Low Sperm Count: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
By NucleusIVF, Pune – Helping Couples Build Families, One Step at a Time
Understanding Low Sperm Count and Its Impact on Male Fertility
Many couples dream of starting a family, but for some, that journey can take longer than expected. One of the common challenges men face in this process is low sperm count — a condition that reduces the likelihood of a sperm successfully reaching and fertilizing the female egg.
At NucleusIVF, Pune, we frequently meet couples who are trying to grow their family, only to discover that the issue lies with male fertility. If you or your partner has been trying for a baby for over a year without success, it may be time to explore possible male-related factors — and low sperm count is a critical one.
🔍 What Is Low Sperm Count?
Low sperm count, or oligospermia, refers to a condition where a man’s semen contains fewer sperm than what is considered healthy. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a normal sperm concentration is 15 million sperm per milliliter (ml) of semen. Anything below that threshold is classified as low.
This condition reduces the chances of a sperm cell reaching and fertilizing a woman’s egg during the reproductive process, making it more difficult for a couple to achieve pregnancy naturally.
📌 Common Signs and Symptoms
Often, low sperm count doesn’t show clear symptoms and is only detected when couples seek help for fertility issues. However, in some cases, you might notice:
- Difficulty in achieving pregnancy despite regular unprotected intercourse for over a year
- Reduced sexual desire or issues with erections, which may be linked to hormonal imbalances
- Pain or swelling in the testicles, which may indicate underlying conditions like varicocele or infection
- Decreased facial or body hair, possibly suggesting low testosterone or genetic concerns
At NucleusIVF, we recommend that any couple trying to get pregnant for over 12 months without success should undergo a fertility evaluation — including male reproductive testing.
🧠 What Causes Low Sperm Count?
There are many possible causes — ranging from medical conditions to lifestyle habits. Understanding the root cause is crucial to selecting the right treatment.
⚕️ Medical Conditions
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum that affect testicular temperature and sperm production.
- Infections: Including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prostatitis, or mumps in adulthood — all of which can damage sperm pathways.
- Hormonal Disorders: Issues with the pituitary gland, thyroid, or testosterone levels can impair sperm development.
- Undescended Testicles: A condition where the testicles haven’t descended into the scrotum properly, often linked to reduced fertility.
- Tumors or Surgeries: Any cancer, cyst, or surgery near the reproductive organs can reduce sperm output.
- Genetic Abnormalities: Such as Klinefelter syndrome or deletions in the Y chromosome may impact sperm quality.
🧪 Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
- Smoking, alcohol, or drug use: These reduce testosterone levels and interfere with sperm production.
- Obesity: Excess weight can disrupt hormone levels and body heat regulation.
- Stress: High mental and emotional stress impacts hormone production.
- Heat exposure: Frequent use of hot tubs, saunas, or placing laptops on the lap for long durations may affect sperm health.
- Toxic exposure: Chemicals like pesticides, heavy metals, and radiation can be harmful to reproductive health.
At NucleusIVF in Pune, we do a detailed health history and diagnostic workup to determine which of these factors might be affecting your sperm count.
🧬 How Is Low Sperm Count Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with a semen analysis — a simple and non-invasive test that evaluates:
- Sperm concentration (number of sperm per ml)
- Sperm motility (how well sperm move)
- Sperm morphology (shape and structure)
- Semen volume and pH
Depending on the findings, we may recommend additional testing such as:
- Blood tests to check hormone levels
- Scrotal ultrasound to detect structural issues like varicocele
- Genetic testing if congenital issues are suspected
- Testicular biopsy in more severe cases
All tests are done at our Pune-based fertility center under expert supervision by Dr. Pritam Prakash Sulakhe.
💡 What Are the Treatment Options for Low Sperm Count?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. At NucleusIVF, we take a personalized approach:
🌿 1. Lifestyle Changes & Natural Remedies
- Quitting smoking and alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
- Managing stress through yoga, meditation, or therapy
- Wearing loose-fitting underwear and avoiding excessive heat
- Taking antioxidant-rich foods or fertility supplements like zinc, selenium, CoQ10, and folic acid
💊 2. Medication & Hormonal Therapy
- Hormonal treatments for testosterone or thyroid imbalances
- Antibiotics for treating infections
- Supplements to improve sperm function and quality
🛠 3. Surgical Interventions
- Varicocelectomy: A procedure to remove enlarged veins
- Sperm retrieval: For men with very low or zero sperm in ejaculate, used during IVF/ICSI
👶 4. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): Recommended for mild cases, where sperm are directly inserted into the uterus.
- IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A highly advanced treatment where a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. This is ideal for severe sperm issues.
At NucleusIVF, Pune, we use state-of-the-art sperm selection methods to improve fertilization chances and support your dream of parenthood.
🧓 Can Men with Low Sperm Count Still Become Fathers?
Yes — many men with low sperm count have successfully become fathers, especially with modern fertility treatments. The key is early diagnosis, a customized treatment plan, and expert support.
At NucleusIVF, we’ve helped many couples across Pune and Maharashtra overcome male infertility. With the compassionate care of Dr. Pritam Prakash Sulakhe and our advanced lab facilities, you’re in safe hands.
📍 Visit NucleusIVF – Trusted Fertility Clinic in Pune
If you suspect low sperm count or have been struggling to start a family, don’t delay seeking help.
👉 Location: NucleusIVF, Pune, Maharashtra
👨⚕️ Consultant: Dr. Pritam Prakash Sulakhe – Fertility & IVF Specialist
📍 Location: Nucleus IVF Centre, 315-316-317, The Address Commercia, Flyover, nr. Hinjewadi, Wakad, Pune, Maharashtra 411057
📞 Book a Consultation: +91–81491 43338
🌐 www.nucleusivf.com
Dr. Pritam Prakash Sulakhe
