Oligospermia is a male fertility complication characterized by a low sperm count or a low percentage of sperm. Also, it includes other significant aspects of men’s sexual health, such as their ability to maintain an erection and forge it in the process of orgasm.
As a healthy sperm count is necessary to initiate the fertility process, it varies in your ejaculate throughout your life. Thus, men crossing the age of 40 have fewer sperms compared to those still under the age of 40.
However, the WHO classifies sperm counts at or above 15 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of serum as average, and the calculation goes beyond that alerts the state of oligospermia.
The oligospermia is classified into three categories.
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Mild- At this level, the sperms are calculated at 10 to 15 million sperm m/L
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Moderate- The moderate is monitored at 5 to 10 million sperm m/L
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Severe- It is determined when sperm count falls 0-5 million sperm m/L
In many cases, men do not realize that they are suffering from oligospermia; they only realize this when they fail to make their partner pregnant naturally. Thus, in these conditions, it is contagious to look for the causes that lead to oligospermia in the first place.
Causes
Various health conditions and poor lifestyle factors enhance the man’s risk of oligospermia and they are-
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Infection
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Ejaculation issues
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Vaerocele
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Certain medications
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Hormonal issues
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Exposure to chemicals
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Overheating testicles
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Obesity
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Excess consumption of alcohol
How oligospermia is connected with fertility
The impact of oligospermia varies from man to man, as some men may have no complications despite their low sperm count, while in others, men have lost their sperm motility (a condition in which sperm fails to reach the center of an egg due to its slow and unpredictable sperm). As a result, when sperm fails to reach its ultimate destination, it makes a man unable to have a baby with his female partner.
Factors to keep in mind while planning to conceive with oligospermia
Track your ovulation- When you do intercourse at the time of ovulation, your chances get increased; thus, tracking your ovulation timely to get better results is recommended.
Don’t use lubricants- Lubricants and oils lower sperm motility and block sperm from reaching an egg. However, if the lubricant is needed, it is better to consult your doctor.
Have sex more frequently- If you are trying to plan a baby with your partner in the condition of oligospermia, it is recommended to have sex more regularly, especially at the time of ovulation.
Essential changes in lifestyle are needed to combat the illness of oligospermia:
Maintain a healthy weight- Keep monitoring your BMI to maintain a healthy weight. As excess weight can lead to a low sperm count and loss of quality, which sometimes leads to oligospermia and causes trouble in the planning of a natural pregnancy.
Quit smoking/alcohol/drugs- Substances such as drugs, alcohol, and smoke cause long-term detrimental effects on sperm production. It also reduces the percentage of sperm concentration, which causes sperm to lose its ability to move or swim effectively.
Keep a balanced diet- Keep a healthy and balanced diet and include fruits, vegetables, beans, and green leafy vegetables so that the sperm concentration always remains high. Also, you need to avoid oily junk food that troubles your overall health.
What is the solution?
Oligospermia illness generally doesn’t show any symptoms, and a man is only able to know when he fails to get pregnant with his female partner. Thus, if you also suffer from the same disorder, don’t lose hope, as the world isn’t at the end. There is technology and healthcare to help you out even in the dark times, such as:
In-vitro fertilization- A treatment in which the reproduction process occurs outside the human body inside the petri dish where eggs and sperm combine to develop an embryo so that it can be implanted inside the woman’s uterus to make her pregnant.
ICSI- (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) is a further aid to IVF. In this procedure, sperm is manually injected into the centre of the petri dish to create a fertile egg and a healthy embryo to complete the reproduction process effectively.
Want to connect with the best IVF centre?
Infertility in men is not a myth; it's a fact! And if you think you fall into the same group, there is nothing to be ashamed of. Especially when you have the wonders of science and technology at your fingertips, you have to prioritize. Thus, without getting stuck in the loop, reach out to the best IVF centre in Pune, such as Crysta IVF, which works with an amalgamation of cutting-edge technology and top-notch doctors to ensure every struggling couple out there can plan for a healthy baby.
