count is important because it enables men to get a timely medical evaluation, find possible underlying causes, and take proactive measures to improve their fertility by addressing problems early on. This can significantly improve the chances of successful conception for partners who are trying to conceive since low sperm count is often only noticeable as difficulty getting pregnant. Early intervention can be key to handling the condition effectively.
Zero sperm count symptoms often go unnoticed, but some men may experience hormonal imbalances, erectile dysfunction, or testicular pain. Many men with oligospermia can achieve their fatherhood goal by learning about the probable causes and knowing the available treatment options.
The 10 Early Symptoms of Low Sperm Count
Until you attempt to have a family, you might not notice any indications of poor sperm quality. Yes, infertility is the primary sign of oligospermia. When fertility tests are performed, you typically discover that your sperm count is low. However, some early symptoms, such as testicular discomfort, reduced libido, and hormonal abnormalities, can point to a more serious issue. Early detection of these symptoms can improve reproductive health and enable prompt medical assistance.
1. Reduced Libido
Loss of libido (sex drive) is a frequent problem, affecting up to one in every five men at some point in their lives. Reduced libido may be a symptom of a low sperm count, as low sperm count is frequently associated with lower testosterone levels, which directly affect sexual desire; however, it is important to note that not everyone with a low sperm count will experience a decrease in libido, and the two are not always directly related.
2. Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) does not always result in a low sperm count or make a person infertile. However, several ED-causing illnesses can affect sperm count. A number of risk factors for erectile dysfunction and low sperm count overlap, making ED sometimes considered a potential sign of fertility issues, including low sperm count.
3. Pain or Swelling in the Testicles
While a low sperm coun t does not directly cause pain or swelling in the testicles, a common underlying condition associated with low sperm count , known as a “varicocele” (swollen veins in the scrotum), can often manifest as discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by mild pain or swelling.
4. Abnormal Ejaculation
A reduced volume of semen during ejaculation, frequently accompanied by a significantly lower number of sperm presen t, is commonly referred to as “abnormal ejaculation” due to the low sperm count. This condition of low sperm count is called “oligospermia” (low sperm count) or “azoospermia” (complete absence of sperm), and it can make getting pregnant difficult. Additionally, the sensation of “dry ejaculation” may be experienced because of the minimal semen produced.
5. Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances frequently cause low sperm counts . Specifically, when testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels are out of normal, the testicles’ ability to produce sperm is disrupted, which can result in low sperm counts, poor sperm quality, and decreased male fertility.
6. Persistent Pain in the Groin or Lower Abdomen
Although chronic lower abdominal or groin pain is not a direct symptom of a low sperm count, it may be an indication of underlying conditions such as prostate inflammation (prostatitis) or epididymis inflammation (epididymitis), which may affect sperm production and quality and result in a lower sperm count. As a result, experiencing such pain may indirectly indicate a possible fertility issue and warrant medical evaluation.
7. Decrease in Testicle Size (Testicular Atrophy)
An obvious reduction in testicle size, commonly known as “testicular atrophy,” may be a sign of low sperm count since smaller testicles typically mean less sperm production because fewer cells in the testes are involved in spermatogenesis or sperm formation.
8. Unexplained Infertility
When fertility tests are unable to determine the cause of a couple’s infertility, it is known as unexplained infertility. One cause of infertility could be a low sperm count , which may or may not show any symptoms.
9. Lifestyle-Related Symptoms
Low sperm counts can be caused by lifestyle choices like stress, smoking, drinking alcohol, and being overweight. These elements may affect the quantity, quality, and generation of sperm.
10. General Fatigue and Weakness
Even though it’s not a clear-cut symptom of low sperm count , “general fatigue and weakness” may indicate a low sperm count, especially if it’s connected to underlying hormonal imbalances that result in lower testosterone levels, which can cause exhaustion and weakness.
Causes of Low Sperm Count
Causes of low sperm count include:
- Lifestyle factors: Prolonged stress, smoking, obesity, and excessive drug use or alcohol can all have a harmful effect on sperm production.
- Medical conditions: Low sperm count can be caused by infections, hormonal abnormalities, and other chronic disorders.
- Environmental factors: excessive heat, heavy metal exposure, and toxin exposure can all degrade sperm quality.
- Physical problems: Sperm production or delivery may be impacted by varicoceles (enlarged scrotal veins), testicular traumas, or reproductive tract blockages.
- Medication: Certain medications have the potential to disrupt the function or generation of sperm.
It is critical to speak with a healthcare practitioner to discover the root cause of male reproductive problems and discuss relevant treatment choices. A comprehensive understanding of the reference limits may help guide discussions with your practitioner and pinpoint issues affecting reproductive health.
Here are the reference limits for semen parameters presented in a table:
| Parameter | Lower Reference Limit (5th Centile) | 95% Confidence Interval |
| Semen Volume | 1.5 mL | 1.4 – 1.7 mL |
| Total Sperm Number | 39 million per ejaculate | 33 – 46 million |
| Sperm Concentration | 15 million per mL | 12 – 16 million per mL |
| Vitality | 58% of live sperm | 55% – 63% |
| Progressive Motility | 32% | 31% – 34% |
| Total Motility | 40% (progressive + non-progressive) | 38% – 42% |
| Morphologically Normal Forms | 4.0% | 3.0% – 4.0% |
A normal sperm count, according to the WHO (World Health Organization), is defined as follows:
- Sperm Concentration : At least 15 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen.
- Total Sperm Number : At least 39 million sperm per ejaculate .
These reference values are based on the fifth centile from men whose partners had a time to pregnancy (TTP) of ≤ 12 months, indicating superior semen quality compared to men from the general population and normozoospermic men.
Treatment Options for Low Sperm Count
You can increase your sperm count by discontinuing drugs or activities that are causing low sperm levels. Treatment options for low sperm count i nclude:
- Surgery (varicocele or blocked sperm ducts)
- Treatments for infections
- Treatments for sexual conditions (Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation)
- Hormone treatments and medications (Intra Cytoplasmic Injection )
- Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
- Lifestyle modifications
Conclusion
Couples with low sperm counts can still conceive. It may simply take longer than planned, and you may need to consult with a doctor about how to increase your sperm quality. If you have noticed any of the aforementioned symptoms of low sperm count , contact a fertility specialist and learn how to improve male fertility. If your low sperm coun t is caused by an underlying health condition, your doctor can assist you in receiving the treatment you require to alleviate any other symptoms.
