What are the main causes of low sperm count. How can low sperm count be diagnosed. What are the most effective treatments for increasing sperm count. Can lifestyle changes improve sperm production. Are there natural remedies for boosting sperm count. How does varicocele affect male fertility. What role do hormones play in sperm production.

Understanding Low Sperm Count: A Comprehensive Overview

Low sperm count, medically known as oligospermia, is a condition where the semen ejaculated during orgasm contains fewer sperm than normal. This condition is diagnosed when there are fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. While it can make conception more challenging, many men with low sperm count can still father children. The complete absence of sperm in semen is called azoospermia.

The complexity of sperm production involves the testicles, hypothalamus, and pituitary glands. Any disruption in these systems can affect sperm production, shape, movement, or function. Often, the exact cause of low sperm count remains unidentified, making it a puzzling condition for many couples trying to conceive.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Low Sperm Count

The primary indicator of low sperm count is difficulty conceiving after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse. However, other symptoms may include:

• Sexual function issues (low libido or erectile dysfunction)
• Discomfort or swelling in the testicle area
• Reduced facial or body hair
• Signs of hormonal imbalances

It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms or have been unable to conceive after a year of trying.

Medical Causes of Low Sperm Count: From Varicocele to Hormonal Imbalances

Several medical conditions can contribute to low sperm count. Understanding these causes is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Varicocele: The Most Common Reversible Cause

Varicocele, a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle, is the most frequent reversible cause of male infertility. It affects sperm quality, possibly due to abnormal testicular temperature regulation. How does varicocele impact sperm production? The elevated temperature in the scrotum caused by varicocele can impair sperm production and reduce sperm quality, leading to lower counts and decreased motility.

Infections and Their Impact on Sperm Health

Various infections can interfere with sperm production or health. These include:

• Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis)
• Orchitis (inflammation of the testicles)
• Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhea or HIV

While some infections may cause permanent damage, sperm retrieval is often still possible in many cases.

Ejaculation Problems and Their Effects

Ejaculation issues can significantly impact sperm count. Retrograde ejaculation, where semen enters the bladder instead of exiting through the penis, is one such problem. Various health conditions and medications can cause ejaculatory problems, some of which may be reversible.

The Role of the Immune System: Anti-Sperm Antibodies

In some cases, the immune system may mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders, producing antibodies to destroy them. This autoimmune response can significantly reduce sperm count and impair fertility.

Environmental and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Sperm Count

Beyond medical causes, various environmental and lifestyle factors can influence sperm production and quality.

The Impact of Industrial Chemicals

Extended exposure to certain industrial chemicals can affect sperm production. These include:

• Benzenes
• Toluene
• Xylene
• Herbicides
• Pesticides

How do these chemicals affect sperm production? They can disrupt the endocrine system, interfering with hormone production and regulation, which are crucial for healthy sperm development.

Heavy Metal Exposure and Sperm Health

Exposure to heavy metals like lead or cadmium can impact sperm production. These metals can accumulate in the body over time, potentially damaging the testicles and affecting sperm quality.

Radiation and X-Rays: Short-term and Long-term Effects

High doses of radiation or X-rays can significantly reduce sperm production. While the effect is often temporary, very high doses can cause permanent damage to sperm production.

Overheating: A Surprising Factor in Sperm Production

Elevated temperatures in the scrotum can impair sperm production. Activities that may lead to overheating include:

• Frequent use of saunas or hot tubs
• Sitting for long periods
• Wearing tight clothing
• Working on a laptop computer for extended times

Lifestyle Choices and Their Influence on Sperm Count

Certain lifestyle factors can significantly impact sperm production and quality. Understanding these can help men make informed choices to improve their fertility.

The Role of Drug Use and Alcohol Consumption

Substance abuse can severely affect sperm production. Anabolic steroids, cocaine, and marijuana can all reduce sperm count. Excessive alcohol consumption can lower testosterone levels and decrease sperm production.

Smoking and Its Effects on Sperm Health

Tobacco use has been linked to reduced sperm count and motility. The toxins in cigarette smoke can damage sperm DNA, potentially affecting fertility and the health of future offspring.

Obesity: A Growing Concern for Male Fertility

Excess body weight can directly impact sperm production by altering hormone levels. Obesity is associated with lower testosterone levels and higher estrogen levels, both of which can impair sperm production.

Emotional Stress and Its Impact on Fertility

Severe or prolonged emotional stress can interfere with hormones needed to produce sperm. Stress management techniques may help improve overall reproductive health.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Low Sperm Count

Diagnosing and treating low sperm count involves a comprehensive approach, considering various factors that may contribute to the condition.

Diagnostic Procedures: From Semen Analysis to Genetic Testing

The primary diagnostic tool for low sperm count is a semen analysis. This test evaluates various aspects of sperm health, including:

• Sperm count
• Sperm motility
• Sperm morphology
• Semen volume

Additional tests may include hormone evaluations, genetic testing, and imaging studies to identify potential underlying causes.

Treatment Approaches: Addressing the Root Cause

Treatment for low sperm count depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Surgery (e.g., for varicocele repair)
• Hormone treatments
• Antibiotics for infections
• Assisted reproductive technologies

In some cases, lifestyle modifications and natural remedies may be recommended to improve sperm count and overall reproductive health.

Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Changes to Boost Sperm Count

While medical treatments are often necessary, certain natural approaches and lifestyle modifications can help improve sperm count and quality.

Dietary Changes for Improved Sperm Health

A balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support sperm production. Foods that may benefit sperm health include:

• Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants
• Nuts and seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• Lean proteins
• Whole grains

Avoiding processed foods, excessive sugar, and trans fats may also contribute to better sperm health.

Exercise and Its Role in Sperm Production

Regular moderate exercise can improve overall health and potentially boost sperm production. However, excessive or intense exercise may have the opposite effect. Finding the right balance is key to optimizing reproductive health.

Stress Management Techniques for Fertility

Chronic stress can negatively impact sperm production. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or regular relaxation exercises may help improve sperm count and overall fertility.

Supplements and Herbs: Potential Benefits and Risks

Certain supplements and herbs have been traditionally used to support male fertility. These include:

• Zinc
• Folate
• Vitamin C
• Ashwagandha
• Maca root

However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as some may interact with medications or have unintended side effects.

The Psychological Impact of Low Sperm Count: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with low sperm count can be emotionally challenging for men and their partners. Understanding the psychological aspects and developing coping strategies is crucial for overall well-being.

Emotional Challenges: Addressing Feelings of Inadequacy

Many men experience feelings of inadequacy or reduced masculinity when diagnosed with low sperm count. It’s important to recognize that fertility issues are common and do not define one’s worth or manhood. Open communication with partners and healthcare providers can help address these emotional challenges.

The Importance of Partner Support

A supportive partner can make a significant difference in coping with fertility issues. Encouraging open dialogue, sharing concerns, and making joint decisions about treatment options can strengthen relationships during this challenging time.

Professional Counseling and Support Groups

Seeking professional counseling or joining support groups can provide valuable emotional support and coping strategies. These resources can help individuals and couples navigate the complex emotions associated with fertility challenges.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook: Focus on Overall Health

While addressing low sperm count, it’s beneficial to focus on overall health and well-being. Adopting a healthy lifestyle not only supports fertility but can also improve general health and quality of life.

Understanding low sperm count, its causes, and treatment options is crucial for men facing fertility challenges. By combining medical interventions with lifestyle modifications and emotional support, many couples can overcome this obstacle and achieve their goal of starting a family. Remember, each individual’s journey is unique, and personalized care from healthcare professionals is essential in addressing low sperm count effectively.

Low sperm count – Symptoms and causes

Overview

Low sperm count means that the fluid (semen) you ejaculate during an orgasm contains fewer sperm than normal.

A low sperm count is also called oligospermia (ol-ih-go-SPUR-me-uh). A complete absence of sperm is called azoospermia. Your sperm count is considered lower than normal if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.

Having a low sperm count decreases the odds that one of your sperm will fertilize your partner’s egg, resulting in pregnancy. Nonetheless, many men who have a low sperm count are still able to father a child.

Symptoms

The main sign of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. There might be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some men, an underlying problem such as an inherited chromosomal abnormality, a hormonal imbalance, dilated testicular veins or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause signs and symptoms.

Low sperm count symptoms might include:

• Problems with sexual function — for example, low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area
• Decreased facial or body hair or other signs of a chromosome or hormone abnormality

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have been unable to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse or sooner if you have any of the following:

• Erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function
• Pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle area
• A history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems
• A groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery

Causes

The production of sperm is a complex process and requires normal functioning of the testicles (testes) as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands — organs in your brain that produce hormones that trigger sperm production. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis. Problems with any of these systems can affect sperm production.

Also, there can be problems of abnormal sperm shape (morphology), movement (motility) or function.

However, often the cause of low sperm count isn’t identified.

Medical causes

Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include:

• Varicocele. A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It’s the most common reversible cause of male infertility. Although the exact reason that varicoceles cause infertility is unknown, it might be related to abnormal testicular temperature regulation. Varicoceles result in reduced quality of the sperm.
• Infection. Some infections can interfere with sperm production or sperm health or can cause scarring that blocks the passage of sperm. These include inflammation of the epididymis (epididymitis) or testicles (orchitis) and some sexually transmitted infections, including gonorrhea or HIV. Although some infections can result in permanent testicular damage, most often sperm can still be retrieved.

• Ejaculation problems. Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen enters the bladder during orgasm instead of emerging out of the tip of the penis. Various health conditions can cause retrograde ejaculation or lack of ejaculation, including diabetes, spinal injuries, and surgery of the bladder, prostate or urethra.

