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Decrease in Ejaculate Volume: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

What are the symptoms of decreased ejaculate volume. What causes a reduction in semen output. How can weak ejaculation be treated. Which home remedies may help improve ejaculation strength.

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Understanding Weak Ejaculation and Its Impact

Weak ejaculation, characterized by a decrease in ejaculate volume or force, is a common concern among men, particularly as they age. This condition can affect sexual satisfaction and, in some cases, fertility. To better understand this issue, it’s crucial to examine the ejaculation process and its potential disruptions.

The Two-Stage Ejaculation Process

Ejaculation occurs in two distinct stages:

  1. Emission: Semen collects in the urethral bulb at the base of the penis.
  2. Expulsion: Muscles around the urethra contract to expel the semen through the penis.

Problems in either stage can lead to weak ejaculation, resulting in reduced volume or force of ejaculate.

Is Weak Ejaculation Always a Problem?

Weak ejaculation is often subjective and may not necessarily indicate a medical issue. However, it can become problematic if it:

  • Significantly impacts sexual satisfaction
  • Affects fertility due to reduced sperm count or volume
  • Occurs alongside other sexual dysfunctions

Common Causes of Decreased Ejaculate Volume

Several factors can contribute to a reduction in ejaculate volume or force. Understanding these causes is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Age-Related Factors

As men age, they may experience:

  • Weakened pelvic muscles, reducing ejaculation force
  • Declining androgen levels, affecting overall sexual function
  • Changes in prostate gland size and function

Medical Conditions

Various health issues can impact ejaculation, including:

  • Diabetes
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Prostate conditions

Retrograde Ejaculation

This condition occurs when semen flows backward into the bladder instead of out through the penis. Causes may include:

  • Prostate surgery
  • Certain medications
  • Nerve damage

Diagnosing Weak Ejaculation and Low Sperm Count

Proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of weak ejaculation and related issues.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Persistent reduction in ejaculate volume
  • Noticeable decrease in ejaculation force
  • Difficulty achieving orgasm
  • Concerns about fertility

Diagnostic Procedures

Your doctor may recommend:

  • Physical examination
  • Semen analysis
  • Hormone level tests
  • Imaging studies (if structural issues are suspected)

Understanding Sperm Count

A normal sperm count ranges from 15 million to over 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A count below 15 million per ml is considered low and may affect fertility.

Treatment Options for Weak Ejaculation

Treatment approaches vary depending on the underlying cause of weak ejaculation. Here are some common strategies:

Medications

For retrograde ejaculation, doctors may prescribe:

  • Brompheniramine (Veltane)
  • Chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • Ephedrine (Akovaz)
  • Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
  • Imipramine (Tofranil)
  • Midodrine (ProAmatine, Orvaten)

Lifestyle Modifications

Improving overall health can positively impact ejaculation. Consider:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Exercising regularly
  • Managing stress
  • Limiting alcohol consumption
  • Quitting smoking

Hormone Therapy

If low testosterone levels are contributing to weak ejaculation, hormone replacement therapy may be recommended under medical supervision.

Home Remedies and Exercises for Improved Ejaculation

While medical treatments are often necessary, some home remedies and exercises may help improve ejaculation strength and volume.

Kegel Exercises

Strengthening pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises can potentially improve ejaculation force. Here’s how to perform them:

  1. Identify the correct muscles by stopping urination midstream
  2. Contract these muscles for 3-5 seconds
  3. Relax for 3-5 seconds
  4. Repeat 10-15 times, 3 times daily

Hydration and Nutrition

Proper hydration and a balanced diet rich in zinc, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids may support overall sexual health and semen production.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Chronic stress can negatively impact sexual function. Consider incorporating stress-reduction practices such as:

  • Meditation
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Yoga
  • Regular physical activity

The Role of Supplements in Treating Weak Ejaculation

While various supplements are marketed for improving ejaculation and sexual function, their efficacy and safety are often questionable.

