What is Low Sperm Count?
Low sperm count means that your semen contain very low number of sperm.
A low sperm count is also called oligospermia . If there is no sperm at all the condition is called azoospermia.
Having a low sperm count decreases the odds that one of your sperm will fertilize your partner's egg, resulting in pregnancy. Nonetheless, many men who have a low sperm count are still able to father a child.
Symptoms
The main sign of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. There might not be any symptoms at all. But it is only detected when you test your semen.
Causes of low sperm count
Smoking tobacco
Drinking alcohol
Using certain illicit drugs
Being overweight
Some medical condition (Diabetes)
Being severely depressed or stressed
Having certain past or present infections
Exposed to certain medication / toxins.
Overheating the testicles
Cause of Azoospermia
Trauma to testicles
Testicular infection (Orchitis)
Born with some genetic condition (Familial azoospermia)
Cancer and related treatment (Chemo / Radio Therapy)
Taking certain medication
Surgical cause (Vasectomy)
History of vase due to recurrent infection.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have been unable to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse or sooner if you have any of the following:
Erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function
Pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle area
A history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems
A groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery