Reasons for oligospermia
Release time : 01/18/2025 18:13:27
What is oligospermia? What are the causes of oligospermia? Many people do not understand oligospermia. Oligospermia refers to a condition in which the sperm count in a man's semen is below normal, which can greatly affect fertility. In severe cases, it can lead to male infertility.
Therefore, patients with oligospermia should seek medical attention promptly and undergo treatment under the guidance of a physician.
There are various causes of oligospermia, with the primary reasons summarized as follows: 1. Idiopathic. The cause of idiopathic oligospermia is long-term and excessive administration of androgens, which leads to a negative feedback effect on the hypothalamic GnRH releasing hormone, resulting in reduced secretion of pituitary gonadotropins, leading to a decrease or lack of sperm.
2. Drug Impact: Drugs can directly or indirectly affect spermatogenesis. Examples include sulfonamides, furatanidine, cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, colchicine, and actinophene.
3. Radiation exposure can cause the most sensitive damage to immature cells, including the testicular epithelium, leading to delayed or arrested sperm cell division, and in severe cases, irreversible destruction.
4. Other factors, including alcoholism, smoking excessively, and drug abuse, can all suppress sperm production.
Chronic prostatitis, varicocele, and other conditions can inhibit sperm production.
Actually, the factors that affect a man's sperm count can also be attributed to poor habits that he may have neglected in daily life.
(1) The production and development of sperm are inseparable from nutrition. If one is picky or has a poor diet, it will affect the production and maturation of sperm and reduce their resistance.
(2) Long-term smoking and alcohol consumption have been found to cause sperm counts in smokers to be lower than those of healthy men, while alcohol can cause malformations in the heads and tails of sperm, reducing their vitality.
This can all result in fetal malformation.
(3) Long-term bathing with hot water, experts say that the temperature suitable for sperm development is about 34 degrees, so high temperature will adversely affect sperm development.
(4) Long-term cycling on a bicycle can cause the testes and prostate in the perineum to be pressed against the seat, resulting in ischemia, edema, and inflammation. This can affect sperm production and the normal secretion of semen and prostatic fluid, leading to infertility.
(5) The tight underwear may make the man's good figure more obvious, but it not only compresses the male reproductive organs and affects the normal development of testicles, but also because it is not breathable and does not cool down, it is not conducive to the survival of sperm.
Azoospermia refers to a condition wherein the sperm count in a man with reproductive capability is below normal.
The International Health Organization stipulates that the sperm count in men should not be less than 20 million per milliliter, and if it falls below this threshold, it is classified as oligospermia, which has a significant impact on fertility.
Generally, oligospermia is categorized into idiopathic oligospermia, primary oligospermia, and secondary oligospermia.
Idiopathic oligospermia accounts for 11% - 15% of infertility cases.
If further subdivided, it is termed mild oligospermia when less than 20 million, and moderate when between 1 to 5 million. Severe oligospermia is defined as less than 500 million in high-power fields. If the sperm count can only be detected with difficulty under a microscope or requires centrifugation before being visible, it is considered very low.
How is oligospermia diagnosed? 1. Sexual abstinence for 3 to 7 days; three or more routine semen analyses are required, and if the sperm density is below 20 million but no cause can be identified, it may be considered idiopathic oligospermia.
When the sperm density is less than 1 x 106/ml, it can be diagnosed as severe oligospermia.
2. Through inquiry into medical history, physical examination, and other laboratory tests (including genetic testing, endocrine hormone assays, microbiological examinations, anti-sperm antibodies, trace element assays, etc.), most causes of oligospermia can be identified.
When sperm count is low with the cause of secondary oligospermia, it can be diagnosed.
3. Based on symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, burning sensation in the urethra, and purulent discharge from the external urethral opening, along with elevated white blood cells in urine tests, a positive reaction in prostatic fluid examinations with more than 10 leukocytes per high-power field, and urinary culture results, a diagnosis of genitourinary inflammation can be made.
4. Immunological tests can ascertain the presence of autoimmunity, while chromosomal analysis can determine the presence of chromosomal abnormalities.
Determining serum FSH, LH, T, and PRL levels is also an important method for assessing oligospermia. If FSH and LH are below normal, it indicates secondary oligospermia; elevated PRL levels indicate oligospermia caused by hyperprolactinemia.
Additionally, some cases of oligospermia are idiopathic, referred to as idiopathic oligospermia.
