Low sperm count treatment means that the fluid (semen) you ejaculate or discharge during sexual intercourse contains less than normal sperm. In scientific terms, this condition is known as oligospermia. Low sperm count is considered when the sperm count is less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Low sperm count decreases the chance that sperm will fertilize the egg and result in pregnancy. However, many men who have low sperm count are still able to father a child.

Symptoms of low sperm count

The important sign of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. In some men, some basic problems such as an inherited chromosomal abnormality, a hormonal imbalance, dilated testicular veins or a physiological condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause signs and symptoms. Symptoms of low sperm count may include:

• Problems with sexual function — for example, low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle area
• Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosome or hormone abnormality

Causes of Low Sperm Count

In many cases, the exact cause of a low sperm count is not known. In some of the cases problems with sperm count and quality are associated with:

• Hormone imbalance, such as hypogonadism
• A genetic problem such as Klinefelter syndrome
• Having had undescended testicles as a baby
• Varicoceles (enlarged veins in the testicles)
• Previous surgery to the testicles or hernia repairs
• Excessive use of alcohol, smoking and using drugs such as marijuana or cocaine

Prevention

In order to protect your fertility, try to avoid known factors that can affect sperm count and quality such as:

• Don’t smoke.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Talk to your doctor about medications that can affect sperm count.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid excessive heat.
• Manage your stress.
• Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins.

Treatment

Low sperm count treatment includes:
Surgery: Surgery may be helpful for the treatment of a varicocele or for the repair of an obstructed vas deferens. The sperm retrieval technique has been used to retrieve the sperm directly from the testicles or epididymis in cases where no or nil sperm are present.
Treatments for sexual intercourse problems: Medication or counseling can help improve fertility in conditions such as erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
Hormone treatments and medications: Your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy or medicines in cases where infertility is due to high or low levels of certain hormones or problems with the way the body utilizes the hormones.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

There are several ways you can take at home to boost up your chances of getting your partner pregnant, including:
Increasing the frequency of sex: Having sexual intercourse every day or every alternate day beginning at least four days before ovulation may increase the chance of getting your partner pregnant.
Having sex when fertilization is possible: Women are likely to become pregnant during the ovulation period which occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle that is between periods. This will confirm that sperm, which can survive for several days, are present when the chances of conception are possible.
Avoiding lubricants: Some of the lubricating agents such as jelly, lotions, and saliva might alter the sperm’s movement and function. Consult with your doctor about sperm-safe lubricants.

Dietary Tips to Increase Sperm Count

Oranges: Vitamin C in the oranges helps to improves sperm motility, count, and morphology.
Leafy vegetables: Vitamin B present in spinach, lettuce, sprouts, and asparagus can help produce strong, healthy sperm.
Dark chocolate: Dark chocolate contains arginine which improves sperm count and quality over time.

Brazil nuts: Brazilian nuts contains Selenium which helps increase sperm count, sperm shape, and sperm motility.

Water: Stay hydrated. It helps create good seminal fluid.

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