Low Sperm Count: Can It Be Improved Naturally or Medically?
Low sperm count, medically termed as Oligospermia, is a condition in males that causes infertility. This does not mean that the female partner would not be able to get pregnant at all, but it does cause problems in conceiving a child. The most common sign for low sperm count is the inability in conception with a partner even after a year of having unprotected sex. Erectile dysfunction, low libido (sex drive) or swollen testicles are other noticeable signs of low sperm count.
Causes of low sperm count may vary from personal lifestyle factors to environmental factors. Excessive drinking, smoking, indulging in drug use or obesity can lower the sperm count in males. Other biological and physical factors may include – genetic disorders or bacterial and viral infections such as UTIs or STIs or any blockages in the reproductive system. Exposure to environmental toxins and chemicals like arsenic, lead, mercury, insecticides or pesticides for a longer duration also impacts sexual health, and lowers the count and quality of sperm. Prescription medications are also known to aggravate the problem of low sperm count.
Treatment Options for Low Sperm Count
A proper treatment plan can only be devised after conducting a physical exam, sperm analysis, urinalysis to check for UTIs or urinary system blockages and even an MRI or ultrasound. After results from these tests arrive, the urologist can move further to discuss treatment options.
At individual level, healthy changes in lifestyle need to be brought about by quitting substance, alcohol and stress-causing factors. Good diet and proper sleep should be a must. Vitamin-rich food should be included for good sperm health. Apart from these, there are a number of medical treatments available specific to the problem or cause of low sperm count –
1. Antibiotic therapy for infections caused by germs: Although this cannot restore fertility, it can treat genital tract infections causing infertility.
2. Medicines and counselling help in sexual conditions like ED or premature ejaculation.
3. Restoring testosterone levels and other imbalances in the body (hormone therapy) to assist with more and better sperm production.
4. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) such as IVF where the sperm and egg are fertilised in a lab environment, outside the biological bodies. When a single healthy sperm is injected into each mature egg before placing it in the uterus, it is called an intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
5. Reverse vasectomy or any surgeries to treat any scrotal vein enlargements or blockages, are some procedures specific to patients with such concerns.
Best Hospital for Low Sperm Count
Yashoda Hospital & Research Centre, Nehru Nagar, Ghaziabad, offers some of the best urologists and IVF specialists who carry out a wide range of services to treat patients with fertility issues such as ED, low sperm count and wide range of other sexual health concerns.
Dr. Gauri Agarwal is a recognised Infertility & IVF Specialist with over fifteen years of experience in gynaecology and infertility. She is widely known as one of the leading infertility specialists in India.
Dr. Pradeep Prakash is one of the finest urologists and uro-oncologist with more than a decade of experience in the field of urology. He is an expert in andrology and male infertility.
Dr. Vikas Kumar Bansal comes with over a decade of experience in issues pertaining to stones in kidneys or bladder, UTIs, urine continence, as well as male infertility and ED. For appointments or bookings, please contact us on our helpline numbers – 9810922042 or 0120-4182000.