Caution with Herbal Supplements

It’s important to note that:

  • Many herbal supplements lack scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness
  • Some supplements can cause side effects or interact with medications
  • Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen

Potential Beneficial Nutrients

While more research is needed, some nutrients that may support sexual health include:

  • Zinc
  • L-arginine
  • Vitamin D
  • Folic acid

Psychological Aspects of Weak Ejaculation

The psychological impact of weak ejaculation should not be overlooked, as it can significantly affect a man’s self-esteem and relationships.

Addressing Anxiety and Depression

Sexual dysfunction, including weak ejaculation, can contribute to or exacerbate anxiety and depression. Seeking support from a mental health professional may be beneficial.

Communication with Partners

Open and honest communication with sexual partners about weak ejaculation can help:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety surrounding sexual encounters
  • Foster understanding and support
  • Explore alternative ways to achieve sexual satisfaction

Sex Therapy

For some individuals or couples, working with a certified sex therapist can provide valuable strategies for managing the emotional and relationship aspects of weak ejaculation.

Weak ejaculation and decreased ejaculate volume can be concerning issues for many men. While age-related changes are common, various medical conditions and lifestyle factors can also contribute to these problems. By understanding the causes, seeking appropriate medical attention, and exploring treatment options, many men can find relief and improve their sexual health. Remember that open communication with healthcare providers and partners is crucial in addressing and managing weak ejaculation effectively.

As research in sexual health continues to advance, new treatments and approaches may emerge. Staying informed about the latest developments and maintaining regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help ensure optimal sexual function and overall well-being. Whether through medical interventions, lifestyle modifications, or a combination of approaches, many men can successfully address weak ejaculation and enjoy a satisfying sex life.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

If you’re experiencing problems with ejaculation, age is a likely culprit. Seeing your doctor for diagnosis and treatment can help.

What is weak ejaculation?

If you don’t ejaculate with as much force as you used to, it’s likely because you’re growing older. Just as age weakens your muscles and changes your eyesight, it can reduce both the strength and volume of your ejaculation.

Every ejaculation releases semen from your body through your penis. The process happens in two stages:

  • During the first stage, called emission, semen (sperm-containing fluid) collects in the urethral bulb at the base of your penis.
  • During the second stage, called expulsion, muscles around your urethra squeeze to push the semen out through your penis.

A problem in the first stage of this process can reduce the amount of semen you ejaculate. A problem with the second stage can reduce the force with which semen is expelled.

Weak ejaculation is largely subjective, meaning it’s often noticed by the person. Orgasm intensity varies from man to man. Though ejaculation may feel weaker than normal to you, it may not be a problem unless it impacts your enjoyment of sex. A weaker orgasm may not feel as satisfying as a stronger one.

A bigger issue is if you ejaculate less fluid or sperm. This can be a problem if you plan to have children. Other common age-related problems are trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction) or having an orgasm (anorgasmia).

Sexual problems can be hard to discuss, even with your doctor. Yet being open about what’s happening can help you find a solution and prevent weak ejaculation from affecting your sex life.

Any condition that affects the muscles and nerves controlling ejaculation can lead to a weaker-than-normal orgasm.

Weakened pelvic muscles

Age takes its toll on the muscles that push semen out of your body. When these muscles weaken, the force of your ejaculation can decline.

Low hormone levels

A satisfying sex life relies on male hormones called androgens. As you get older, levels of these hormones decline. A significant drop in levels can lead to weaker orgasms.

Retrograde ejaculation

Each time you ejaculate, semen travels down your urethra and out through your penis. A valve acts like a gate between your bladder and urethra. It prevents semen from getting into your bladder.

If this valve stays open, semen can travel back into your bladder instead of flowing out of your penis. This condition is called retrograde ejaculation. Your orgasms may be weak or completely dry.

Causes of retrograde ejaculation include:

  • surgery to treat prostate or testicular cancer, an enlarged prostate gland, or a weak urine stream
  • drugs used to treat prostate enlargement, high blood pressure, and depression
  • nerve damage caused by diseases like multiple sclerosis or diabetes
  • spinal cord injury

Perceived ejaculate volume reduction (PEVR) means you release less semen than you once did. PEVR is a common type of ejaculatory dysfunction in men.