  Certain medications also might result in ejaculatory problems, such as blood pressure medications known as alpha blockers. Some ejaculatory problems can be reversed, while others are permanent. In most cases of permanent ejaculation problems, sperm can still be retrieved directly from the testicles.

• Antibodies that attack sperm. Anti-sperm antibodies are immune system cells that mistakenly identify sperm as harmful invaders and attempt to destroy them.
• Tumors. Cancers and nonmalignant tumors can affect the male reproductive organs directly, through the glands that release hormones related to reproduction, such as the pituitary gland, or through unknown causes. Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy to treat tumors also can affect male fertility.
• Undescended testicles. During fetal development one or both testicles sometimes fail to descend from the abdomen into the sac that normally contains the testicles (scrotum). Decreased fertility is more likely in men with this condition.
• Hormone imbalances. The hypothalamus, pituitary and testicles produce hormones that are necessary to create sperm. Alterations in these hormones, as well as from other systems such as the thyroid and adrenal gland, may impair sperm production.

• Defects of tubules that transport sperm. Many different tubes carry sperm. They can be blocked due to various causes, including inadvertent injury from surgery, prior infections, trauma or abnormal development, such as with cystic fibrosis or similar inherited conditions.

  Blockage can occur at any level, including within the testicle, in the tubes that drain the testicle, in the epididymis, in the vas deferens, near the ejaculatory ducts or in the urethra.

• Chromosome defects. Inherited disorders such as Klinefelter’s syndrome — in which a male is born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one X and one Y — cause abnormal development of the male reproductive organs. Other genetic syndromes associated with infertility include cystic fibrosis, Kallmann’s syndrome and Kartagener’s syndrome.
• Celiac disease. A digestive disorder caused by sensitivity to gluten, celiac disease can cause male infertility. Fertility may improve after adopting a gluten-free diet.
• Certain medications. Testosterone replacement therapy, long-term anabolic steroid use, cancer medications (chemotherapy), certain antifungal and antibiotic medications, some ulcer medications, and other medications can impair sperm production and decrease male fertility.
• Prior surgeries. Certain surgeries might prevent you from having sperm in your ejaculate, including vasectomy, inguinal hernia repairs, scrotal or testicular surgeries, prostate surgeries, and large abdominal surgeries performed for testicular and rectal cancers, among others. In most cases, surgery can be performed to either reverse these blockages or to retrieve sperm directly from the epididymis and testicles.

Environmental causes

Sperm production or function can be affected by overexposure to certain environmental elements, including:

• Industrial chemicals. Extended exposure to benzenes, toluene, xylene, herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead might contribute to low sperm counts.
• Heavy metal exposure. Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also can cause infertility.
• Radiation or X-rays. Exposure to radiation can reduce sperm production. It can take several years for sperm production to return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced.

• Overheating the testicles. Elevated temperatures impair sperm production and function. Although studies are limited and are inconclusive, frequent use of saunas or hot tubs might temporarily impair sperm count.

  Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time also might increase the temperature in your scrotum and slightly reduce sperm production.

Health, lifestyle and other causes

Other causes of low sperm count include:

• Drug use. Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Use of cocaine or marijuana might reduce the number and quality of your sperm as well.
• Alcohol use. Drinking alcohol can lower testosterone levels and cause decreased sperm production.
• Occupation. Certain occupations might be linked with a risk of infertility, including welding or those associated with prolonged sitting, such as truck driving. However, the data to support these associations is inconsistent.
• Tobacco smoking. Men who smoke might have a lower sperm count than do those who don’t smoke.
• Emotional stress. Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including stress about fertility, might interfere with hormones needed to produce sperm.
• Depression. Being depressed may negatively affect sperm concentration.
• Weight. Obesity can impair fertility in several ways, including directly impacting sperm and by causing hormone changes that reduce male fertility.
• Sperm testing issues. Lower than normal sperm counts can result from testing a sperm sample that was taken too soon after your last ejaculation; was taken too soon after an illness or stressful event; or didn’t contain all of the semen you ejaculated because some was spilled during collection. For this reason, results are generally based on several samples taken over a period of time.

Risk factors

A number of risk factors are linked to low sperm count and other problems that can cause low sperm count. They include:

• Smoking tobacco
• Drinking alcohol
• Using certain illicit drugs
• Being overweight
• Being severely depressed or stressed
• Having certain past or present infections
• Being exposed to toxins
• Overheating the testicles
• Having experienced trauma to the testicles
• Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative, such as your brother or father, with a fertility disorder
• Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses
• Undergoing cancer treatments, such as radiation
• Taking certain medications
• Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
• Having a history of undescended testicles

Complications

Infertility caused by low sperm count can be stressful for both you and your partner. Complications can include:

• Surgery or other treatments for an underlying cause of low sperm count
• Expensive and involved assisted reproductive techniques, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
• Stress related to the inability to have a child

Prevention

To protect your fertility, avoid known factors that can affect sperm count and quality. For example:

• Don’t smoke.
• Limit or abstain from alcohol.
• Steer clear of illicit drugs.
• Talk to your doctor about medications that can affect sperm count.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Avoid heat.
• Manage stress.
• Avoid exposure to pesticides, heavy metals and other toxins.

Oct. 30, 2020

Weak ejaculation: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Weak ejaculation refers to a reduction in the amount of semen a person ejaculates or a reduction in the force of the ejaculation. Doctors may also call weak ejaculation delayed or inhibited ejaculation.

Experiencing periodic weak ejaculation is rarely cause for concern. However, consistent changes to a person’s ejaculation may warrant a visit to the doctor.

The underlying cause of weak ejaculation may be physical or psychological. In some cases, both factors may be involved.

This article outlines the potential causes and symptoms of weak ejaculation. We also discuss treatments and provide information on when to see a doctor.

Weak ejaculation occurs when a person has both the sexual stimulation and desire to ejaculate but experiences either or both of the following symptoms:

• reduced force of ejaculation
• reduced amount of semen

Weak ejaculation may also result in a person experiencing less intense orgasms. This experience is more likely to be the case as an individual becomes older.

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, the average semen volume per ejaculate ranges from 1.25 to 5 milliliters (ml). This amount is the equivalent of one-quarter to 1 teaspoon of semen.

It is important to note that semen volumes can vary from one time to another. A person who has not ejaculated for several days is likely to ejaculate more semen than someone who ejaculated more recently.

Also, some males release small amounts of ejaculate despite having typical sperm counts.

According to a 2016 review, ejaculation volumes of less than 2 ml on two separate occasions may signal an underlying medical disorder.

Doctors have identified many different factors that may affect ejaculation. Examples include the following:

Aging

A man’s ejaculation may decrease in force and volume as he ages. Doctors often attribute this to lower levels of male sex hormones.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may decrease blood flow to the penis and depress the central nervous system. These knock on effects will result in reduced sexual excitement.

Psychological factors

The following psychological factors can all affect someone’s ability to ejaculate when they compare it to how they did so previously:

• a history of depression
• changes in attraction to a partner
• past psychological trauma

Nerve damage

Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord, bladder, or other areas that affect ejaculation can impact semen flow.

Males with diabetes may be especially prone to nerve damage induced ejaculation issues.

Sometimes, nerve damage leads to retrograde ejaculation. This condition is where some or all of the ejaculate goes back into the bladder instead of exiting the penis.

Prostate conditions

Having an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer can both affect ejaculation. Additionally, individuals who have had prostate surgery may experience changes in ejaculation due to nerve damage from the surgery.

Sexual factors

The position a person adopts when they are engaging in sex, and a short period of sexual stimulation may affect the intensity of their orgasm. In turn, these factors can affect their ejaculation.

Medications

Certain medications can also cause weak or delayed ejaculation. Examples include:

A person who is concerned that their medication may be causing ejaculation problems should talk to their doctor. People must not stop taking prescription medications without their doctor’s consent.

The treatments to help relieve weak ejaculation depend upon the underlying cause. Some potential therapies are as follows:

Pelvic muscle exercises

In some cases, doctors may recommend performing Kegel exercises or some other form of pelvic muscle exercise. These exercises help to strengthen the muscles that control ejaculation. They may be particularly beneficial for anyone whose ejaculation issues are the result of natural aging.

Kegel exercises involve tightening and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles people can feel if they stop their urine flow midstream.

In the case of males, they should contract the muscles for 5 seconds at a time, then release the contraction. Repeating this process 10 to 20 times completes one set of exercises. Males should aim to perform three or four sets per day.

Medications

There are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medications to treat weak ejaculation. However, doctors may prescribe several different drugs to enhance sexual function.

The type of medicine a doctor prescribes will depend on the underlying cause of weak ejaculation. Some examples include:

Psychotherapy

A doctor may ask a person about any psychological factors that could be affecting their sexual function.

If appropriate, the doctor may make a referral for the individual to see a therapist or psychiatrist, including psychiatrists who may specialize in sexual medicine.

Share on PinterestA person can talk to a doctor if they experience consistent episodes of weak ejaculation.

Weak ejaculation is rarely a medical emergency. However, it can be very concerning for someone experiencing it regularly.

If a person has consistent episodes of weak ejaculation for 6 months, they should talk to his doctor who can help them to identify the underlying cause.

A person should also see a doctor is they think that changes to their ejaculation could be affecting their fertility. This may be the case if the individual and their partner have been trying to conceive for a long time.

Weak ejaculation is a complicated condition with many potential underlying causes.

There are currently no FDA-approved medicines for weak ejaculation. As a result, people may have to try several different therapies or approaches to enhance their sexual function.

Males who notice continued changes in their ejaculation should talk to their doctor. In some cases, weak ejaculation can reduce fertility or may indicate an underlying health condition.

Weak ejaculation: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Weak ejaculation refers to a reduction in the amount of semen a person ejaculates or a reduction in the force of the ejaculation. Doctors may also call weak ejaculation delayed or inhibited ejaculation.

