We are seeing a growing level of awareness that problems with infertility, far from being exclusively ‘women’s problems’ are in reality often attributable to male factors. In fact, current estimates are that between one third and 40% of all infertility cases arise from this cause. And within that group, the vast majority, 90% of cases, are because of a low sperm count. In recent times this subject has gone from being somehow unmentionable to something that can be discussed more openly, but is still beset by myths, anecdote and urban legends.
In this article we unpack some of those myths. We examine the causes of the condition and the question of whether there is a cure for low sperm count. We also consider recent developments in how to test for low sperm count. Finally, our optimistic message is that there are a range of low sperm count treatment options available.
What are the causes of low sperm count?
Male infertility is complex, and there are a number of causes which encompass physical, genetic, hormonal and environmental factors. In addition to a low sperm count, there are two further common causes: slow sperm motility, which makes it harder for sperm to swim to the egg, and abnormal morphology. Any one or a combination of these can be identified in many cases, although there is not always a specific reason which can be pinpointed.
- Physical causes can include varicocele: swelling of the veins that drain the testicles. This results in reduced quality of sperm, and is the most common reversible cause of male infertility. Some infections can also interfere with sperm production or health, or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. Other physical causes include undescended testicles, and defects affecting the tubules that transport sperm. Some types of medication such as steroids, antibiotics and cancer therapies can also cause a low sperm count.
- Genetic chromosome disorders such as Klinefelter’s syndrome can cause abnormal development of the male reproductive organs. Other genetic syndromes associated with male infertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann’s syndrome and Kartagener’s syndrome.
- The hypothalamus, pituitary gland and testicles produce hormones that are necessary to create sperm. Imbalances or alterations in these hormones, as well as disorders affecting the thyroid or adrenal gland, may impair sperm production.
- Environmental factors such as exposure to heavy metals or industrial chemicals, X-ray or radiation exposure can damage sperm quantity and quality. Overheating due to sitting for long periods, for example driving or working on a laptop, can also have a detrimental effect on sperm. Even the urban wisdom that wearing overly tight underwear can have negative effects is probably true, since the optimum temperature for sperm development is 4 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the rest of the body.
Symptoms and how to test for low sperm count
Usually anyone with a low sperm count is completely unaware of any symptoms until they experience infertility or low fertility as a result. Of course, once you and / or your partner suspect that this may be the case, your first question will be how to test for a low sperm count.
The general advice is that although there are many home testing kits available, their reliability has not been conclusively demonstrated and frequently they are designed to give an indication of sperm quantity but do not help with identifying any other factor such as low sperm motility. As a result, most authorities recommend that you get your sperm count checked by an accredited laboratory, where the test often needs to be repeated to double-check the results.
However, there has been significant recent progress in the effectiveness of home testing. In 2017 IVI, the global leader in fertility treatment, took part in a multi-centre clinical trial that proved the effectiveness of SwimCount, a home test that assesses male fertility. The trial found that the test delivers results with 95% accuracy. The reason why it works so well is that SwimCount is the first home test that measures the variable of sperm progressive motility, making a comprehensive diagnosis possible that much earlier. If this test confirms the high likelihood of a reduced sperm count, you will still need to see a doctor for further testing and investigation. If you would like to know more about the trials and results, you can read the full article on our website.
The clinical testing itself involves the microscopic examination of a sperm sample to assess quantity as well as certain sperm parameters such as abnormalities in morphology which, to date, home tests are not able to detect.
Low sperm count: the fertility treatment options
There is no specific medical low sperm count treatment designed to bring a low sperm count up to normal, except in the case of some hormonal abnormalities which can respond to medication. In most cases however, although natural conception can eventually take place, some form of assisted reproduction is required. How low sperm count is treated in your individual circumstances is a matter to decide in consultation with your medical practitioner, but one of the possibilities is IUI (Intrauterine insemination). This is a specialised type of artificial insemination whereby the highest quality sperm are selected, prepared and injected into the uterus where they are left to fertilise the eggs naturally. Compared to IVF, whereby eggs are removed from the body and fertilised in the lab, it is a less invasive procedure which involves fewer drugs.