PEVR can be a side effect of treatment for cancer and other conditions. Or it may be a sign of a problem with male hormone production. PEVR typically occurs alongside other problems with ejaculation and erection.

Low ejaculate volume has been linked to these conditions:

  • radiation of the prostate gland for cancer
  • medications used to treat an enlarged prostate gland, high blood pressure, and depression
  • diabetes
  • problem with the testes that leads to low or no male hormone production

How your doctor treats weak ejaculation depends on what caused it. A few drugs can help treat retrograde ejaculation by keeping your bladder closed while you ejaculate. These can include:

  • brompheniramine (Veltane)
  • chlorpheneriamine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • ephedrine (Akovaz)
  • pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
  • imipramine (Tofranil)
  • midodrine (ProAmatine, Orvaten)

If an alpha blocker or other drug you’re taking causes weak ejaculation, ask your doctor if you can switch to another medication. If you have diabetes, getting it under the best control possible can also help.

Home remedies

To strengthen the muscles that help you ejaculate, you can try Kegel exercises. During these exercises, you squeeze and release the muscles you use to control urination. One small study showed an improvement in premature ejaculation following 12 weeks of pelvic floor muscle training, including Kegel exercises.

Supplements

A few supplements have been promoted for treating weak ejaculation. However, there’s no evidence these products work. And because many herbal supplements can cause side effects, don’t take anything without first asking your doctor.

A normal sperm count is between 15 million to more than 200 million sperm in each milliliter (ml) of semen. Your doctor will diagnose you with a low sperm count if you have less than 15 million sperm per ml of semen, or you release less than 39 million sperm each time you ejaculate.

Having a low sperm count can reduce your odds of conceiving a child. Here are a few tips to help boost your sperm count.

  • Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. Research finds that men who get too little or too much sleep, or who go to bed late, have lower sperm counts and less healthy sperm than those who routinely get enough sleep.
  • Exercise — but not too intensely. Being overweight can reduce both the quantity and quality of your sperm. Exercise may improve semen quality by altering hormone levels. Just limit long-term intense physical training, which may actually reduce your sperm count and quality.
  • Don’t smoke. In addition to causing cancer and heart disease, smoking affects sperm counts and quality. Talk to your doctor about a smoking cessation program, or consider using an app to help you quit for good.
  • Get more antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium, and lycopene in your diet. These natural plant substances may protect cells — including sperm — from damage. In one study, higher levels of antioxidants in semen were found in men who had higher sperm counts.
  • Eat fewer trans fats. High levels of these unhealthy fats, which are often found in fried foods and unhealthy baked goods, have been linked to a lower sperm count.

If these methods don’t work, a doctor may prescribe medication to help increase your sperm count. A variety of hormonal treatments like clomiphene citrate (Serophene) and follitropin alfa lyophilisate (Gonal-f) may be used to treat this problem.

However, while many of these treatments are approved for women, use by men is considered “off-label.” That is, although they may be effective for the treatment of male infertility, these medications aren’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this use. If your doctor recommends off-label use of one of these medications, it’s important to take that medication under their supervision. Learn more about off-label medication use.

It can be difficult to talk about sexual problems with your doctor. But only by having this conversation can you get help with ejaculation issues.

See your doctor if:

  • Your ejaculations are weak or contain less fluid than usual.
  • You can’t get an erection.
  • You have pain during or after sex.
  • There’s blood in your semen.
  • Your urine is cloudy after you orgasm.

Problems with ejaculation are common in men, particularly as they age. If your sexual function has changed in any way, see a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Home Remedies

If you’re experiencing problems with ejaculation, age is a likely culprit. Seeing your doctor for diagnosis and treatment can help.

What is weak ejaculation?

If you don’t ejaculate with as much force as you used to, it’s likely because you’re growing older. Just as age weakens your muscles and changes your eyesight, it can reduce both the strength and volume of your ejaculation.

Every ejaculation releases semen from your body through your penis. The process happens in two stages:

  • During the first stage, called emission, semen (sperm-containing fluid) collects in the urethral bulb at the base of your penis.
  • During the second stage, called expulsion, muscles around your urethra squeeze to push the semen out through your penis.