Experiencing periodic weak ejaculation is rarely cause for concern. However, consistent changes to a person’s ejaculation may warrant a visit to the doctor.

The underlying cause of weak ejaculation may be physical or psychological. In some cases, both factors may be involved.

This article outlines the potential causes and symptoms of weak ejaculation. We also discuss treatments and provide information on when to see a doctor.

Weak ejaculation occurs when a person has both the sexual stimulation and desire to ejaculate but experiences either or both of the following symptoms:

• reduced force of ejaculation
• reduced amount of semen

Weak ejaculation may also result in a person experiencing less intense orgasms. This experience is more likely to be the case as an individual becomes older.

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, the average semen volume per ejaculate ranges from 1.25 to 5 milliliters (ml). This amount is the equivalent of one-quarter to 1 teaspoon of semen.

It is important to note that semen volumes can vary from one time to another. A person who has not ejaculated for several days is likely to ejaculate more semen than someone who ejaculated more recently.

Also, some males release small amounts of ejaculate despite having typical sperm counts.

According to a 2016 review, ejaculation volumes of less than 2 ml on two separate occasions may signal an underlying medical disorder.

Doctors have identified many different factors that may affect ejaculation. Examples include the following:

Aging

A man’s ejaculation may decrease in force and volume as he ages. Doctors often attribute this to lower levels of male sex hormones.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may decrease blood flow to the penis and depress the central nervous system. These knock on effects will result in reduced sexual excitement.

Psychological factors

The following psychological factors can all affect someone’s ability to ejaculate when they compare it to how they did so previously:

• a history of depression
• changes in attraction to a partner
• past psychological trauma

Nerve damage

Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord, bladder, or other areas that affect ejaculation can impact semen flow.

Males with diabetes may be especially prone to nerve damage induced ejaculation issues.

Sometimes, nerve damage leads to retrograde ejaculation. This condition is where some or all of the ejaculate goes back into the bladder instead of exiting the penis.

Prostate conditions

Having an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer can both affect ejaculation. Additionally, individuals who have had prostate surgery may experience changes in ejaculation due to nerve damage from the surgery.

Sexual factors

The position a person adopts when they are engaging in sex, and a short period of sexual stimulation may affect the intensity of their orgasm. In turn, these factors can affect their ejaculation.

Medications

Certain medications can also cause weak or delayed ejaculation. Examples include:

A person who is concerned that their medication may be causing ejaculation problems should talk to their doctor. People must not stop taking prescription medications without their doctor’s consent.

The treatments to help relieve weak ejaculation depend upon the underlying cause. Some potential therapies are as follows:

Pelvic muscle exercises

In some cases, doctors may recommend performing Kegel exercises or some other form of pelvic muscle exercise. These exercises help to strengthen the muscles that control ejaculation. They may be particularly beneficial for anyone whose ejaculation issues are the result of natural aging.

Kegel exercises involve tightening and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles people can feel if they stop their urine flow midstream.

In the case of males, they should contract the muscles for 5 seconds at a time, then release the contraction. Repeating this process 10 to 20 times completes one set of exercises. Males should aim to perform three or four sets per day.

Medications

There are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medications to treat weak ejaculation. However, doctors may prescribe several different drugs to enhance sexual function.

The type of medicine a doctor prescribes will depend on the underlying cause of weak ejaculation. Some examples include:

Psychotherapy

A doctor may ask a person about any psychological factors that could be affecting their sexual function.

If appropriate, the doctor may make a referral for the individual to see a therapist or psychiatrist, including psychiatrists who may specialize in sexual medicine.

Share on PinterestA person can talk to a doctor if they experience consistent episodes of weak ejaculation.

Weak ejaculation is rarely a medical emergency. However, it can be very concerning for someone experiencing it regularly.

If a person has consistent episodes of weak ejaculation for 6 months, they should talk to his doctor who can help them to identify the underlying cause.

A person should also see a doctor is they think that changes to their ejaculation could be affecting their fertility. This may be the case if the individual and their partner have been trying to conceive for a long time.

Weak ejaculation is a complicated condition with many potential underlying causes.

There are currently no FDA-approved medicines for weak ejaculation. As a result, people may have to try several different therapies or approaches to enhance their sexual function.

Males who notice continued changes in their ejaculation should talk to their doctor. In some cases, weak ejaculation can reduce fertility or may indicate an underlying health condition.

Weak ejaculation: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Weak ejaculation refers to a reduction in the amount of semen a person ejaculates or a reduction in the force of the ejaculation. Doctors may also call weak ejaculation delayed or inhibited ejaculation.

Experiencing periodic weak ejaculation is rarely cause for concern. However, consistent changes to a person’s ejaculation may warrant a visit to the doctor.

The underlying cause of weak ejaculation may be physical or psychological. In some cases, both factors may be involved.

This article outlines the potential causes and symptoms of weak ejaculation. We also discuss treatments and provide information on when to see a doctor.

Weak ejaculation occurs when a person has both the sexual stimulation and desire to ejaculate but experiences either or both of the following symptoms:

• reduced force of ejaculation
• reduced amount of semen

Weak ejaculation may also result in a person experiencing less intense orgasms. This experience is more likely to be the case as an individual becomes older.

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, the average semen volume per ejaculate ranges from 1.25 to 5 milliliters (ml). This amount is the equivalent of one-quarter to 1 teaspoon of semen.

It is important to note that semen volumes can vary from one time to another. A person who has not ejaculated for several days is likely to ejaculate more semen than someone who ejaculated more recently.

Also, some males release small amounts of ejaculate despite having typical sperm counts.

According to a 2016 review, ejaculation volumes of less than 2 ml on two separate occasions may signal an underlying medical disorder.

Doctors have identified many different factors that may affect ejaculation. Examples include the following:

Aging

A man’s ejaculation may decrease in force and volume as he ages. Doctors often attribute this to lower levels of male sex hormones.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may decrease blood flow to the penis and depress the central nervous system. These knock on effects will result in reduced sexual excitement.

Psychological factors

The following psychological factors can all affect someone’s ability to ejaculate when they compare it to how they did so previously:

• a history of depression
• changes in attraction to a partner
• past psychological trauma

Nerve damage

Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord, bladder, or other areas that affect ejaculation can impact semen flow.

Males with diabetes may be especially prone to nerve damage induced ejaculation issues.

Sometimes, nerve damage leads to retrograde ejaculation. This condition is where some or all of the ejaculate goes back into the bladder instead of exiting the penis.

Prostate conditions

Having an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer can both affect ejaculation. Additionally, individuals who have had prostate surgery may experience changes in ejaculation due to nerve damage from the surgery.

Sexual factors

The position a person adopts when they are engaging in sex, and a short period of sexual stimulation may affect the intensity of their orgasm. In turn, these factors can affect their ejaculation.

Medications

Certain medications can also cause weak or delayed ejaculation. Examples include:

A person who is concerned that their medication may be causing ejaculation problems should talk to their doctor. People must not stop taking prescription medications without their doctor’s consent.

The treatments to help relieve weak ejaculation depend upon the underlying cause. Some potential therapies are as follows:

Pelvic muscle exercises

In some cases, doctors may recommend performing Kegel exercises or some other form of pelvic muscle exercise. These exercises help to strengthen the muscles that control ejaculation. They may be particularly beneficial for anyone whose ejaculation issues are the result of natural aging.

Kegel exercises involve tightening and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles people can feel if they stop their urine flow midstream.

In the case of males, they should contract the muscles for 5 seconds at a time, then release the contraction. Repeating this process 10 to 20 times completes one set of exercises. Males should aim to perform three or four sets per day.

Medications

There are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medications to treat weak ejaculation. However, doctors may prescribe several different drugs to enhance sexual function.

The type of medicine a doctor prescribes will depend on the underlying cause of weak ejaculation. Some examples include:

Psychotherapy

A doctor may ask a person about any psychological factors that could be affecting their sexual function.

If appropriate, the doctor may make a referral for the individual to see a therapist or psychiatrist, including psychiatrists who may specialize in sexual medicine.

Share on PinterestA person can talk to a doctor if they experience consistent episodes of weak ejaculation.

Weak ejaculation is rarely a medical emergency. However, it can be very concerning for someone experiencing it regularly.

If a person has consistent episodes of weak ejaculation for 6 months, they should talk to his doctor who can help them to identify the underlying cause.

A person should also see a doctor is they think that changes to their ejaculation could be affecting their fertility. This may be the case if the individual and their partner have been trying to conceive for a long time.

Weak ejaculation is a complicated condition with many potential underlying causes.

There are currently no FDA-approved medicines for weak ejaculation. As a result, people may have to try several different therapies or approaches to enhance their sexual function.

Males who notice continued changes in their ejaculation should talk to their doctor. In some cases, weak ejaculation can reduce fertility or may indicate an underlying health condition.

Weak ejaculation: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Weak ejaculation refers to a reduction in the amount of semen a person ejaculates or a reduction in the force of the ejaculation. Doctors may also call weak ejaculation delayed or inhibited ejaculation.

Experiencing periodic weak ejaculation is rarely cause for concern. However, consistent changes to a person’s ejaculation may warrant a visit to the doctor.

The underlying cause of weak ejaculation may be physical or psychological. In some cases, both factors may be involved.

This article outlines the potential causes and symptoms of weak ejaculation. We also discuss treatments and provide information on when to see a doctor.

Weak ejaculation occurs when a person has both the sexual stimulation and desire to ejaculate but experiences either or both of the following symptoms:

• reduced force of ejaculation
• reduced amount of semen

Weak ejaculation may also result in a person experiencing less intense orgasms. This experience is more likely to be the case as an individual becomes older.

