Causes and risk factors
Causes of oligospermia include obstruction of the normal flow of sperm due to conditions like testicular trauma, vasectomy, heat around testicles, genital infection, sexually transmitted diseases, varicocele, hormonal imbalance and diseases of testicles. Additional risk factors include smoking, use of drugs and alcohols, stress obesity, genetic problem. Many times the cause is unknown. It is associated with low motility of sperms.
Clinical presentation
Mostly the patient is asymptomatic. The main sign of low sperm count is infertility i.e. inability to conceive. The signs and symptoms of the underlying condition may be present such as dilated testicular veins. Male sexual dysfunction i.e. low sex drive or erectile dysfunction may be seen. There may be lump or swelling in the testicular area. Reduction in facial or hair in other parts of body due to hormonal imbalance may be observed.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the urologist helps in diagnosis.Usually low sperm count is diagnosed by semen analysis.Oligospermia is classified in three classes – Mild [10 to 20 million sperms/milliliter], Moderate [05 to 10 million sperms/milliliter], Severe [less than 05 million sperms/milliliter]. Imaging studies such as USG scrotum may be useful for ruling out any other underlying cause. Routine blood tests are recommended for detecting presence of any infection.
Treatment
Treatment depends upon the severity of the infertility and underlying cause of any.In mild oligospermia, Vitamin C, vitamin E, fertility drugs and hormonal therapy are advised. Medications such as antibioticsmay be requiredin case of sexually transmitted disease. In case of structural abnormalities, surgery is preferred. Repair of varicocele if present is needed. Changes in lifestyle, avoiding drug abuse, alcohol, smoking, reduction of weight contribute further to the treatment.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating low sperm count. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating low sperm count.