A problem in the first stage of this process can reduce the amount of semen you ejaculate. A problem with the second stage can reduce the force with which semen is expelled.

Weak ejaculation is largely subjective, meaning it’s often noticed by the person. Orgasm intensity varies from man to man. Though ejaculation may feel weaker than normal to you, it may not be a problem unless it impacts your enjoyment of sex. A weaker orgasm may not feel as satisfying as a stronger one.

A bigger issue is if you ejaculate less fluid or sperm. This can be a problem if you plan to have children. Other common age-related problems are trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction) or having an orgasm (anorgasmia).

Sexual problems can be hard to discuss, even with your doctor. Yet being open about what’s happening can help you find a solution and prevent weak ejaculation from affecting your sex life.

Any condition that affects the muscles and nerves controlling ejaculation can lead to a weaker-than-normal orgasm.

Weakened pelvic muscles

Age takes its toll on the muscles that push semen out of your body. When these muscles weaken, the force of your ejaculation can decline.

Low hormone levels

A satisfying sex life relies on male hormones called androgens. As you get older, levels of these hormones decline. A significant drop in levels can lead to weaker orgasms.

Retrograde ejaculation

Each time you ejaculate, semen travels down your urethra and out through your penis. A valve acts like a gate between your bladder and urethra. It prevents semen from getting into your bladder.

If this valve stays open, semen can travel back into your bladder instead of flowing out of your penis. This condition is called retrograde ejaculation. Your orgasms may be weak or completely dry.

Causes of retrograde ejaculation include:

  • surgery to treat prostate or testicular cancer, an enlarged prostate gland, or a weak urine stream
  • drugs used to treat prostate enlargement, high blood pressure, and depression
  • nerve damage caused by diseases like multiple sclerosis or diabetes
  • spinal cord injury

Perceived ejaculate volume reduction (PEVR) means you release less semen than you once did. PEVR is a common type of ejaculatory dysfunction in men.

PEVR can be a side effect of treatment for cancer and other conditions. Or it may be a sign of a problem with male hormone production. PEVR typically occurs alongside other problems with ejaculation and erection.

Low ejaculate volume has been linked to these conditions:

  • radiation of the prostate gland for cancer
  • medications used to treat an enlarged prostate gland, high blood pressure, and depression
  • diabetes
  • problem with the testes that leads to low or no male hormone production

How your doctor treats weak ejaculation depends on what caused it. A few drugs can help treat retrograde ejaculation by keeping your bladder closed while you ejaculate. These can include:

  • brompheniramine (Veltane)
  • chlorpheneriamine (Chlor-Trimeton)
  • ephedrine (Akovaz)
  • pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
  • imipramine (Tofranil)
  • midodrine (ProAmatine, Orvaten)

If an alpha blocker or other drug you’re taking causes weak ejaculation, ask your doctor if you can switch to another medication. If you have diabetes, getting it under the best control possible can also help.

Home remedies

To strengthen the muscles that help you ejaculate, you can try Kegel exercises. During these exercises, you squeeze and release the muscles you use to control urination. One small study showed an improvement in premature ejaculation following 12 weeks of pelvic floor muscle training, including Kegel exercises.

Supplements

A few supplements have been promoted for treating weak ejaculation. However, there’s no evidence these products work. And because many herbal supplements can cause side effects, don’t take anything without first asking your doctor.

A normal sperm count is between 15 million to more than 200 million sperm in each milliliter (ml) of semen. Your doctor will diagnose you with a low sperm count if you have less than 15 million sperm per ml of semen, or you release less than 39 million sperm each time you ejaculate.

Having a low sperm count can reduce your odds of conceiving a child. Here are a few tips to help boost your sperm count.

  • Get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night. Research finds that men who get too little or too much sleep, or who go to bed late, have lower sperm counts and less healthy sperm than those who routinely get enough sleep.
  • Exercise — but not too intensely. Being overweight can reduce both the quantity and quality of your sperm. Exercise may improve semen quality by altering hormone levels. Just limit long-term intense physical training, which may actually reduce your sperm count and quality.
  • Don’t smoke. In addition to causing cancer and heart disease, smoking affects sperm counts and quality. Talk to your doctor about a smoking cessation program, or consider using an app to help you quit for good.
  • Get more antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium, and lycopene in your diet. These natural plant substances may protect cells — including sperm — from damage. In one study, higher levels of antioxidants in semen were found in men who had higher sperm counts.
  • Eat fewer trans fats. High levels of these unhealthy fats, which are often found in fried foods and unhealthy baked goods, have been linked to a lower sperm count.

