Short answer
Sperm-related problems are found in around half of couples who have difficulty conceiving. The first test is a semen analysis. Causes include low or absent sperm, poor movement or shape, blockages, hormone problems, varicocele, infections and lifestyle factors such as smoking. Treatment ranges from lifestyle changes and medicines to IUI, IVF with ICSI and surgical sperm retrieval.
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- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
Common causes
- Low sperm count, or no sperm in the semen
- Sperm that do not move well or have an abnormal shape
- Blockage of the tubes that carry sperm, often after infection or injury
- Hormone problems affecting the pituitary gland or testicles
- Varicocele (swollen veins in the scrotum), infection, injury or surgery of the testicles, or undescended testicles
- Problems with erection or ejaculation
- Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Many cases of abnormal semen have no clear cause.
Lifestyle factors
- Smoking, including second-hand smoke
- Heavy drinking
- Being overweight (BMI of 30 or more)
- Exposure to some pesticides, solvents and metals at work
- Sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia
- Severe stress
Tests
- Semen analysis, repeated if abnormal
- Examination by the doctor
- Hormone blood tests
- Scrotal ultrasound in some men
- Genetic tests when the count is very low or there are no sperm
Treatment
- Lifestyle changes and treatment of infections or hormone problems
- IUI for some mild sperm problems
- IVF with ICSI, which needs only one sperm for each egg
- Surgical sperm retrieval (TESA, PESA or TESE) when there are no sperm in the semen
At Dhruva Hospitals
We offer computer-aided semen analysis, sperm preparation (density gradient, microfluidics and MACS), surgical sperm retrieval and ICSI. Call +91 99599 59694 or WhatsApp us to book a fertility consultation. OPD hours are 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM.
Common questions
Does a low sperm count mean we cannot have a child?
No. Many couples with a low count conceive naturally or with treatment. ICSI needs only a small number of sperm.
Is infertility always the woman’s problem?
No. Infertility can come from the man, the woman, both, or no cause may be found. Both partners should be tested from the start.
Read next
Sources
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.