It has long been a common misconception that infertility issues are primarily linked to women. However, according to Indian statistical data, male factor infertility accounts for nearly 40% to 50% of all infertility cases. One of the most prevalent causes is oligospermia—a condition marked by a low sperm count—that can significantly reduce the chances of natural conception and impact a couple’s ability to achieve pregnancy.
What Is Oligospermia?
Oligospermia, also known as oligozoospermia, is a medical condition in which a man’s semen contains fewer sperm than normal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a healthy sperm count is considered to be at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. If the count falls below this level, the man is diagnosed with oligospermia.
This condition is classified into three categories:
- Mild oligospermia: 10-15 million/mL
- Moderate oligospermia: 5-10 million/mL
- Severe oligospermia: less than 5 million/mL
What Is the Highest Sperm Count?
A normal or high sperm count ranges between 15 million to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Men with higher sperm counts generally have a better chance of fathering a child naturally.
What Are Signs of Oligospermia Symptoms?
Some common oligospermia symptoms and signs of unhealthy sperm include:
- Low semen volume
- Difficulty in ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicle area
- Changes in libido or hormonal imbalance (like reduced facial or body hair)
Sometimes, men with oligospermia do not show any obvious symptoms until they undergo fertility testing.
What Is the Main Cause of Oligospermia?
There are various causes behind oligospermia, including:
- Varicocele (swelling of veins within the scrotum)
- Hormonal imbalances (like low testosterone)
- Infections of the reproductive tract
- Genetic disorders
- Exposure to toxins, chemicals, or radiation
- Excessive heat (e.g., from hot tubs or laptops)
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, stress, obesity)
- Medications or anabolic steroid use
How Oligospermia Affects Fertility
Oligospermia directly affects male fertility by reducing the chances of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg. Even if the sperm are healthy in structure and motility, a lower sperm count means fewer chances of successful conception. In cases of severe oligospermia, natural conception becomes increasingly difficult, and medical interventions are usually required.
What Is the Best Treatment for Oligospermia?
The best treatment for oligospermia depends on its cause and severity. Options include:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
- Quit smoking and alcohol
- Reduce stress
- Improve diet and exercise
- Avoid heat exposure to the scrotal area
2. Oligospermia Treatment Medicine
There are several medications prescribed based on the underlying issue:
- Hormonal therapy for endocrine imbalance
- Antibiotics for infections
- Antioxidant supplements (like CoQ10, zinc, and folic acid)
Some doctors prescribe the best medicine for oligospermia including:
- Clomiphene citrate
- hCG injections
- Aromatase inhibitors
These oligospermia treatment medicines aim to increase sperm production and improve sperm quality.
3. Surgical Treatments
- Varicocelectomy to treat varicocele
- Obstruction removal if sperm pathways are blocked
4. Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
In cases of severe oligospermia, techniques like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) may be recommended.
Which Test Can Detect Oligospermia?
The primary test used to detect oligospermia is a semen analysis, also known as a sperm count test.
Key Details About the Test:
- Test Name: Semen Analysis
- Purpose: To evaluate the quantity and quality of a man’s sperm.
- How It Works: A semen sample is collected and examined under a microscope to measure:
Sperm count (concentration) – Oligospermia is diagnosed when sperm count is less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
Motility – Percentage of sperm that are moving.
Morphology – Shape and structure of sperm.
Volume of ejaculate
Liquefaction time and pH
If semen analysis results suggest oligospermia, your doctor might recommend further evaluations to determine the underlying cause:
- Hormone Testing (FSH, LH, Testosterone)
- Scrotal Ultrasound – To check for varicocele or testicular abnormalities
- Genetic Testing – To detect chromosomal or DNA-related causes
- Post-ejaculation Urinalysis – To check for retrograde ejaculation.
- Testicular Biopsy – In rare cases, to assess sperm production directly.
Can Oligospermia Be Treated Permanently?
Yes, oligospermia can be treated permanently if the root cause (like infection or varicocele) is reversible. With proper oligospermia treatment and lifestyle changes, many men see improvement in sperm count over time.
Can Oligospermia Be Temporary?
Absolutely. Factors like fever, stress, poor diet, or temporary exposure to toxins can cause a temporary drop in sperm count. Once the trigger is removed, the sperm count may return to normal within 2-3 months, as that is the average sperm regeneration cycle.
Is Oligospermia Serious?
While not life-threatening, oligospermia can be emotionally and psychologically challenging, especially for couples trying to conceive. If untreated, it may lead to chronic infertility.
Do Sperm Care Tablets Really Work?
Yes, many medicines for oligospermia, like sperm care supplements can help. These usually contain antioxidants, vitamins C, D, E, selenium, zinc, and other nutrients that improve sperm motility and morphology. However, they work best when combined with other treatments and lifestyle modifications.
Can You Get Pregnant If Your Husband Has Oligospermia Treatment?
Yes, pregnancy is still possible with oligospermia, especially in mild to moderate cases. With appropriate oligospermia treatment, many couples conceive naturally or with the help of reproductive technologies.
Is IVF the Only Option with Oligozoospermia?
No, IVF is not the only option. Treatment depends on the sperm count and quality. In mild cases, IUI might be effective. However, in severe oligospermia, ICSI-IVF is often the most successful route, as it requires just a few healthy sperm to fertilize the egg.
What Is the Success Rate of Oligospermia Treatments?
Success varies based on the severity of the condition and the treatment chosen:
- Lifestyle and medication: 30-50% improvement in sperm count within 3–6 months
- Varicocelectomy: Fertility improvement in 30–60% of cases
- IVF-ICSI for severe oligospermia: Fertilization success rate of 60-80%
How Long Does Oligospermia Treatment Take?
Oligospermia Treatment duration depends on the underlying cause. Most oligospermia treatment plans span 3 to 6 months, allowing time for sperm regeneration. In some cases, treatment might extend up to 12 months for full recovery.
Which Doctor Treats Oligospermia?
You should consult an Andrologist or a Fertility Specialist (Reproductive Urologist). These doctors specialize in male reproductive health and offer oligospermia treatment medicine, surgical options, and ART techniques like IVF/ICSI.
Conclusion
Oligospermia may be a hurdle in your journey toward parenthood, but it’s not an end. With early diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and effective oligospermia treatment, many men successfully restore fertility or achieve pregnancy through assisted methods. If you or your partner is facing this issue, don’t hesitate to consult a specialist for the best treatment for oligospermia tailored to your condition.
At Ankuran IVF Clinic, we understand the emotional and physical challenges couples face when dealing with male infertility. Our expert team of fertility specialists offers advanced diagnostic tools and personalized oligospermia treatment plans, including the latest medical therapies, supplements, and assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI. With a compassionate approach and high success rates, Ankuran is committed to helping you turn hope into reality. Book your consultation today and take the first step toward parenthood with confidence.
Date: 30th May, 2025
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