Although IUI cannot be described as a cure for a low sperm count, it can certainly help increase the chances of conception in a simpler way than IVF. It is also suitable for people who need donated sperm but have no female fertility problems, including lesbian couples and single women. It can also be recommended for couples with unexplained infertility and those who are unable to have vaginal intercourse or who have a condition that requires sperm washing to remove the risk of disease, especially in the case of men who are HIV positive.
IUI success with a low sperm count is significant but below that of IVF, and you should discuss with your clinical advisor whether this is the best way forward in your case. How low sperm count is treated and the likelihood of IUI success with a low sperm count depends on many factors, so individual consultation is essential.
Treatment with IVF for a low sperm count
In Vitro Fertilisation involves uniting the ovum with the spermatozoon in the laboratory, in vitro, in order to obtain fertilised embryos for transfer to the patient’s uterus. The fertilisation of the ova can be carried out either by means of the conventional IVF technique or by Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). ICSI using the male partner’s semen is recommended for cases of severe male factor infertility as well as for women with fallopian tube lesions, advanced endometriosis or limited oocyte numbers. It is also often recommended for patients for whom previous simpler treatments, such as artificial insemination, have failed.
ICSI can be included as part of IVF treatment, and has enabled pregnancy to be achieved successfully in couples diagnosed with severe male factor infertility. The man needs to provide a semen sample or undergo a testicular biopsy if necessary in order to extract and select the best spermatozoa which will be used to fertilise the oocytes. This is the form of procedure which carries the highest chance of success for IVF low sperm count treatment. If you would like to know more about IVI or ICSI, do have a look at the video about IVF on our YouTube channel for more information.
IVI and its record in IVF low sperm count treatment
Even though there may be no specific cure for low sperm count, IVI’s success rate per patient is among the highest. Nine out of ten couples that consult IVI due to problems with infertility and put their trust in us achieve their goal of becoming parents. Furthermore, from the outset IVI has pioneered many different techniques. Proof of this can be seen in the more than 160,000 babies born to date with the help of IVI.
Getting in touch with IVI
If you would like to find out more about how low sperm count is treated, or in particular the rates of IVF, ICSI and IUI success with low sperm count as a factor, do get in touch with us without any obligation. Before making your first appointment, we hope you will find it interesting and useful to have a look at our video about what you can expect from your first consultation. And then simply pick up the phone, or fill in our contact form, and our Patient Care team will schedule in your appointment with you. We’re always here to help.
47 Comments
please my husband have low sperm count ,1%linea progressive, 54%sluggish, 45%immotile ,900,00000count n 1.8volume can you help me conceived
Dear Tiewul Dorcas,
Please fill the following form so we can contact you and solve your doubts.
Am Andrew by name,,,, I have the same issue of LSC.
Pls any hope for this result
2,000,000 sperm count
1.8 volume
Motility
40% active
10% sluggish
50% imotile
Normal form is 40%
I own is on wanted sperm coimg out of my pain the stained underwear
solution pls
Dear Andrew, if you want, you can fill the following form for us to contact you!
Dear Adejoh, please contact us so we can give you more information abour the services we provide.
Dear Stephen, please contact us at 0333 015 9774 or fill the following form so a specialist can analyse these results.
Dear Godswill Udia, we recommend you book an appointment with the doctor, since we cannot do any medical diagnosis from here.
My name is Kingsley I have sex with my wife for passed six but mo show pls is it low sperm count?
I didn’t a SEMEN test and they discovered that I have low sperm count) my sperm cell count is 9million, please kindly help me out
Whenever I sleep with a lady I release immediately I insert it. What is the solut
Dear Kingsley, there are fertility tests we could do to assess your fertility level and see if the problem is a low sperm count. You can fill the following form so we will be able to contact you: https://ivi-fertility.com/ask-for-an-appointment/
Dear Mr. Olisa, you can call us at our free phone number 08 000 850 035 so we can help you booking an appointment with our specialists.
Dear Nana, we recommend you consult your doctor so he can give you a medical advice.
my own sperm is small in quantity but i still pregnant my woman, I hope no problem with that??
Dear Emeka Uche,
Sperm quantity does not necessarily have an effect on the fertility performance. However, you can see a doctor to confirm the quality of your sperm is correct.
Pls any hope for this result
2,000,000 sperm count
1.8 volume
Motility
40% active
10% sluggish
50% imotile
Normal form is 40%
You can call us at 08 000 850 035 anytime and we’ll be happy to help you and solve your medical doubts.