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, the average semen volume per ejaculate ranges from 1.25 to 5 milliliters (ml). This amount is the equivalent of one-quarter to 1 teaspoon of semen.

It is important to note that semen volumes can vary from one time to another. A person who has not ejaculated for several days is likely to ejaculate more semen than someone who ejaculated more recently.

Also, some males release small amounts of ejaculate despite having typical sperm counts.

According to a 2016 review, ejaculation volumes of less than 2 ml on two separate occasions may signal an underlying medical disorder.

Doctors have identified many different factors that may affect ejaculation. Examples include the following:

Aging

A man’s ejaculation may decrease in force and volume as he ages. Doctors often attribute this to lower levels of male sex hormones.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may decrease blood flow to the penis and depress the central nervous system. These knock on effects will result in reduced sexual excitement.

Psychological factors

The following psychological factors can all affect someone’s ability to ejaculate when they compare it to how they did so previously:

• a history of depression
• changes in attraction to a partner
• past psychological trauma

Nerve damage

Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord, bladder, or other areas that affect ejaculation can impact semen flow.

Males with diabetes may be especially prone to nerve damage induced ejaculation issues.

Sometimes, nerve damage leads to retrograde ejaculation. This condition is where some or all of the ejaculate goes back into the bladder instead of exiting the penis.

Prostate conditions

Having an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer can both affect ejaculation. Additionally, individuals who have had prostate surgery may experience changes in ejaculation due to nerve damage from the surgery.

Sexual factors

The position a person adopts when they are engaging in sex, and a short period of sexual stimulation may affect the intensity of their orgasm. In turn, these factors can affect their ejaculation.

Medications

Certain medications can also cause weak or delayed ejaculation. Examples include:

A person who is concerned that their medication may be causing ejaculation problems should talk to their doctor. People must not stop taking prescription medications without their doctor’s consent.

The treatments to help relieve weak ejaculation depend upon the underlying cause. Some potential therapies are as follows:

Pelvic muscle exercises

In some cases, doctors may recommend performing Kegel exercises or some other form of pelvic muscle exercise. These exercises help to strengthen the muscles that control ejaculation. They may be particularly beneficial for anyone whose ejaculation issues are the result of natural aging.

Kegel exercises involve tightening and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles people can feel if they stop their urine flow midstream.

In the case of males, they should contract the muscles for 5 seconds at a time, then release the contraction. Repeating this process 10 to 20 times completes one set of exercises. Males should aim to perform three or four sets per day.

Medications

There are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medications to treat weak ejaculation. However, doctors may prescribe several different drugs to enhance sexual function.

The type of medicine a doctor prescribes will depend on the underlying cause of weak ejaculation. Some examples include:

Psychotherapy

A doctor may ask a person about any psychological factors that could be affecting their sexual function.

If appropriate, the doctor may make a referral for the individual to see a therapist or psychiatrist, including psychiatrists who may specialize in sexual medicine.

Share on PinterestA person can talk to a doctor if they experience consistent episodes of weak ejaculation.

Weak ejaculation is rarely a medical emergency. However, it can be very concerning for someone experiencing it regularly.

If a person has consistent episodes of weak ejaculation for 6 months, they should talk to his doctor who can help them to identify the underlying cause.

A person should also see a doctor is they think that changes to their ejaculation could be affecting their fertility. This may be the case if the individual and their partner have been trying to conceive for a long time.

Weak ejaculation is a complicated condition with many potential underlying causes.

There are currently no FDA-approved medicines for weak ejaculation. As a result, people may have to try several different therapies or approaches to enhance their sexual function.

Males who notice continued changes in their ejaculation should talk to their doctor. In some cases, weak ejaculation can reduce fertility or may indicate an underlying health condition.

Weak ejaculation: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

Weak ejaculation refers to a reduction in the amount of semen a person ejaculates or a reduction in the force of the ejaculation. Doctors may also call weak ejaculation delayed or inhibited ejaculation.

Experiencing periodic weak ejaculation is rarely cause for concern. However, consistent changes to a person’s ejaculation may warrant a visit to the doctor.

The underlying cause of weak ejaculation may be physical or psychological. In some cases, both factors may be involved.

This article outlines the potential causes and symptoms of weak ejaculation. We also discuss treatments and provide information on when to see a doctor.

Weak ejaculation occurs when a person has both the sexual stimulation and desire to ejaculate but experiences either or both of the following symptoms:

• reduced force of ejaculation
• reduced amount of semen

Weak ejaculation may also result in a person experiencing less intense orgasms. This experience is more likely to be the case as an individual becomes older.

According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, the average semen volume per ejaculate ranges from 1.25 to 5 milliliters (ml). This amount is the equivalent of one-quarter to 1 teaspoon of semen.

It is important to note that semen volumes can vary from one time to another. A person who has not ejaculated for several days is likely to ejaculate more semen than someone who ejaculated more recently.

Also, some males release small amounts of ejaculate despite having typical sperm counts.

According to a 2016 review, ejaculation volumes of less than 2 ml on two separate occasions may signal an underlying medical disorder.

Doctors have identified many different factors that may affect ejaculation. Examples include the following:

Aging

A man’s ejaculation may decrease in force and volume as he ages. Doctors often attribute this to lower levels of male sex hormones.

Alcohol

Drinking alcohol may decrease blood flow to the penis and depress the central nervous system. These knock on effects will result in reduced sexual excitement.

Psychological factors

The following psychological factors can all affect someone’s ability to ejaculate when they compare it to how they did so previously:

• a history of depression
• changes in attraction to a partner
• past psychological trauma

Nerve damage

Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord, bladder, or other areas that affect ejaculation can impact semen flow.

Males with diabetes may be especially prone to nerve damage induced ejaculation issues.

Sometimes, nerve damage leads to retrograde ejaculation. This condition is where some or all of the ejaculate goes back into the bladder instead of exiting the penis.

Prostate conditions

Having an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer can both affect ejaculation. Additionally, individuals who have had prostate surgery may experience changes in ejaculation due to nerve damage from the surgery.

Sexual factors

The position a person adopts when they are engaging in sex, and a short period of sexual stimulation may affect the intensity of their orgasm. In turn, these factors can affect their ejaculation.

Medications

Certain medications can also cause weak or delayed ejaculation. Examples include:

A person who is concerned that their medication may be causing ejaculation problems should talk to their doctor. People must not stop taking prescription medications without their doctor’s consent.

The treatments to help relieve weak ejaculation depend upon the underlying cause. Some potential therapies are as follows:

Pelvic muscle exercises

In some cases, doctors may recommend performing Kegel exercises or some other form of pelvic muscle exercise. These exercises help to strengthen the muscles that control ejaculation. They may be particularly beneficial for anyone whose ejaculation issues are the result of natural aging.

Kegel exercises involve tightening and releasing the pelvic floor muscles. These are the muscles people can feel if they stop their urine flow midstream.

In the case of males, they should contract the muscles for 5 seconds at a time, then release the contraction. Repeating this process 10 to 20 times completes one set of exercises. Males should aim to perform three or four sets per day.

Medications

There are currently no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved medications to treat weak ejaculation. However, doctors may prescribe several different drugs to enhance sexual function.

The type of medicine a doctor prescribes will depend on the underlying cause of weak ejaculation. Some examples include:

Psychotherapy

A doctor may ask a person about any psychological factors that could be affecting their sexual function.

If appropriate, the doctor may make a referral for the individual to see a therapist or psychiatrist, including psychiatrists who may specialize in sexual medicine.

Share on PinterestA person can talk to a doctor if they experience consistent episodes of weak ejaculation.

Weak ejaculation is rarely a medical emergency. However, it can be very concerning for someone experiencing it regularly.

If a person has consistent episodes of weak ejaculation for 6 months, they should talk to his doctor who can help them to identify the underlying cause.

A person should also see a doctor is they think that changes to their ejaculation could be affecting their fertility. This may be the case if the individual and their partner have been trying to conceive for a long time.

Weak ejaculation is a complicated condition with many potential underlying causes.

There are currently no FDA-approved medicines for weak ejaculation. As a result, people may have to try several different therapies or approaches to enhance their sexual function.

Males who notice continued changes in their ejaculation should talk to their doctor. In some cases, weak ejaculation can reduce fertility or may indicate an underlying health condition.

What Can You Do to Improve Your Quality and Quantity?

If you’ve been trying to have a baby and it’s just not happening, you might have a low sperm count. But don’t panic. It’s actually one of the most common causes of male infertility.

You’ll have to see your doctor to be sure. But there may be things you can do to boost your count naturally. And they’re actually pretty simple.

What Is Low Sperm?

A “normal” sperm count is at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. If you have less than that, you have what doctors consider “low” sperm count, called oligospermia.

When you don’t have enough sperm, there’s less of a chance they’ll reach and fertilize the egg, which can lead to fertility problems.

What Is Quality Sperm?

Even if you have a normal sperm count, they still have to be healthy enough to make the journey from your partner’s vagina to the cervix and uterus to the fallopian tubes. If they’re not, you’ll have a hard time getting them pregnant.

Continued

There are three ways your doctor can tell whether your sperm is healthy or “quality.”

Quantity. This measures how many sperm you have in your semen when you ejaculate. Remember, you need at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen to have a “normal” sperm count.

Movement. Doctors call this “motility.” It measures how fast or well your sperm move to their final destination — your partner’s egg. You want at least 50% of your sperm moving.

Structure. Normal sperm have egg-shaped heads and long tails. Sperm use these tails to “swim” to the egg. The more normal-shaped sperm you have, the easier it will be for them to reach your partner’s egg.

Causes of Low Sperm

Any number of things can lead to low sperm count, including previous medical problems, age, and your environment. Your lifestyle factors in, too, so if you smoke or use recreational drugs, they can affect your fertility.

How Can I Help My Sperm?

