However, there are levels of severity of oligospermia which varies depending on the sperm count or concentration. For example, when there are 10 million to 20 million sperms per mL, it is mild oligospermia, when 5 million to 10 million sperms per mL are there, it is moderate oligospermia and when there are 0 to 5 million sperm per mL, it is severe oligospermia.
How low sperm count (oligospermia) affects men's health?
Oligospermia leads to male sub-fertility or infertility. In sub-fertility, the chances of achieving pregnancy are reduced pointing to the cause of low sperm count. And infertility is inability to achieve a pregnancy at all, after around one year of unprotected sex.
Low sperm count is an indication of difficulty in conceiving naturally but it doesn't always mean that it is impossible to conceive. Furthermore, exact correlation between severity of oligospermia and conception rates is difficult to predict.
Besides above problems, oligospermia can be related with several other medical conditions. Males with such health condition are at higher risk of the development of testicular cancer and prostate cancer. Thus, low sperm count is a biomarker of men's future health.
Causes of oligospermia:
- Hindrance in the normal flow of sperm due to some conditions such as vasectomy (male sterilization) and testicular trauma.
- Scarring due to surgery on the male reproductive system.
- Infectious diseases of male reproductive system or sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to oligospermia.
- A decrease in sperm synthesis and production can occur due to conditions such as varicoceles, hormonal problems (accounts in 2% of men), diseases related to testicles, diabetes and obesity.
- Few other medical conditions range from Noonan syndrome, Youngs, Prune belly, Hemachromatosis, Myelodysplasia, Impotence to Prolactinoma which may cause low sperm count.
- Physical and mental stress, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, drug abuse, and certain medications, exposure to toxins, being underweight and malnutrition can also contribute to oligospermia.
- Consistent use of hot tubs or baths can also be related with oligospermia.
Oligospermia can be diagnosed after taking medical and sexual history, performing general physical examination, penis and testicles examination and more importantly semen analysis to know the quality and count of sperm.
Lab tests can also be performed to know about the presence of any sexually transmitted disease and hormonal disorder which are the main causes of oligospermia.
Treatment of oligospermia with herbal supplement:
Depending on the severity of oligospermia and the presence of complications, treatment varies for individual. Healthy diet, ideal weight, quitting smoking, drinking in moderation and avoiding hot tubs are very important for improvement in the condition. Dietary supplements including vitamin E, vitamin C and antioxidants can also be taken. Hormone therapy also works quite well.
Herbal supplement known as Speman from Himalaya is a popular natural remedy to overcome the problem of low sperm count. It comprises of natural ingredients which supports the process of sperm formation by boosting testosterone levels. Hygrophilia, Cowhage/Velvet bean and Small caltrops are some of the potential natural herbs present in the Speman.