If these methods don’t work, a doctor may prescribe medication to help increase your sperm count. A variety of hormonal treatments like clomiphene citrate (Serophene) and follitropin alfa lyophilisate (Gonal-f) may be used to treat this problem.

However, while many of these treatments are approved for women, use by men is considered “off-label.” That is, although they may be effective for the treatment of male infertility, these medications aren’t approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this use. If your doctor recommends off-label use of one of these medications, it’s important to take that medication under their supervision. Learn more about off-label medication use.

It can be difficult to talk about sexual problems with your doctor. But only by having this conversation can you get help with ejaculation issues.

See your doctor if:

  • Your ejaculations are weak or contain less fluid than usual.
  • You can’t get an erection.
  • You have pain during or after sex.
  • There’s blood in your semen.
  • Your urine is cloudy after you orgasm.

Problems with ejaculation are common in men, particularly as they age. If your sexual function has changed in any way, see a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.

Types of sperm pathology detected by ejaculate analysis.

The cause of male infertility is most often pathological conditions of sperm. To determine the type of sperm pathology – pathospermia – an analysis of the ejaculate is prescribed and a spermogram is compiled, in which all the characteristics of spermatozoa are indicated. For various deviations from the norm of sperm characteristics, there are terms – asthenozoospermia, azoospermia, teratozoospermia, etc. This article is devoted to their consideration.

During the analysis of the ejaculate, the following characteristics are examined:

  • volume of ejaculate;
  • viscosity;
  • liquefaction period;
  • acidity;
  • smell;
  • sperm count;
  • their mobility;
  • determination of the proportion of spermatozoa with an abnormal structure;
  • sperm viability assessment;
  • content of leukocytes and erythrocytes in semen;
  • detection of antisperm antibodies.

Based on the data obtained, a conclusion is made about the state of the sperm. If no deviation from the norm is found in any of the characteristics, then the ejaculate is considered normal, which in medical terminology is denoted by the word “normozoospermia” or “normospermia”. In cases of detection of deviations from the norms of various sperm parameters, the following terms are used to designate them.

Azoospermia. This term refers to the complete absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate. Azoospermia can be of three types: secretory (non-obstructive), when spermatozoa are not produced in the testicles, excretory (obstructive), when germ cells are produced, but due to obstruction of the vas deferens they cannot enter the ejaculate, and combined, when both of these factors occur . Treatment of azoospermia has a more favorable prognosis if spermatogenesis is not impaired and the pathology is obstructive. Among the causes of azoospermia, the most common are the toxic effects of chemical compounds and radiation, genetic disorders, blockage of the vas deferens due to inflammatory processes.

Oligospermia. With this pathology, a decrease in the volume of ejaculate is observed. Normally, the amount of sperm ejected should be at least 1.5 ml. The less it stands out, the lower the likelihood that it will be able to get to the place of fertilization. Oligospermia can be caused by too active sex life, in this case, with a decrease in sexual activity, it disappears. To avoid errors before donating sperm for analysis, it is necessary to refrain from ejaculation for 4-5 days.

Oligozoospermia is a condition of sperm in which the concentration of spermatozoa in the ejaculate is below normal. Now it is considered acceptable to contain at least 39-20 million spermatozoa with a high fertilizing capacity in 1 ml of ejaculate, with their lower concentration, difficulties with fertilization may arise.

Asthenozoospermia. With this pathology of sperm, a decrease in sperm motility is observed. Normally, the ejaculate should contain at least 40% of active germ cells, with their lower concentration there is a risk of infertility. Asthenozoospermia has several degrees – from mild, when the deviation from the norm is insignificant, to the most severe – akinozoospermia – the complete absence of motile spermatozoa in the ejaculate.