Fortunately, there could be a number of things you can do to increase the amount of healthy, quality sperm your body makes.

Continued

Exercise. We know that moderate exercise can boost your mood. But it turns out that it can boost your sperm count, too. Researchers found that men who exercise at least three times per week for 1 hour showed increases in their sperm count and the number of moving sperm, as well.

Stop stressing. It’s easier than it sounds, but do it, especially if you’re trying to have a baby. In a study of 950 men, researchers found that males who had more than two stressful events before starting treatment for infertility were more likely to have low sperm count and motility.

If you smoke, quit. Men who smoke are more likely to have lower sperm count, density, and motility. They also produce less semen than men who don’t smoke.

Say no to drugs. Certain ones, like cocaine and heroin, can affect your ability to get or keep an erection. Other drugs, like marijuana, can make it hard for you to produce sperm. They can also reduce your sperm’s motility or prevent them from developing normally.

Continued

Eat right. Choosing a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables may boost your semen quality. Eating fewer fatty foods and a little less protein could also help.

90,000 Low Sperm Count Increases Disease Risk – Study

• Alex Terrien
• BBC News Health Correspondent

March 19, 2018

Photo Credit, Getty Images

Men with low sperm count are more prone to certain problems health problems that increase the risk of other diseases.

This is the conclusion reached by the authors of a new study with the participation of 5177 men.

A study found that men with low sperm count were 20% more likely to have more body fat, high blood pressure and more bad cholesterol.

They were also much more likely to have low testosterone levels.

The study says this suggests that men with low sperm counts should be diagnosed with other health problems.

Risk factors

One in three couples who try to get pregnant face low sperm counts and problems with sperm quality.

In this new study, scientists studied men from infertile couples in Italy to see if sperm quality is also a marker of men’s overall health.

They found that the majority of men with low sperm counts had metabolic syndrome — a set of risk factors including a higher body mass index (BMI) and high blood pressure. This increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

They were also 12 times more likely to have low testosterone, which lowers muscle mass and bone density and may be a precursor to osteoporosis, which weakens bones and increases the risk of fractures.

Dr Alberto Ferlin, who led the study, says: “Infertile men are more likely to have other serious health problems or risk factors that can impair quality of life and shorten its duration. Fertility assessments provide people with a unique opportunity to diagnose health conditions. disease prevention “.

Photo author, Getty Images

Signs to photo,

According to the researchers, sperm quality can be a marker of men’s health

However, the authors of the study emphasized that they did not prove that low sperm counts cause metabolic problems, but only found a link between them …

Additional Research

Kevin McEleney, Consultant Urology at Newcastle Fertility Center, says that currently, men with sperm problems are rarely referred for screening for other health problems.

“This is a signal for fertility clinics to think about other health issues in their patients in particular,” he notes.

Allan Pacey, professor of andrology at the University of Sheffield, believes more research is needed to understand the relationship between fertility problems in men and other diseases.

“There is currently no evidence that male reproductive failure causes other health problems. In my opinion, they are more likely to have a common cause,” he said.

The study will be presented at ENDO 2018, the 100th Annual Meeting of the Society of Endocrinology in Chicago.

Low sperm motility, treatment and causes of poor sperm motility

The problem of conceiving a child worries every tenth married couple in Russia.In half of the cases, the cause of failure is male infertility. Asthenozoospermia (low sperm motility) is the main factor in poor male fertility, accounting for 70% of cases of human reproductive dysfunction. Pathology is diagnosed by visual examination of the ejaculate under a microscope or using a special apparatus that determines sperm motility based on changes in sperm density. The speed of movement of sperm is estimated in real time using a special computer program.

Categories of sperm motility

The activity of male germ cells is determined by the amount of their advancement in one second. A normal sperm cell moves more than half its length during this time, which is about 0.025 mm. There are the following criteria for its mobility:

• Category A – straight trajectory, normal speed (not less than 0.0025 mm / sec).
• Category B – movement is correct, straight-line, but slow (less than 0.0025 mm / s).
• Category C – movement of sprematozoa around its axis or in a circle.
• Category D – immotile spermatozoa.

What determines the mobility of male germ cells?

It is not always possible to determine the cause of low mobility. In 30% of cases, an idiopathic form of asthenozoospermia is recorded. Factors influencing the activity of sperm in the ejaculate are known:

• Decreased testosterone levels. People suffering from hypertension, overweight are faced with it.Also, testosterone synthesis decreases with age.
• Increased temperature in the scrotum with varicocele (dilation of the veins of the vas deferens) or when wearing warm and tight underwear. The optimum temperature for sperm motility is 37 degrees, a higher temperature not only reduces motility, but also causes the formation of abnormal forms.
• Infections entering the sex glands. These include smallpox, mumps, typhus, flu, tuberculosis. In this case, the cause of infertility is a specific inflammation of the testicles.
• Sperm motility depends on proper nutrition. An insufficient amount of zinc, vitamins and trace elements leads to a violation of the synthesis of protein structures of gametes, which leads to low motility of spermatozoa.
• Delayed ejaculation as a result of decreased libido (sexual desire). This happens with alcohol abuse, smoking. Sexual desire decreases with age, as well as with diabetes.
• Promiscuous sexual activity not only reduces the quality of male germ cells, but also increases the risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases.Abstinence from sexual activity leads to aging of sperm, and a decrease in their mobility.

Gamete immobility can be caused by many factors. All of them are subject to correction before starting treatment. Many cases of low sperm motility are corrected by the appointment of necessary trace elements and nutritional correction.

Degree of asthenozoospermia

There are 3 degrees of impaired sperm motility, which determines the severity of the disease and the choice of treatment tactics:

• Mild – mobility retains a sufficient number of sperm of categories A and B (50%) for conception.The movement speed is determined one hour after ejaculation. Achieving normal activity is achieved by adjusting lifestyle and nutrition.
• Medium – One hour after ejaculation, 70% of the sperm become immobile. At this stage, resort to the appointment of bioactive pharmacological agents.
• Severe degree – 80–90% of sperm consists of immotile, atypical sperm. The patient is facing a difficult treatment.

The classification was proposed by WHO, it is guided by it for the diagnosis of male infertility in all clinics in the world.The grades are determined by the results of spermatoscopy.

Treatment of insufficient sperm motility

The scope of medical intervention for asthenozoospermia varies and depends on the causes. With varicocele, you cannot do without surgery. But this is an extreme case. In the absence of pathologies, it is often enough to correct spermatogenesis, eliminate bad habits and add the necessary substances to the diet. The male reproductive system cannot function properly without the necessary substances: L-carnitine, antioxidants, vitamins E and B9, zinc and selenium. Therefore, the course of therapy includes complexes of these substances, for example, the Russian drug Speroton.

The production of normal sperm is impeded by tight-fitting underwear. Men with poor sperm motility are advised not to take hot baths, not to visit saunas and baths. Experts recommend wearing loose clothing that does not restrict movement. Preference is given to cotton underwear.

How to avoid low sperm motility?

To ensure a fruitful conception, experts recommend adhering to the following recommendations:

• Overheating of the testicles reduces sperm motility, therefore it is recommended to refrain from baths, saunas, heating in car seats.
• The amount of alcohol consumed should not exceed 50 ml for spirits or 200 ml of dry wine.
• It is better to exclude smoking completely, as nicotine destroys essential vitamins, microelements and bioactive substances.
• Physical activity activates testosterone production. For this, 30-40 minutes of charging or swimming three times a week is enough.
• Stress, as the main factor in reducing blood circulation in the genitals, should be excluded from your life as much as possible.

Low mobility is treated by simple methods available to everyone. You just need to follow the proposed recommendations for 4-6 months.

Pharmacological correction of asthenozoospermia

Low sperm motility can be the cause of unsuccessful conceptions. Every third man suffering from infertility did not have any reasons for insufficient activity of germ cells. Therefore, it is possible to increase the ability of sperm to fertilize with the help of means, the effectiveness of which has been proven.

In particular, the aforementioned Speroton has undergone 9 clinical studies that have shown its effectiveness in asthenozoospermia. Taking the drug for 3 months increased the motility of spermatozoa, their concentration in the sperm and increased the number of spermatozoa with a normal structure.

Sperm motility is the main factor influencing the fertilization of the egg. Therefore, stimulating the activity of male germ cells gives a real chance for the birth of a baby.

IS NOT AN ADS. MATERIAL PREPARED WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF EXPERTS.

90,000 Factors leading to male infertility

Male infertility is a violation of reproductive function, which is expressed in the inability to have a child.

At the Center for Assisted Reproductive Technologies, you can use the services of sperm donation using in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination. For more information, please call +7 (351) 214-88-44, in addition, you can undergo a semen analysis.

There are a number of factors that can lead to infertility in men.

Violations of spermogram

In many men, infertility is associated with sperm abnormalities. During intercourse, millions of sperm enter the vagina, but only a few hundred will be able to get close to the egg and get a chance to fertilize it. Many factors play a role in determining whether or not it succeeds:

• Sperm count
• Mobility (ability to move)
• Morphology (determines the direction and quality of movement)
• Size and shape.

Functional disorders

Be aware that lifestyle choices can affect your fertility. You can try temporarily changing your lifestyle to see if anything changes:

• Alcohol consumption and smoking contribute equally to both male and female infertility. The combination of these two factors is even more harmful.
• Being underweight, overweight, or obese can reduce fertility.
• Prolonged exposure to heat – working in a “hot workshop”, taking hot baths and steam rooms can reduce sperm quality.
• Lubricants such as petroleum jelly or vaginal creams can affect semen quality.
• Large amounts of caffeine (over 200 mg per day, or about seven cups of coffee). Be aware that some coffee drinks can contain up to 560 mg of caffeine per cup.
• Exposure to toxic substances in the workplace such as pesticides, radioactive substances, X-rays, electromagnetic or microwave exposures can impair spermatogenesis.
• Certain medicines used to treat cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure can cause infertility in men.
• Sedentary and sedentary lifestyles, low physical activity, chronic fatigue and stress can significantly reduce sperm fertility.
• Wearing trousers and underpants that restrict movement.