I olayemi here by ask for the cure of low sperm count
Dear Olayemi, please fill the following form so we can contact you and give you more information.
please I have low spam court what should I do
Dear Cyprian, we recommend you consult a fertility specialist. We recommend you fill the following form so we’ll be able to contact you and give your more information about what the next steps for a first consultation will be.
I can have sex for 15-20mins with out using any drugs, alcohol and local medicine, even large contities of sperm but my wife doesn’t have pregnant since 4years now. although, she was got one baby girl for me before, even i was check the blood group and genotype of her and is normal with my blood and genotype, so what advice.
Dear patient,
We recommend you consult a doctor. 50 % of the infertility cases are due to a male factor, so both you and your wife should be tested by a fertility specialist. Also, remember the sex life quality isn’t linked to the fertility performance. We recommend you fill the following form so we’ll be able to contact you and give your more information about what the next steps for a first consultation will be.
hi doctor,
i do have sex with my wife and she has not get pregnant, i went for SFA test, i.e sperm test, i have morphology;40% normal, 60% abnormal,
motility, fully active 2%, slogishly motile: 18%, Dead: 80%.
sperm count: 3,000,000,
comment: yeild heavy mixed growth of klebsiella spp, and staphylococus aureus after 24hrs of incubation at 37C. oligospermia &arthenospermia.
kindly assist on how to resolve this issue
morphology;40% normal, 60% abnormal,
motility, fully active 2%, slogishly motile: 18%, Dead: 80%.
sperm count: 3,000,000,
comment: yeild heavy mixed growth of klebsiella spp, and staphylococus aureus after 24hrs of incubation at 37C. oligospermia &arthenospermia.
kindly assist on how to resolve it and proper medication to use.
dear team
my husband has a childhood injury coz of that the sperm count is very low is there any treatment please suggest me
Dear Shivani, please fill the following form so we can contact you and give you more information.
Dear Bidemi, we recommend you consult a fertility specialist. We recommend you fill the following form so we’ll be able to contact you and give your more information about what the next steps for a first consultation would be.
Dear Bidemi, we recommend you consult a fertility specialist. We recommend you fill the following form so we’ll be able to contact you and give your more information about what the next steps for a first consultation would be.
pls how can I get you pls. or can you call my line on 08034548*** pls
Dear Kabir, we recommend you fill the following form so we’ll be able to contact you and give your more information about the treatments we provide and what the next steps for a first consultation would be.
please I have low sperm count what should I do.
Dear Bismarck, we recommend you fill the following form so we’ll be able to contact you and give you more information about what the next steps for a first consultation would be.
pls how can i overcome low sperm count bcos any time i have sex with my girl it give me difficult to release after some minute that am release and my sperm is also luk lyk water pls wat is solution to it
I’m Bormia, Before I impregnated my first girlfriend and pregnancy listed for (8) months, unfortunately she filled down as the result, she has miscarriage. Since then no woman had conceive from me
Dear Olapade, we recommend you consult a fertility specialist. If you fill the following form we’ll be able to contact you and give you more information about what the next steps for a first consultation would be.
Dear Bormia,
Infertility is due to both male and female factors. Usually, we recommend consulting a fertility specialist after a year of trying to get pregnant without success – or after 6 months if the woman is older than 35.
I have been trying to conceive with my fiancee for over a year now. I also have history of epilepsy. I had it all the way till 2016. The it stopped. I read it could affect my sperm count. Please help me I dont know what to do anymore. We really want to have children….Please reply.
Dear Mr. Winters,
We recommend you consult a doctor since it’s already been 1 year of frequent sexual intercourse with no pregnancy. Once the fertility specialist analyses your case, he/she will be able to give you a correct diagnosis and recommend you the next steps for you to achieve the desired pregnancy.
My name is Mathews.My problem is,I one of the man that have low sperm count,can you help?
Dear Mathews, we recommend you fill the following form if you’re interested in a first consultation so we can analyse your case.
i have low spam count what can i do
We recommend you fill the following form if you’re interested in a first consultation so we can analyse your case.
This is a great read. Thanks for these ideas.
Nice Post! The causes, symptoms, and treatment for low sperm count mentioned in the post are commendable. Thanks for sharing such important information.