Causes of Low Sperm Count: Factors Affecting Male Fertility

Ogligospermia is a condition in which men suffer from a low sperm count. It indicates that the ejaculated semen during an orgasm contains less sperm in comparison. The sperm count is considered to be low when the sperm is less than 15 million per millilitre of semen. For men who have a low sperm count, it reduces the likelihood of fertilisation of the partner's egg. Hence, low sperm count causes complications while trying to have a child.

How to Know about Low Sperm Count?

The symptoms of low sperm count include:

Inability to conceive This is the main and most overt symptom of low sperm count in men.
Underlying problems- They include hormonal imbalance, dilation of testicular veins or a chromosome abnormality which is inherited may also block the pathway of the sperm to egg. This may then cause other symptoms and signs, as well as low sperm count. Such symptoms include having decreased body or facial hair.
Lack of libido- Having low sex drive or even erectile dysfunctions are can be indicators of low sperm count.
Concerns in the testicle area- This includes swelling or even a lump in the region which is causing pain. This can also lead to low sperm count.

Causes of Low Sperm Count:

Drug abuse and alcohol consumption
Smoking tobacco
Overweight
Depression and stress
Overheating and trauma to the testicles
Infections and exposure to toxins
Genetic fertility disorder
Tumour or chronic illness
Cancer Treatment
Consumption of medications
Having a surgery in the past such as that of a vasectomy, pelvic or abdominal surgery
History of undescended testicles