Organic violations

If the problem is not related to the spermogram, then perhaps there are some organic disorders that cause infertility in men:

• Obstructive – a condition in which the movement of sperm along the vas deferens from one or both sides becomes impossible due to diseases and malformations of the urethra and accessory glands, congenital or acquired blockage of the vas deferens.The reasons can be genital infections, trauma to the male genital organs.
• Erectile dysfunction is the inability to develop or maintain an erection.
• Undescended Testicle – The testicle has not reached its normal position in the scrotum, as a result of which it may not function properly and may not produce sperm.
• Varicocele, the most common cause of male infertility, occurs when varicose veins around the testicles interfere with sperm production.

Immune factor

Manifest as an autoimmune process in a man’s body – the formation of immunity to his own sperm (for example, after a testicular injury).

Family and medical history

Talk to your partner to see if they have any of the following problems. The following are factors that can lead to impaired conception:

• Male genital trauma
• Mumps (mumps) after puberty
• History of male genital surgery
• Inflammatory diseases of the prostate gland
• Dropsy of the testicle (excess formation and retention of fluid in the membranes of the testicle, enlargement of the scrotum).
• Family history of cystic fibrosis or other genetic diseases.
• Factors that can affect both men and women

There are some factors that can cause infertility in both men and women:

• History of sexually transmitted diseases
• Inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs
• History of abdominal surgery
• Reversible surgical sterilization
• Chronic diseases (eg diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure)
• History of chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

If you fall into one of these categories, first talk to your partner, and then sign up for a consultation with an andrologist.

Do not be afraid: most of the listed causes of infertility are treatable.

Answers to Questions | UroWeb.ru – Urological information portal!

Can beer cause male infertility?

In large doses and with regular consumption, beer can deteriorate the quality of the ejaculate and reduce its fertility.

The beer contains phytohormones similar to female estrogens. They suppress testosterone production, thereby reducing sperm motility. Due to phytoestrogens, fat is deposited in the pelvic region, muscle mass and facial hair are reduced. With a serious hormonal imbalance, a man may experience gynecomastia – an enlarged breast.

Sperm quality is reduced by alcohol, as ethanol disrupts the integrity of the sperm DNA. With frequent use, potency suffers.

What diseases can male infertility lead to?

Infertility is a pathological condition that can result in many diseases of the body. Infertility itself does not cause complications.

Are there false infertility in men?

Yes. It occurs when a couple is healthy, but cannot conceive children due to lifestyle or intercourse characteristics (interrupted intercourse or sexual activity outside the period of ovulation).

For example, douching after sex is less likely to conceive. Sperm quality can be influenced by external factors. Frequent increase in scrotal temperature, toxins, genital trauma can temporarily reduce the production of male germ cells.

To check the quality of sperm, a microscopic analysis of the ejaculate is prescribed – a semen analysis. For an accurate check and exclusion of external factors, the study is re-assigned after 1-2 months.

In addition, constant stress and lack of sleep can reduce sperm production.

Is it possible to get pregnant if the husband has no sperm?

You can. Most often, aspermia (lack of semen) occurs when semen passes into the bladder. Less common are obstruction of the vas deferens or their complete absence.

It is possible to conceive a child if in these cases the function of the testicles – Sertoli cells, in which sperm are produced, is not impaired. To check, a testicular biopsy is prescribed, in which a piece of testicular tissue is taken for analysis.If the sperm obtained from a testicular biopsy are not abnormal, they can be used in the ICSI program or frozen. A similar procedure is used in cases where there are no sperm in the man’s ejaculate.

What hereditary diseases can cause infertility?

Genetic abnormalities change the shape of sperm, reduce the number and mobility of germ cells, disrupt the work of the vas deferens and lead to fetal pathologies.

The most common genetic diseases are Klinefelter’s syndrome, cystic fibrosis, Kallman’s syndrome and a defect in the Y chromosome. In all these cases, a man usually has no sperm in his ejaculate (azoospermia).

Karyotyping, analysis of the AZF locus of the long arm of the Y chromosome and the study of the CFTR gene for cystic fibrosis are used to diagnose genetic disorders. In some cases, the impact of genetic diseases can be reduced, but more often assisted reproductive technologies are used.

What factors can cause male infertility?

Harmful working conditions associated with vibrations, poisons and ionizing radiation alter sperm cells and disrupt their DNA. This can lead to both infertility and impaired development of the embryo.

Hypothermia and overheating of the body, caused by sitting on a cold surface, long trips to the bathhouse, act similarly. The production of the main male hormone – testosterone – can be affected by increased physical activity.At the same time, moderate ones increase the level of the hormone, and excessive ones decrease it.

Obesity promotes the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. A sedentary lifestyle, stress, alcohol and smoking also negatively affect sperm count and quality.

How to decipher a spermogram?

It is necessary to be guided by the recommendations of the World Health Organization 2010. The following results are considered normal results:

• Sperm volume – 1.5 ml or more;
• One milliliter of semen contains 15 million or more sperm;

90,069 58% of all sperm are live;

• 40% of all sperm – move, 32% – move forward;
• 4% of spermatozoa – without abnormalities (when assessing morphology according to Kruger).

If the indicators are below the norm, this does not mean that the man is infertile. Deviations in the study results only indicate a lower probability of sperm fertilizing an egg. Sperm quality is influenced by many factors, therefore, repeated spermograms are usually prescribed for a more accurate and reliable diagnosis.

How does hormone therapy work?

Hormone therapy by the type of action is divided into several types – replacement, blocking and stimulating.

• Substitution replaces testosterone deficiency.
• The blocker leads to a complete cessation of the production of its own testosterone and suggests that when the introduction of synthesized hormones is over, the production of its own should improve.
• Stimulating hormone therapy acts on the pituitary system, which is also responsible for the production of testosterone.

Tablets, capsules, injections, creams, gels and plasters are used as hormonal agents.The type of drug, dose and type of hormone therapy is prescribed only by a doctor.

Does penis size affect infertility?

It should be remembered that the average size of the penis in men is 12-16 cm in an erect state. Micropenis up to 7 cm with an erection may indicate genetic and pituitary pathologies associated with an insufficient amount of gonadotropic hormones. They are involved in the production of sperm, so the micropenis can be a symptom, but not the cause of male infertility.This condition is treated with a hormonal course or surgery.

The characteristics of the testicles are much more important, since it is in them that spermatozoa are produced. If a man noticed that the density and size of the testicle changed, and tangles of veins began to appear on the skin of the scrotum, you should consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and surgical treatment.

Can infertility occur if you already have children?

Yes, this is called secondary infertility.The identification of the causes of infertility occurs in the same way as in primary infertility – an andrologist or urologist examines the patient, examines the history of diseases and lifestyle. Only congenital pathologies are excluded from the causes of secondary male infertility.

In most cases, it is about the age of the man. From 30-35 years old, testosterone levels begin to decline by 2-3% per year. This causes age-related hypogonadism – testicular failure. It is detected in 15% of men between the ages of 30 and 40, 25% of men between 40 and 50, and 40% of men over 50.Also, this form of hypogonadism occurs in every second obese man.

Can prostatitis lead to infertility?

Yes. Acute inflammation of the prostate gland reduces quality of life, causes erectile dysfunction, and chronic prostatitis can impair sperm quality. With inflammation, the prostate gland reduces the production of secretions that protect sperm from the microflora of the female genital tract.

In addition, if prostatitis is not treated for a long time, inflammatory processes can spread to other genitals.In addition, with prostatitis, a man becomes not up to sex – he experiences frequent urge to urinate, discomfort in the perineum and pain during sperm eruption.

How to increase testosterone?

To increase testosterone levels and improve libido, a man needs to normalize sleep, eliminate bad habits and worry less – cortisol, which is produced during stress, binds male hormones.

Moderate exercise promotes testosterone production.Low testosterone levels are more common in obese men, because in adipose tissue male hormones are converted into female hormones – estrogens. It is also important to eat right – the food should contain zinc, selenium, arginine, unsaturated fatty acids.

It is worth remembering that elevated testosterone levels can cause mood swings, liver disorders and cardiovascular disease. Prescribing testosterone drugs leads to blocking of spermatogenesis.

Is varicocele dangerous for men’s health?

Yes, this is the most common cause of male infertility.Varicocele is diagnosed in 10% of all men, in infertile men the disease is found in 40% of cases and in 80% if infertility occurs in those men who already have children.

When the veins in the testicle are dilated, the blood from the scrotum does not leave on time, and less oxygen and nutrients reach the genitals. This disrupts the process of sperm formation. In severe forms of varicocele, tangles of veins are visible on the skin of the scrotum.

Varicocele is most often diagnosed in men who are involved in hard work or sports. Surgical treatment is indicated in all cases.

Can you get pregnant from an infertile man?

There are several methods of assisted reproduction. With their help, you can have your own children, even with serious deviations in both the male and female body.

In IVF, fertilization is carried out in laboratory conditions – spermatozoa, purified from semen, are added to the test tube with the egg. With ICSI, one male reproductive cell with good mobility and no morphological defects is selected from the sperm, which is injected into the cytoplasm of the egg with the help of a microneedle.With intrauterine insemination, concentrated sperm is injected into the uterus. When a man does not produce sperm, donor sperm is used.

What tests should I take for male infertility?

