New Delhi: Parenthood is one of the best feelings in a married couple’s life but this may seem a distant dream for many. Infertility is a pressing issue across the globe, it can affect both men and women. Around, 10 to 14 per cent of Indian couples suffer from the condition according to the Indian Society of Assisted Reproduction (ISAR). One of the main reasons behind this is the fall in average sperm count in males in India, from 60 million per male to 20 million, over the past three decades.
The journey to fatherhood can be filled with excitement and anticipation. However, for some men, low sperm count might come out as a challenge to this journey. Low sperm count, or oligospermia, is a medical condition defined by a sperm count in semen below the normal range. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a low sperm count is identified when there are fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen.
Dr Kshitiz Murdia CEO & Co-Founder Indira IVF shared with News9, “Several factors can contribute to low sperm count. These include infections, testicular trauma, obesity, chronic illnesses and medications, habits such as smoking and drug use, genetic predisposition, and sometimes the cause may remain unidentified (idiopathic). Hormonal imbalances that drive sperm production can also lead to low sperm count. This can be caused by various factors, including genetic disorders, chronic diseases, and certain medications. Each of these factors can potentially affect sperm production and quality, highlighting the importance of broad evaluation and targeted interventions in addressing male infertility.”
Signs of low sperm count
It is difficult to identify low sperm count since there are no obvious signs, except for difficulty in conceiving naturally. In other cases though, this condition can be indicated by diminished sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and certain physical symptoms such as testicular pain or swelling, and decreased facial or body hair growth.
However, according to Dr Murdia, “Many men with a low sperm count can still experience fatherhood through medical interventions and lifestyle modifications. Treatment options for low sperm count vary depending on the severity of the condition and its underlying causes. Medications play a crucial role in treating low sperm count, including antibiotics to manage infections that might contribute to the condition.”
Hormonal therapy is another strategy aimed at controlling hormone levels that affect sperm production. Additionally, some medications prescribed to address erectile dysfunction might help improve one’s sexual function leading to increased chances of fertilization during conception.
Treatment for low sperm count
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) provide cutting-edge solutions for couples struggling with male infertility. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) involves fertilising an egg with sperm in a laboratory setting before transferring the embryo to the uterus. Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) takes a more direct approach by injecting a single sperm into an egg to facilitate fertilisation. Intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) refines this process further by selecting sperm based on their morphology before injection. These methods demonstrate how scientific developments in reproductive medicine can enable fatherhood to occur even in situations where couples find it difficult to conceive naturally.
Lifestyle plays a major role
Lifestyle modifications also play a significant role in managing low sperm count. Quitting smoking and losing weight can both enhance sperm quality and increase the likelihood of successful conception. Stress reduction techniques are also recommended as stress can affect sperm quality. Avoiding excessive heat and certain medications that affect sperm production are other lifestyle changes that can boost fertility outcomes.
Low sperm count is a prevalent condition that can impact men across all age groups. While it may pose challenges to couples trying to conceive, it does not automatically mean infertility. Hence, it’s crucial for men to recognise the signs and symptoms of low sperm count and to consult healthcare professionals if they encounter difficulties conceiving.
Low sperm count is a prevalent condition that can impact men across all age groups. While it may pose challenges to couples trying to conceive, it does not automatically mean infertility. Hence, it’s crucial for men to recognise the signs and symptoms of low sperm count and to consult healthcare professionals if they encounter difficulties conceiving. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
