What Is Low Sperm Count?


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Low sperm count is one of the most common sorts of fertility problems that a man can face. In fact, three specific problems, low sperm count, low sperm motility, and abnormal sperm, account for the vast majority of cases of male-factor fertility problems. Of these, a low sperm count is the most common. These problems, while they all affect a man’s sperm, are very different problems and often have very different causes.

In simplest terms, a low sperm count is just what it sounds like. There are a low number of sperm that can be counted in a man’s semen. Sperm count, specifically, is measured through a process in which the number of sperm is counted within a specific volume of semen. Sperm count that is normal will be in the range from 40 to 300 million sperm in each and every milliliter of ejaculation. If a man has less than 20 million sperm per milliliter of ejaculation, he has a low sperm count. The difference between low sperm count and normal sperm count is quite pronounced, as the numbers indicate.

Low sperm count is a problem with fertility because, while only one sperm is needed to fertilize an egg, the odds of that single sperm making it up the reproductive tract to the fallopian tubes where it can fertilize an egg are extremely poor. The biggest percentage of sperm will die before making it all the way along their journey. Having a low sperm count means that fewer sperm will make the entire journey, making it less likely that one of them will fertilize the egg.

There are a variety of things that can cause, or that can contribute to, a low sperm count. Extreme heat on the testicles, such as is experienced in a hot tub or a sauna, may contribute to low sperm count. Even tight underwear amy cause enough heat to affect sperm count. An infection can also cause a low sperm count, as can a genetic predisposition.

The good news is that there are some treatments available to help with a low sperm count. Sometimes, lifestyle changes or nutritional supplements are enough to resolve a low sperm count. In other cases, more radical and expensive procedures, such as IVF, may be needed in order to address a low sperm count. If you believe you may have a low sperm count, you should contact your health care provider, who may be able to help you map out a treatment plan.



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