The main analysis for suspected infertility is spermogram. This is a microscopic examination of the ejaculate, in which the number of sperm is counted, their mobility and structure are assessed. According to WHO recommendations, a MAR test for the presence of antisperm antibodies is performed along with the spermogram.

Other studies are needed to find in the semen DNA of pathogens of viruses and bacteria, genetic disorders. Also, to assess the work of the reproductive system, men donate blood and prostate secretions for tests.

Usually, a few days before taking tests, a man is asked to refrain from sex, drinking alcohol, smoking and going to the sauna or bathhouse. These factors can affect sperm quality.

How do antibiotics affect men’s health?

Antibiotics are used in the presence of infections.Drugs and the infections themselves can provoke infertility: most antibiotics disrupt the structure of sperm DNA, and fluorochilones increase the acidity and viscosity of sperm.

Only a doctor can determine the drug, dose and course of treatment. He assesses the general condition of the patient, the causes of infertility and the presence of systemic diseases. Thus, antibiotics from the tetracyclines group are effective against many bacterial sexually transmitted pathogens, but have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract.Penicillin drugs are a universal remedy. Fluorochilones are most effective against E. coli and are prescribed for long-term therapy. In case of intolerance to other antibiotics, macrolides are used.

How to eat properly for male infertility?

For normal spermatogenesis in the male body there should be a sufficient amount of zinc, selenium, arginine, unsaturated fatty acid Omega-3, vitamins C, D and E. dried fruits.The meat should be lean – chicken breast, veal, rabbit.

It should be remembered that herbal remedies have side effects, their effect is limited, and the effectiveness of many of them has not been proven. It is best to consult a doctor.

What herbs to drink for male infertility?

The principle of action of folk remedies – replenishment of the deficiency of active substances in the body and anti-inflammatory effect. For the prevention of male infertility, various decoctions and tinctures of St. John’s wort, plantain, hawthorn, sage, basil, Adam’s root, ginseng, yarrow, nettle, adonis are used.Also, infertility is treated with propolis, royal jelly, bee bread and other bee products.

It is worth remembering that traditional medicine is effective only as a complementary treatment. It has a tonic effect. To identify the causes of infertility, it is necessary to consult a doctor.

Can mumps cause male infertility?

Yes. In boys, a viral infection in 20% of cases affects the genitals. Mumps is dangerous because problems with the reproductive system in a boy can be detected only at the onset of puberty.

If mumps is not treated in time, it leads to chronic inflammation of the testicle and irreversible infertility. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms of mumps: redness of the testicles and increase in size. In two to three days, the inflammation spreads to the second testicle, the disease is accompanied by a high fever. Infertility is more often observed in adult men who have had mumps.

Which male fertility pills to take?

It is not safe to self-medicate for male infertility.First, it is important to determine its causes, and only then choose the type of treatment. In some cases, no pills will help, but a small surgery can correct the situation.

Biological active supplements containing zinc, selenium, arginine, antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids Omega-3 are advised to be taken as general tonic for male infertility. Vitamin complexes improve the quality of sperm: vitamins A and B affect the number of healthy sperm, vitamin C contributes to the correct transfer of DNA, vitamins D and E protect the sperm acrosome.

What is the prevention of male infertility?

Hundreds of adverse circumstances affect the male reproductive system. Prevention boils down to eliminating the influence of negative factors.

Men are advised to limit alcohol and tobacco consumption, minimize stressful situations and have regular sex. Excessive physical activity and the use of anabolic steroids, constant hypothermia and overheating, tight underwear can lead to male infertility.

Work exposure to toxins, vibration, high frequency currents and ionizing radiation should be limited. Constant lack of sleep and overwork, as well as stress, can lead to infertility.

Which doctors deal with male infertility?

Chief physician for male infertility – andrologist. It is he who deals with sexual dysfunctions in men. Also, a urologist can restore reproductive function in men.

Depending on the physiological state of the man, the parameters of the spermogram and other studies, other specialists are involved.Immunologists are engaged in the removal of antisperm antibodies from the body, a surgeon can help with obstructions of the vas deferens, an endocrinologist – with hormonal disorders. If it is determined that male infertility is associated with a systemic disease, other doctors are involved.

How to evaluate the quality of semen?

Basic analysis – spermogram. The man is asked not to have sex for two to four days, and then masturbate in a sterile container.Sperm are stained with special agents that help to count the number of sperm and to identify violations of their structure and mobility.

Before this test, you should not go to the sauna, take a hot shower, and it is also important not to get sick with a body temperature of more than 38 degrees for 3 months.

Also, doctors prescribe other tests: ultrasound of the genitals, blood and urine tests for infections and hormones, MAR test to check antisperm bodies, prostate secretion tests and other studies.

What are the types of male infertility?

There are three forms of male infertility. Secretory infertility is associated with a violation of the process of sperm formation. With it, the quality of spermatozoa worsens and their number and mobility decrease. In the obstructive form of infertility, sperm can be produced normally, but they cannot leave the testicles during ejaculation due to inguinal hernias, edema and inflammation of the genital organs. In some cases, a man has no vas deferens at all, or they can become clogged.In the autoimmune form of infertility, a man’s immune system develops antisperm antibodies that immobilize the sperm and stick them together, preventing them from entering the egg.

Allocate relative infertility, which is associated with psychological factors. If the reasons cannot be found, infertility is called idiopathic (up to 50% of cases).

How to define male infertility?

Infertility is a situation when a couple has unprotected sex on a regular basis (on ovulation days) for a year, but cannot have a child.There are no obvious symptoms of infertility, only its causes.

One of the signs of a lack of testosterone can be a decrease in sperm count or its absence, sagging scrotum, dense testicles, atrophic penis, weak potency, fat on the thighs. With varicocele, tangles of veins are visible on the skin of the scrotum, and a man experiences pain in the groin during sex.

In acute infections and inflammations, a man may feel pain in the lower abdomen, difficulty urinating, itching and burning in the urethra.Contrary to popular belief, blood in semen does not lead to infertility, but only indicates a blood disorder in the groin area.

What are the causes of male infertility?

The most common cause of male infertility is testicular varicose veins – this disease is found in 40% of infertile men. Men over 50 are often deficient in testosterone, the main male hormone. Male infertility can be caused by chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and other inflammatory sexually transmitted diseases.

Also, genital trauma, sexually transmitted diseases, the consequences of surgical operations, prostatitis and other inflammation of the genital organs, lack of vitamins, chronic lack of sleep, hormonal and immunological disorders, genetic defects can also lead to infertility.

Is male infertility treated?

Yes. First of all, it is necessary to determine the cause of infertility. Different treatments are suitable for different reasons. For infectious diseases, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial drugs are prescribed. Surgery may be necessary if you have problems with obstruction of the vas deferens. In case of a disturbed process of sperm formation, a hormonal course is prescribed.

In some cases, it is enough for a man to change his lifestyle – to normalize sleep, quit smoking, do not abuse alcohol, eat right.

Incorrect treatment can only aggravate the situation and lead to serious consequences. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of male infertility.

IVF Clinic | What to do with low sperm motility

Quite often, a man cannot conceive due to the fact that his sperm are not motile enough. This condition is called asthenozoospermia. The andrologist-endocrinologist of the MAMA clinic explains why such problems arise and what to do in this situation.

How to determine that the matter is in asthenozoospermia

When a man who is suspected of infertility donates sperm for analysis for the first time, he usually cannot count on an instant diagnosis.If the sperm count is poor (in particular, the total motility is less than 40 percent, and the percentage of progressively motile sperm is less than 32 percent), then at least 2 weeks later sperm must be donated again. This will help protect against random factors in the diagnosis that influenced the result: for example, if a man had some kind of disease shortly before donating sperm. If sperm motility is reduced even during re-analysis, then we can talk about asthenozoospermia and start looking for the cause of this condition.

{vivod-form-priem}

What affects sperm motility

The most easily remedied cause is temperature. Sometimes it is enough not to go to the bathhouse, sauna and not to take a bath. Cycling also affects sperm motility, so it’s best to skip it. As well as from sugary carbonated drinks.

Even one can of soda has been proven to degrade sperm quality.

Sometimes, after a spermogram, it is necessary for a man to undergo a MAR test.This can be used to determine if the sperm are coated with anti-sperm antibodies, which may be the cause of decreased motility. If the MAR test is positive, then the likelihood of spontaneous pregnancy is low and it will not be possible to correct this situation. Therefore, such a couple has only one way out – IVF with ICSI (sperm injection directly into the egg).

Other causes of asthenozoospermia can be endocrine disorders, so a man, after a second spermogram indicating a problem, must undergo a hormonal examination.First of all, the reason may be a decrease in testosterone levels. A deficiency of this hormone directly impairs the ability of sperm to move, and also disrupts the function of the accessory gonads, which will also negatively affect sperm motility. What causes testosterone levels to decrease? Obesity is one of the most common causes. However, it can be a testicular injury, a pituitary tumor, and congenital pathologies (for example, Kallmann’s syndrome), and simply age-related changes.

{vivod-form-priem}

Impaired production of other hormones (thyroid hormones, prolactin) will also affect the quality of sperm. In all these cases, treatment can be very different: from diet to surgery. But sometimes it is enough to normalize the level of vitamin D. According to recent data, it directly and indirectly (through a decrease in testosterone levels) affects sperm motility. Therefore, when a doctor is trying to establish the causes of asthenozoospermia, he may prescribe a blood test for vitamin D (25-OH form).If the values ​​are low, the patient is prescribed cholecalciferol preparations. With obesity, the dosage is increased.

Varicocele (enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord) is often found in men with low-quality sperm. If no other causes of infertility are found, it has not been possible to conceive for more than two years and sperm maturation is impaired, the doctor will most likely recommend surgical treatment of varicocele. After that, the control of the analysis of the ejaculate is carried out after 3 months, but it may take 1 year for full recovery.