Differential diagnosis with azoospermia and teratozoospermia: 1. Azoospermia: The absence of sperm in three semen analyses is diagnosed as azoospermia. Azoospermia is divided into two types: "congenital azoospermia" and "obstructive azoospermia." The former refers to the atrophy and degeneration of spermatogenic cells in the testes, preventing the production of sperm; the latter refers to the ability of the testes to produce sperm but the obstruction of the vas deferens preventing the expulsion of sperm.
2. Ovulatory failure: The percentage of live sperm in semen decreases, and if more than 40% are dead, it is referred to as ovulatory failure or teratozoospermia.
However, as a result of improper examination methods or failure to collect semen in accordance with normal procedures, artificially increased dead sperms are referred to as pseudo-spermatorrhea, which must be differentiated.
The treatment for oligospermia should be determined based on the actual condition.
If you suspect you have oligospermia, the best thing to do is to go to a hospital for a check-up and then seek targeted treatment.
The treatment for oligospermia is generally as follows: 1. If oligospermia is caused by varicocele, treatment can be carried out with varicocele ligation.
One year after operation, the rate of sperm density increased is about 50% to 80%, and the rate of pregnant women is about 30% to 50%, which is ideal.
2. If oligospermia is caused by an undescended testis, treatment should address the underlying issue of the undescended testis promptly.
Nowadays, it is generally advocated that the testicles should be removed before 2 years of age, and no later than 6 years.
If the other testis is normal, the testis in question can be removed.
Preserving one testicle does not affect sexual function or fertility.
3. Treatment of oligospermia should first address acute and chronic orchitis, epididymitis, prostatitis, and seminal vesiculitis among other genitourinary inflammations.
In addition, the treatment of oligospermia and teratozoospermia can be achieved by supplementing trace elements, particularly zinc, which has been shown to have a certain therapeutic effect on these conditions, with an evident increase in sperm count following medication.
In summary, the treatment of oligospermia must be based on identifying the underlying cause and selecting a reputable hospital, actively cooperating with the doctor's treatment.
Men should also be vigilant about early detection and treatment to prevent male infertility from affecting the family and marital harmony.
To prevent the formation or worsening of oligospermia, male friends should adopt good habits, change bad habits such as smoking and drinking, master certain sexual knowledge, understand the physiological characteristics and health knowledge of men.
If you discover any abnormal changes in your testicles, such as swelling, hardness, uneven surface, or pain, it is imperative to seek timely medical attention.
How can oligospermia be prevented? 1. Pay attention to personal hygiene: Personal hygiene is crucial for men, especially in terms of the hygiene of the reproductive organs. This helps men effectively prevent the invasion of many bacteria and also avoid their reproduction, playing a role in preventing oligospermia in men.
2. Pay Attention to Diet: In terms of diet, men should avoid consuming too much spicy and greasy foods. It's important to control the amount consumed; one should not overindulge. This is not only about maintaining physical functions but also involves controlling before the body's functions begin to protest. One should not forget about their health due to the deliciousness of food. Generally, a light diet is recommended.
Simultaneously, smoking and drinking also significantly affect the development of sperm. Therefore, male friends should try to quit smoking and drinking as much as possible.
Moreover, attention should be paid to the following dietary restrictions: (1) Avoid overly greasy foods and refrain from smoking and alcohol.
The germ cells in the testes encounter harmful components in tobacco, which affect sperm quantity and quality, leading to infertility or birth of malformed babies.
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to chronic alcoholism, which may result in poor sperm development or loss of motility.
(2) Celery: Studies have shown that celery can reduce the sperm count in men, so patients should avoid it. (3) Oyster: It has a cooling nature and easily harms Yang energy. Therefore, those men with impotence due to cold semen should not consume it.
(4) Other Foods: Such as winter melon, raw cucumber, eggplant, bitter gourd, banana, watermelon, tofu, mung beans, snails, pepper, and chili peppers.
3. Pay Attention to Lifestyle Habits: Males need to maintain adequate sleep, avoid staying up late, and can also do more physical exercise in the midst of stressful work, which helps relax their minds and soothe their emotions. Physical exercise can also enhance their resistance to diseases, thus it is essential for men to pay attention to maintaining good lifestyle habits, including sufficient sleep and regular exercise.
4. Avoid Chemicals: If men work in environments that involve exposure to radiation, high temperatures or chemicals, they must take protective measures as these can suppress sperm production.
When a guy friend is considering pregnancy, he should avoid these environments for half a year before thinking about the relevant matters of pregnancy and it's better to put clothes picked up from dry cleaners back on after a few days.
*The medical information presented in this text is for reference only.
In case of discomfort, it is advised to seek immediate medical attention for a precise diagnosis and treatment.