Oligospermia: Meaning, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

What is Oligospermia?

The condition known as oligospermia occurs when a man's ejaculate contains fewer sperm than the typical reference range. Anything less can be assumed to be low sperm count or oligospermia. Fertility requires a healthy sperm quantity.

Based on sperm count, oligospermia can be classified into:

• Mild oligospermia: 10-15 million sperm/mL.
• Moderate oligospermia: 5 to 10 million sperm/mL.
• Severe oligospermia: less than 5 million sperm/mL.

Because the sperm count is a significant factor in natural conception, men with oligospermia might experience difficulty in fertilising an egg. However, treatment and lifestyle modification can be used to increase the likelihood of success.

Symptoms of Oligospermia

Typically, Oligospermia does not show symptoms unless the reduction of sperm count is very severe. But some men with oligospermia might have the following:

• Difficulty conceiving - The most prominent symptom of oligospermia is having no chance of conceiving a child, even after a long time of trying.
• Changes in semen characteristics - If the sperm is watery with a low volume, it is a sign of sperm concentration reduction.
• Hormonal imbalance symptoms - Some oligospermia symptoms are connected with low testosterone level or hormonal imbalance, for instance, reduction of hair on the face and body, change of sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction.
• Pain or swelling in the testicles - Situations like varicocele or infections that result in oligospermia might cause the scrotal area to be uncomfortable, painful, or swollen.

Even though these symptoms may not be unique to oligospermia, they must nonetheless be taken into account during a medical examination to determine the accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of Oligospermia

To diagnose oligospermia, several tests need to be carried out because low sperm count can be a side effect of various medical or lifestyle conditions. The entire procedure usually starts with couples undergoing a conception-free period and undergoing fertility tests.

• Semen analysis - This is the most important sperm viability test, which is typically performed at least twice to indicate sperm concentration, motility (capability to move) and morphology (shape).
• Hormonal blood tests - Monitor the testosterone levels, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and levels of luteinising hormone (LH) that affect the production of sperm.
• Scrotal ultrasound - It reveals the possibility of varicocele, obstructions, or any structural abnormalities that could be causing difficulty in sperm delivery.
• Genetic testing - In the case of extremely low sperm counts, genetically inherited diseases like Klinefelter’s syndrome might be the reason, so genetic testing is advised.
• Infection screening - Detects sexually transmitted infections or any other illnesses that could be the cause of the decline in sperm production.

The effectiveness of the medication, aided by an accurate diagnosis of the issue, will not only reveal its cause but also enable the choice of the best course of action for treating oligospermia.

Treatment Options for Oligospermia

The reason and degree of the sperm count decline will determine how oligospermia is treated. Most of the time, sperm production may be stimulated by medication or changes in lifestyle. On the other hand, assisted reproductive methods are an alternative that will help women become pregnant if the sperm count is significantly low. By treating oligospermia, sperm quality and quantity can be increased, as well as their capacity to fertilise an egg successfully.

The treatment options include the following:

• Lifestyle Changes & Supplements

  Improving daily lifestyle can have a significant impact on sperm production. Among the best steps are quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy body weight, eating a nutrient-rich diet, and learning to manage stress effectively. Not being exposed to extreme heat, in the case of using a sauna, laptop, or tight clothing, will also safeguard your sperm health.

• Hormonal or Medical Treatments

  In rare instances, a hormonal imbalance results in less sperm production. A higher sperm count might result from adjusting the hormone levels through medical intervention. Similarly, treating infections that damage reproductive organs can restore sperm health.

• Surgical Options

  When a low sperm count is caused by structural issues in the reproductive system, surgery is typically recommended as a remedy. Repairing a varicocele will increase blood flow and provide a favourable testicular environment; however, procedures that clear the reproductive system will make it easier and faster for sperm to enter the semen.

• Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)

  • IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) - The prepared sperm is directly put into the uterus during intrauterine insemination, or IUI.
  • IVF (In-Vitro Fertilisation) - The sperm available is used to fertilise the eggs outside the body.
  • ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) - This is the best option for instances with very low sperm counts since it only introduces one sperm to the egg.

Many men with oligospermia can father their own children with the help of an appropriate treatment plan and early detection.

Can Oligospermia Be Prevented?

It is not possible to prevent every case of oligospermia, especially if you have a family history or other medical conditions that cannot be avoided. However, adopting healthy lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the chances of having a low sperm count and will also have a favourable effect on general reproductive health.

Preventive measures undertaken by men include:

• Keeping a healthy body weight - Obesity disrupts hormones and affects sperm production.
• Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and drugs - These substances impair the quality of sperm and lower fertility.
• Protecting against heat exposure - By not using hot baths, saunas, and tight underwear for a long time, sellers can keep the testicular temperature at a standard level of around 35 degrees Celsius.
• Managing stress effectively - Chronic stress influences hormones and sperm quality.
• Eating a balanced diet - Antioxidants, zinc, and vitamins are the building blocks of sperm quality.
• Regular health check-ups - If a varicocele or any kind of infection is diagnosed at an early stage, treatment can start in time.

Conclusion

Oligospermia is a condition characterised by a low concentration of sperm, and it is one of the most common causes of male infertility, which is, however, treatable. Timing of the diagnosis, lifestyle alterations, and medical or surgical treatment, coupled with assisted reproductive techniques, have made the cases of successful fatherhood come true for many men.

Through correct guidance and treatment, patients with oligospermia will be able to get a good fertility outcome and a successful pregnancy with their partners.