Oligospermia

What is Oligospermia?

It is made up of two words – Oligo and Spermia. Oligo stands for small and Spermia stands for spermatozoa (the mature motile male sex cell). The condition is denoted when the count is lower in than the normal value (<15million/ml). It is one of the causative factors for .

Male infertility affects 1 in 20 men and is the sole factor in half of the assisted reproductive treatments (ARTs). A reduced sperm density (oligospermia) is often accompanied by poor motility and morphology reflecting qualitative and quantitative defects in spermatogenesis.

How does oligospermia affect fertility?

Oligospermia indicates a low sperm count in semen which causes difficulty in fertilization. In the case of fertility issues, some people may have to take more attempts. But in some cases, people with Oligospermia don’t have any issue in conception. Usually, an active sperm swims towards the egg and fertilization takes place more easily but this condition may lead to problems which refer to the activeness of the sperm.

What are the symptoms? Problems with sexual function - low sex drive Unable to conceive a child Pain and swelling in the area Decreased body hair & facial hair (Chromosome & hormonal abnormality)

What are the causes?

Medical Factors: Anti-sperm antibodies (Enlarged veins in the scrotum that creates an obstacle in the blood flow to the ) problem ( happens when the semen enters the bladder 1 during an orgasm) (Sexually transmitted diseases) Tumours Testicle deformities (Undescended testicles) Hormonal abnormality Tubular defect (transportation difficulty of the sperm) Certain & prior surgeries Chromosomal defects

Environmental Factors: Chemicals & metals Overheating X-ray radiation

Other Factors: Occupational hazards Alcohol & drug abuse Stress & depression Smoking

What are the possible diagnostic tests to detect Oligospermia? : To determine the sperm count by microscopic evaluation or computerized technique. Testing of hormones: To determine the level of hormones that are responsible Post-ejaculation urinalysis: To determine retrograde ejaculation Scrotal ultrasound: To examine testicles and supporting structures by using high- frequency sound waves. Genetic tests: To diagnose inherited genetic syndromes Anti-sperm antibody test: To check the antibodies which affect the sperm Specialised sperm function test: To check how well the sperm can survive after an ejaculation Testicle biopsy: To detect pathological abnormalities in the testicles Transrectal ultrasound: To check the as well as the tubes that carry semen for blockages

What are the possible treatments? Surgery: Varicocele can be surgically treated. Medications: Antibiotic therapy can be used to treat various . Other few medications are referred to cure intercourse problems, hormonal abnormality and erectile dysfunction problems. Counselling: Counselling is one of the major approaches for psychological treatment with respect to erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation problems. Hormonal replacement therapy: Hormonal replacement therapy is another approach

2 towards treating related hormonal deficiencies. Assisted reproductive technology (ART): The ART technique is basically used for in-vitro fertilization cases.

How can Oligospermia be prevented? Quit smoking Stay away from alcohol Restricted use of illicit drugs Maintaining a healthy weight Stress removal Avoid exposure to toxins Avoid wearing tight clothes Have a healthy sex life Physical workout to boost your stamina Always consult with doctors before taking any

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