Treatments For Men with Low Sperm Count
March 15, 2024
If you and your partner have been struggling to conceive, it is important to remember that infertility is not solely a female issue. In fact, male infertility accounts for nearly 40% of all infertility cases. If you've been diagnosed with a low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, there are treatments available that can increase your chances of achieving a successful pregnancy. In this article, we will explore the different treatment options for men with low sperm count and provide you with hope for starting or expanding your family.
Lifestyle Changes
Before exploring medical interventions, it is essential to focus on making positive lifestyle changes that can potentially improve your sperm count. Start by adopting a healthier diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins support overall reproductive health. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight also contribute to optimal sperm production. Additionally, avoid smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, recreational drug use and exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides or industrial chemicals as they are factors causing male infertility issues.
Medications
In some cases, medication may be prescribed by your fertility specialist to address an underlying condition or improve sperm production. Your fertility specialist may recommend Clomiphene citrate or gonadotropin injections, which stimulate the production of hormones that regulate sperm production. These medications can increase both the quantity and quality of sperm.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
If lifestyle changes and medication alone do not yield significant results, ART may be recommended:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI treatment involves the placement of washed and concentrated sperm directly into the uterus during ovulation. This procedure can bypass barriers in the reproductive system and increase the chances of fertilisation.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): IVF procedure is a highly effective ART technique that involves fertilising an egg with sperm in a laboratory setting. The resulting embryos are then transferred to the woman's uterus. IVF procedure can be combined with additional procedures, such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, to overcome severe male infertility issues.
Surgical Interventions
In some cases, your fertility specialist might recommend surgical interventions to address anatomical abnormalities that affect sperm production or delivery. Procedures such as varicocelectomy (repairing enlarged veins in the scrotum) or vasectomy reversal can improve sperm count and mobility. However, it is important to note that not all cases of low sperm count can be resolved through surgery.
In conclusion, a diagnosis of low sperm count doesn't mean the end of your journey towards parenthood. With a range of treatment options available, including lifestyle changes, medications and assisted reproductive technologies, there is hope for improving your fertility and increasing your chances of conception. Remember to consult with a fertility specialist who can guide you through the process and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs.
To explore your options further or to schedule a consultation, reach out to Apollo Fertility, a renowned chain of clinics that offers comprehensive fertility treatments with a balanced approach towards both female and male infertility.
While some studies suggest that certain supplements like Coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine and zinc may have potential benefits for improving sperm count and motility, it is crucial to consult with your fertility specialist before taking any supplements. They can recommend the best approach based on your unique circumstances.
The duration of treatment varies depending on the underlying cause of low sperm count and the chosen treatment modality. Lifestyle changes can take several months to yield significant results, while each round of IUI treatment or IVF procedure typically requires weeks of preparation and monitoring.
Yes, chronic stress may contribute to reduced sperm production. It's important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, meditation, counselling or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.
