Do you know male infertility issues are the reason for half of the fertility-related problems? Yes. The highlight of this situation is a couple could only come to understand that a partner is suffering due to an infertile factor after trying for conception.
The delayed marriages and childbearing age actively contribute to these kinds of problems. However, this blog will spot two important male infertility factors: Oligospermia and Azoospermia. Keep exploring it to know everything about these two male infertility issues.
Difference between Azoospermia and Oligospermia
Let’s compare these two different conditions, Azoospermia and Oligospermia, as both are related to the production and quality of sperm.
Oligospermia
Oligospermia means a low amount of sperm in the ejaculated semen. Everyone knows that good quality and quantity of sperm are equally important as high-quality eggs for successful pregnancy outcomes.
Thus, a reduced amount of sperm in the semen lowers the chances of conception and healthy pregnancy outcomes.
Categories of oligospermia
The World Health Organization states that oligospermia is a condition where sperm count is less than the optimal number of 15 million per one millilitre of semen.
As per the low amount of sperm, oligospermia is classified into three categories.
Severe oligospermia
The sperm count will be comparatively much less than the other two conditions, around 0 to 5 million sperm.
Moderate oligospermia
The sperm count of men with moderate oligospermia is around 5 to 10 million sperm.
Mild oligospermia
This is the initial stage; the sperm count per one millilitre of semen ranges from 10 to 15 million.
Why does Oligospermia occur?
Some common reasons why oligospermia happens help men.
- Cystic fibrosis and Klinefelter syndrome are some genetic conditions.
- Sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, and mumps.
- Low testosterone, hormonal abnormalities, Hypogonadism (sex glands don’t produce sufficient hormones).
- Partial blockage in the duct and TB infection.
- Smoking and drinking alcohol.
- Chemotherapy, radiation therapies, and regular usage of medicines for high blood pressure.
Diagnosis and Treatment
These are some important reasons for oligospermia, but evaluating medical history and lifestyle habits can help determine the exact cause.
Plus, the physician takes some essential tests to examine your reproductive health condition. The tests are:
Semen analysis: This test examines semen levels and checks for sperm production, count, quality, and morphology.
Blood tests: These evaluate the hormone levels responsible for reproduction, such as FSH, LH, and testosterone.
Imaging: Ultrasound helps evaluate the structure and detect the reproductive organs for abnormalities.
Genetic testing: It is to discover any genetic abnormalities contributing to oligospermia.
Treatments
After analyzing the reasons for your health conditions, doctors suggest medical treatments based on the examination results. Here are some specific therapies which men with low sperm count or oligospermia undergo.
- Hormonal therapy.
- Antibiotic treatment.
- Surgical treatments like varicocele repair, vasovasostomy, and transurethral resection of the ejaculatory duct.
- Assisted reproductive techniques ARTs.
Azoospermia
Types of azoospermia
Azoospermia is a medical term that describes no sperm during ejaculation. Can you believe that there is a condition like the complete absence of sperm? It’s quite strange, but the statistics release even more shocking results.
This critical condition affects about 1% of the male population, which is also a reason for 20% of male infertility cases. There are three types of Azoospermia affecting males, such as:
Post-testicular azoospermia
It means a man’s body is producing sperm, but there is a blockage or connection that is missing along with your reproductive tract. This is known as obstructive azoospermia, which affects up to 40% of men.
Testicular Azoospermia
This is non-obstructive azoospermia; there is no sperm production because of structural or functional damage or disorders.
Pre-testicular Azoospermia
This is also known as non-obstructive azoospermia, where a man’s testicles and reproductive parts don’t produce sperm due to hormonal imbalances.
Reasons for Azoospermia
- Undescended testicles or not having testicles.
- Hormone imbalances and genetic disorders.
- Low testosterone, androgen, and hyperprolactinemia are some notable endocrine disorders causing Azoospermia.
- Vasectomy, which is a minor surgery to cut the vas deferens.
- Cysts and retrograde ejaculation.
These are some notable causes for Azoospermia, men with zero sperm count. However, men can expect certain treatments for azoospermia condition.
Testing and Treatment Options
The physician conducts blood tests, genetic testing, X-rays, Ultrasound, and Brain MRI to examine the testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, scrotum, and hypothalamus or pituitary glands.
Doctors ensure that they provide appropriate treatment after analysing the underlying issues. Because zero sperm count can be either due to blockage of tubes and ducts or low hormone production.
Experts will analyse and test your body to go with the right treatment. If nothing works out, then couples can choose assisted reproductive technologies.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies for Azoospermia and Oligospermia
Assisted reproductive technologies give new hope to couples who are facing infertility issues.
Intrauterine insemination and in vitro fertilization are some techniques that help to overcome Oligospermia and low sperm count. IVF with ICSI treatment is a better treatment for Azoospermia.
In vitro fertilization is when doctors retrieve eggs from the ovary, fertilize them with sperm in the laboratory, and transfer them to a woman’s body. This is recommended for men with low sperm counts, and even older couples can also try IVF treatment to overcome unexplained infertility issues.
Preventive Measures to Follow
Azoospermia and oligospermia are conditions caused by various medical issues or other underlying problems. However, following some preventive measures can improve sperm quality and help maintain better reproductive health.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Include foods rich in antioxidants, Vitamins C, E, and B12, zinc, folic acid, and other fertility-friendly foods. Exercise regularly to maintain healthy testosterone levels and support sperm count.
Avoid excessive heat exposure
Limit hot tubs, saunas, and prolonged exposure to heat. Wear loose-fitting clothing to keep the testes and scrotum cool.
Limit environmental toxins
Avoid excessive exposure to harmful and ecological toxins. Limit alcohol and smoking, and stop using drugs, which can damage the sperm cells. Practise better habits to manage stress and anxiety.
Final Words
Azoospermia and Oligospermia are two common conditions that challenge and impact male fertility. Don’t create a path for these barriers for successful conception. Consult your fertility experts to understand your reproductive health condition and have a happy pregnancy phase.
FAQs
Yes, men who are suffering from oligospermia still make their spouses pregnant. So, if your husband has oligospermia, you can still conceive, but it may take a lot of time and many attempts to conceive naturally.
When a man doesn’t have any sperm, the condition is Azoospermia. However, there are two different types of azoospermia: obstructive and non-obstructive.
Consulting your doctor is recommended so you can get a clear idea of whether you need to undergo any artificial insemination techniques or, hopefully, wait after having intercourse naturally.
Consuming nutritious and antioxidant-rich fruits can improve sperm quality, which reflects positive pregnancy results. Women can suggest guava, avocados, blueberries, bananas, pomegranates, oranges, watermelons, mangoes, pineapples, kiwis, and apples.
Yeah, you can make your partner pregnant with a low sperm count, but it takes a lot of time and attempts to achieve a successful pregnancy.
Pomegranate and orange juice are the best options for improving sperm count. These two fruits are filled with antioxidants and vitamin C, which enhance sperm morphology, motility, and overall health.
Pregnancy is indeed a biological process that requires good-quality sperm and egg. Men need at least 15 million sperm for one millilitre of semen. Maintaining this optimal number of sperm can result in successful conception.
Walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts are rich, healthy fats and protein sources. These nuts can improve the sperm cell membrane and increase sperm volume.
Consuming sufficient dry fruits daily removes harmful toxins from your bloodstream and promotes good health.
Some important nutrients, minerals, and vitamins are necessary to boost sperm production and viability. It includes folate, zinc, omega 3, betaine, carnitine, calcium, iron, choline, selenium, lycopene, and vitamins B12, E, C, and D.
Thus, add these nutrient-rich food items to your diet and increase sperm viability and production.