Teratozoospermia – excess of the permissible percentage of defective germ cells. Not all germ cells in sperm have the correct structure. Some of them have various anomalies: too large, small or bifurcated head, bifurcated flagellum, etc. Depending on the research method used, the norms for the number of abnormal spermatozoa vary. Now the most commonly used method is the “stained smear”, using which the proportion of detected abnormal germ cells should not exceed 85%.

Leukospermia (pyospermia) is an increased level of leukocytes in semen. Normally, the content of white blood cells in the ejaculate should not exceed 1 million / 1 ml. A larger number indicates the course of inflammatory processes and the presence of infection in the organs of the genitourinary system. In such cases, examination and treatment of both sexual partners is necessary.

All these pathologies of sperm can occur both in pure form and in combination with each other. In the second case, their names are combined into one, for example – oligoasthenozoospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, etc.

Disorders of spermatogenesis in men – treatment and diagnosis

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Violation of spermatogenesis – diagnosis and treatment

Spermatogenesis is very sensitive to external and internal influences, negative influences worsen the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of sperm. As a result – problems with conception

What is spermatogenesis?

Spermatogenesis is the formation, development and maturation of spermatozoa in the male body. Spermatogenesis is very sensitive to external and internal influences. Negative impacts worsen the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of sperm. As a result – problems with conception. Fortunately, today doctors are able to overcome male infertility caused by sperm pathologies.

The Liniya Zhizni center has all the conditions for accurate diagnosis of spermatogenesis disorders and treatment of male infertility. A team of a reproductive specialist, an andrologist-urologist and an embryologist works on each case. Our doctors make patients with the most serious sperm pathologies happy dads.

Briefly about spermatogenesis

The process starts in the male body during puberty, is regulated by hormones, and ideally continues until old age. One cycle takes approximately 73-75 days. Each time, a multi-million army of spermatozoa is formed in the seminiferous tubules.

Male sex cells are produced under the influence of follicle-stimulating (FSH) and luteinizing (LH) hormones. LH stimulates the production of testosterone, and FSH together with testosterone affects spermatogenesis.

It is erroneously believed that if a man has everything in order with his sexual life, then with the quality of sperm too. And when you already have one child, then in the future there should definitely be no problems with childbearing. Meanwhile, almost half of the cases of infertility in a couple are associated with a male factor, which is usually caused by one or another pathology of the sperm. What causes malfunctions in spermatogenesis?

Factors impairing spermatogenesis

Internal:

  • Low FSH and/or LH due to hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction.
  • Inflammatory processes.
  • Congenital anomalies of the reproductive system.
  • Malfunctions of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland.
  • Varicocele.
  • Dropsy of the testicles, testicular torsion.
  • Diabetes mellitus.
  • Obesity.
  • Inguinal hernia.

External:

  • STDs and genital tract infections.
  • Injuries of the genital organs, blood vessels.
  • Poisoning of the body with chemicals, salts of heavy metals.
  • Smoking and alcohol.
  • Exposure to certain medications, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
  • Exposure to high temperatures.
  • Effect of radiation.
  • Nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition.

These factors can reduce the concentration of spermatozoa, worsen their mobility and morphology. Concentration, mobility and morphology (structure) are the main characteristics that determine the ability of sperm to fertilize.

Spermogram – diagnosis of sperm pathologies

The main method for determining the ability of seminal fluid to fertilization is a spermogram. This is a study of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of sperm under a microscope. It is necessarily carried out when a couple turns to a reproductologist for help.

It is the spermogram that makes it possible to identify pathological conditions of sperm, if a man has them. We can talk about violations when some characteristic deviates from the norm.

Main indicators of spermogram. WHO standards:

  • Ejaculate volume – 1.5 ml
  • Sperm count – from 39 million
  • Sperm concentration – from 15 million in 1 ml
  • Motile sperm – from 40%
  • Spermatozoa with progressive movement – from 32%
  • Pot life – from 58%
  • Morphology, number of normal forms – from 4%

If all spermogram parameters are normal, the conclusion refers to normospermia. If there are deviations, the specialist’s prognosis depends on their severity. With a slightly pronounced violation, the probability of physiological conception remains. Significant inhibition of one or another characteristic suggests that it was it that led to infertility.

