What Causes Low Sperm Count? Common Issues and Reasons

What does low sperm count mean?

Low sperm count means having fewer sperm in the semen than normal. If your semen has less than 1.5 crore sperm per millimeter, then your sperm count is considered lower than normal.

Low sperm count is called “oligospermia” in medical terms. The complete absence of sperm in the semen is called “azoospermia” (zero sperm).

Symptoms of low sperm count:

There is only one symptom of low sperm count in the semen – inability to become a father or difficulty getting pregnant. However, many men can become fathers even with low sperm counts.

Although only one sperm is needed to fertilize an egg, the higher your sperm count, the better your chances of getting pregnant.

Why do you have a low sperm count?

Sperm production is a complex process. It requires the testicles, as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands (organs in the brain that produce hormones that increase sperm production), to function normally. After being produced in the testicles, sperm remain in a thin tube until they are released from the penis. If any of these organs are not working properly, sperm production can decrease.

Risk factors associated with low sperm production and other problems include:

Smoking or using tobacco.
Drinking alcohol.
Using drugs.
Being overweight.
Any past or current infections.
Exposure to toxins.
Overheating of the testicles.
Being born with a reproductive disorder.
Certain medical conditions, such as tumors or chronic illnesses.
Having had cancer treatment, such as surgery or radiation.
Certain medications can also increase the risk of low sperm count.
Doing one thing for a long time, such as riding a bicycle with a bad seat or riding a horse.