If it is not possible to eliminate the cause of asthenozoospermia, at best, the couple will be offered artificial insemination. However, if sperm motility is significantly reduced, this is an indication for IVF with ICSI.

If you still have questions about asthenozoospermia and want to know more about the treatment of male infertility, you can call +7 (495) 921-34-26 or consult our specialists online.

Take the first step – make an appointment!

Read the text at ref.

Y
N

How to improve spermogram indices – “IVF Center” Bryansk

The reason for low fertility is often an insufficient number of sperm cells or pathological changes in them.

As a rule, a spermogram is prescribed simultaneously with other tests to identify the causes of infertility, inflammatory diseases of the male genital organs, hormonal disorders. A spermogram is required before in vitro fertilization. If the analysis of the semen is poor, then it is necessary to take measures to improve its quality.

Among married couples who are planning to have a child, there is an opinion that if you stop taking hormonal contraceptives and calculate the period of ovulation, pregnancy will immediately occur.There is some truth in this judgment. But there are a number of factors that directly affect conception: the age of the spouses, physical health, the quality of the seminal fluid. In about half of infertile families, pregnancy is impossible due to the fault of the man. For a successful conception, sperm must contain a certain amount of spermatozoa capable of fertilizing an egg.

Today, there are many ways to improve the quality and quantity of sperm. The main thing is to see a doctor in time.

Components of semen

Among the components of the seminal fluid, secretions of the testicles and epididymis, the secretion of seminal vesicles, and the prostate gland are distinguished. The chemical composition of semen deserves special attention: it contains a large amount of vitamin C, B12, citric acid. Among the trace elements – magnesium, potassium, copper, sulfur, zinc.

Despite the abundant acid content, semen has an alkaline environment. As for the consistency, the sperm is heterogeneous, jelly-like.After ejaculation, the seminal fluid becomes jelly-like, and after half an hour – liquid and transparent.

If during ejaculation the semen is too thick, it is small or the color is changed, pathology is possible.

What will the spermogram show?

Spermogram allows you to identify some pathologies of spermatogenesis, count the number of sperm and determine their morphology. An increased content of leukocytes or erythrocytes in semen signals inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs, chronic infectious diseases.Each disease untreated in time threatens infertility. Therefore, the results of a bad spermogram should be alarming.

Hydrogen index of sperm allows you to judge about reproductive disorders. Sperm pH – 7.2-8.0. If the indicator differs from the norm, but no other deviations were recorded, then the result is no violations. But in combination with other changes, this is the basis for a disappointing diagnosis.

The motor activity of sperm is one of the indicators that determines male fertility.There are a number of factors that reduce sperm motility:

• Testosterone deficiency
• Obesity
• Diabetes mellitus
• Vascular diseases
• Pathology of the development of male genital organs

To improve the spermogram, which revealed a decrease in sperm motility, along with drug therapy, it is recommended to adjust the diet.

An insufficient amount of semen indicates a decrease in testicular function caused by inflammation or injury.With a low concentration of sperm in the ejaculate, there is a high probability of infertility. The situation can be aggravated by the fact that many sperm cells are deformed. Poor sperm quality can be attributed to a genetic predisposition. Men with poor heredity should be attentive to their health and regularly visit a urologist to avoid infertility.

Reasons for poor semen analysis:

• Autoimmune pathologies
• Hormonal imbalance
• Genetic factor
• Radioactive radiation
• Narcotic drugs
• Alcohol

Interesting fact: it’s not just women who fall victim to fashion.The desire of men to favorably emphasize the anatomical details with the help of tight-fitting underwear has a rather negative effect on the genitals. Systematic disruption of blood supply due to tight underwear leads to changes in spermatogenesis. Lingerie without access to air has a negative effect on heat exchange, thereby inhibiting the production of sperm.

How to improve spermogram

How to improve the quality of spermogram? The main thing is not to self-medicate: not to take medications that friends or relatives advise.If a pathology is detected, then drug treatment is indispensable. In addition to taking medications, you should reconsider your lifestyle. Usually, to improve the quality of semen, it is enough to give up some habits that negatively affect men’s health.

To improve spermogram, experts advise:

1. Eliminate alcohol and cigarettes. Alcohol abuse and smoking not only reduce the amount of sperm, but also change its qualitative composition.Smoking is as dangerous as alcohol. In smokers, spermatogenesis is inhibited, testosterone levels decrease. The activity of Leydig and Sertoli cells is disrupted.
2. Revise the menu. It is advisable to exclude fried foods and fats from the diet. The most beneficial effect on sperm production is the consumption of protein products, vegetables, whole grains. Fish, chicken meat, beans are very useful. Citrus fruits, rich in vitamin C, contribute to the increase in the number of sperm and are also responsible for their “acceleration”. But experts do not recommend soy products. The diet should contain dairy products rich in calcium.
3. Beekeeping products have a positive effect on the restoration of spermatogenesis. Honey has a positive effect on the prostate gland, stimulates the synthesis of androgens. And royal jelly optimizes nervous regulation.
4. Physical activity is necessary to improve the semen count. Dosed physical activity improves blood circulation in the small pelvis.Congestion in the genital organs leads to inhibition of spermatogenesis, which increases the risk of infertility. Currently, for men who prefer cycling, experts recommend using a suspensor, a special bag that protects the testicles from damage.

Clinic “IVF Center” in Bryansk provides patients with a wide range of services in the field of diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. You can ask all your questions at the consultation, or by calling the clinic by phone.

90,000 Treatment of infertility male infertility male infertility

The problem of infertility in men ICD code N46 is perhaps the most ambitious and multifaceted that an andrologist has to face in his practice.

Causes of infertility in men

It is so arranged that the normal maturation of full-fledged spermatozoa is possible only under conditions of the correct functioning of all life support systems of the body.

Therefore, failures in the work of one of them, seemingly far from sexual function, for example, digestive or cardiovascular, can adversely affect the reproduction of offspring and lead to infertility.

Treatment of male infertility

Of course, there is an algorithm for the diagnosis of male infertility, and the analysis of the quality of sperm plays a key role in it – spermogram .

Correctly performed spermogram allows you to assess the number, motility of sperm cells, the presence of defective forms and other parameters that are extremely important for the detection and interpretation of pathological changes.

Rules for preparing for a semen analysis

1. Sexual abstinence for 3 days (not less than 2 and not more than 5)
2. 10 days before the analysis exclude local overheating of the scrotum (baths, saunas), taking any medications, alcohol
3. If you have had a cold infection or any other inflammatory disease, wait for 2 weeks after recovery

Factors that negatively affect sperm parameters

Semen analysis

Violations in the spermogram can be expressed in a decrease in the number of spermatozoa ( oligozoospermia ), deterioration in mobility ( asthenozoospermia ), an increase in the number of defective, pathological forms of spermatozoa ( teratozoospermia ).

The inflammatory process in the reproductive system is manifested by an increased number of leukocytes and bacteria in the semen ( pyospermia ) or only leukocytes leukocytospermia ). The extreme variant of pathological changes in the spermogram is azoospermia – the complete absence of sperm in the semen, which causes male infertility.

Azoospermia can be associated with severe damage to the spermatogenic epithelium of the testicles (the so-called secretory or non-obstructive type of azoospermia ) or with a block of sperm transport at the level of the vas deferens – obstructive type of azoospermia .

Some normal parameters and pathological abnormalities in spermogram
(according to the latest revision by WHO, 2010)

Parameter	Sperm concentration
Normal value	≥ 15 mln. in 1 ml
Pathological abnormalities	azoospermia – absence of spermatozoa in semen oligozoospermia – decrease in sperm concentration

Normal value

00

value

908 27

Diagnosis of infertility in men

As already noted, a spermogram is a key method for assessing a man’s reproductive function.However, the diagnosis of male infertility does not end there. To obtain a complete objective picture and identify the causes of infertility or reduced fertility, the urologist-andrologist needs to evaluate each of the components involved in the formation, maturation and transport of spermatozoa.

For this purpose, an ultrasound of the scrotal organs with a study of blood flow, examination of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles (TRUS of the prostate, analysis of prostate secretions), analysis for “hidden” infections, etc. may be required.d.

An extremely important role is played by the study of hormonal status , since the function of the testicles is closely related to the concentration and ratio of sex hormones. With severe changes in the spermogram, as well as with azoospermia, a testicular biopsy is performed.

Fertility treatment methods

Testicular biopsy

Testicular biopsy allows not only to thoroughly assess the state of the spermatogenic function of the testicles and determine types of azoospermia (non-obstructive or obstructive), but also to select spermatozoa (if any, of course) and conserve them for later use for fertilization.

That is why I am a supporter of performing extended testicular biopsy with sperm extraction and cryopreservation.

This testicular biopsy technique is called TESE (from the English testicular sperm extraction , testicular sperm extraction) and I studied it in Germany with Professor Tim Schneider, in a clinic specializing in the treatment of male infertility.

Thus, testicular biopsy in the TESE variant gives a double result : infertility diagnosis and sperm collection for subsequent use in IVF / ICSI programs.Testicular biopsy is performed on an outpatient basis, under local or intravenous anesthesia (at the request of the patient).

The use of an operating binocular and microsurgical technique (micro-TESE) increases the efficiency of the procedure and the chances of obtaining a sufficient number of spermatozoa.

The selection and cryopreservation of spermatozoa is carried out in one of the leading partner clinics dealing with assisted reproductive technologies.

Preparation for IVF

In case of making a decision on the use of assisted reproductive technologies (such as insemination, IVF or ICSI) with a diagnosis of infertility , the task of an andrologist is to optimize the male reproductive function, which will increase the efficiency of the procedure.

Questions under Article

.