Important information

One spermogram is not enough to make a diagnosis. The study must be carried out at least twice, with a certain time interval. The patient must take a responsible approach to the delivery of sperm for analysis. Otherwise, the probability of an unreliable result is high.

Rules for preparing for sperm donation
  • Cure inflammatory diseases.
  • Refrain from alcohol and medication for 7 days before the test.
  • A week before the procedure, do not visit the sauna and bath, do not take hot baths.
  • At least 3-4 days before the procedure (but not more than 6 days) refrain from sexual activity.
  • Smoking men to give up bad habits at least for a few hours before donating sperm.

For a reliable result, a lot is also required from the laboratory in which the ejaculate is examined. The specialist doing the analysis must have an accurate microscope of the latest generation, modern materials. Of great importance is his experience in the study of sperm.

To clarify the diagnosis, additional examinations are prescribed: ultrasound, blood test for hormones, etc.

Types of spermatogenesis disorders

Deterioration of each important indicator is considered a separate pathology of sperm. Here are some common disorders that often lead to male infertility.

  1. Azoospermia. Lack of germ cells in the ejaculate, one of the most severe pathologies of sperm. It can be secretory (when no spermatozoa are formed in the testicles) and obstructive (when sperm do not enter the ejaculate due to the presence of an obstruction in the vas deferens). Full information about azoospermia, its causes, consequences and methods of treatment is presented here
  2. Asthenozoospermia. Decreased mobility and speed of germ cells. Depending on the severity of the problem, the degree of azoospermia is determined – 1, 2 or 3.
  3. Oligozoospermia. Sperm concentration (amount in 1 milliliter of ejaculate) below the standard value. It is customary to distinguish between several degrees of oligozoospermia.
  4. Teratozoospermia. Poor morphology, the number of pathological spermatozoa in the ejaculate is higher than the standard value. A spermogram can show that the patient has not one isolated violation of spermatogenesis, but a combination of two or even three. In this case, the name of the pathology consists of several:
  5. Asthenoteratozoospermia. Low sperm motility is associated with poor morphology.
  6. Oligoastenoteratozoospermia. Low sperm concentration associated with impaired motility and poor morphology.

Treatment of pathologies of spermatogenesis

The range of methods for treating pathologies of sperm is wide, the choice depends on the cause that led to the violation. Sometimes it’s enough just to eliminate the impact of a negative factor, to change your lifestyle.

For example, spermatogenesis can recover by itself after cessation of contact with chemicals, withdrawal of appropriate medications. But more often more serious measures are required.

  • Drug therapy for infectious diseases. Mandatory for both spouses.
  • A course of anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Hormone therapy.
  • Surgical methods. Surgical interventions are used for varicocele, inguinal hernia, dropsy of the testicle, etc.

When the treatment fails or the couple is not ready to wait for the result of the therapy, the couple is scheduled for in vitro fertilization. The choice in favor of IVF is often made due to the late reproductive age of patients.

In case of sperm pathologies, the IVF program includes additional reproductive technologies:

  • ICSI / PICSI procedures (the embryologist selects the best sperm and helps it penetrate the egg).
  • testicular and adnexal biopsy (used to obtain spermatozoa for azoospermia).

In the most difficult situations, IVF with donor sperm may be recommended to spouses. Thanks to the rapid progress of reproductive medicine, such cases are becoming less every year.

Treatment of spermatogenesis disorders in the Life Line Center

Infertility is not a sentence, even if it occurs as a result of the most severe pathology of spermatogenesis. Thousands of our patients have experienced this firsthand. Having once turned to the help of Life Line specialists, now they are enjoying fatherhood.

The effectiveness of the treatment of sperm pathologies in our clinics is based on several factors:

  1. We make a spermogram in our own laboratory, the advanced level of which is confirmed by an international audit. The study is performed by an embryologist of the highest category. All relevant standards are followed.
  2. Cases of infertility due to impaired spermatogenesis are dealt with by a team of doctors – urologist-andrologist, reproductive specialist, embryologist.