Low Sperm Count Is Treatable, Say Fertility Experts
Experts Encourage Men to Seek Medical Help
Fertility experts Dr. Gabriel Ogah and Dr. Mojisola Aderonmu confirm that low sperm count is treatable. They urge men with this condition to seek proper medical intervention. However, successful treatment depends on identifying the underlying cause. Many people do not realize that most cases have a specific, treatable reason.
What Is a Low Sperm Count?
The World Health Organization (WHO) sets the standard for normal semen. A man must produce at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of ejaculate. Alternatively, his total sample should contain 39 million sperm. According to Dr. Ogah and Dr. Aderonmu, many men with low counts are unaware until they undergo testing.
High Prevalence in Nigeria
A Nigerian study highlights the scale of the issue. Research conducted in Abakaliki examined 170 men whose partners visited a fertility clinic. Alarmingly, 70% had a low sperm count. Furthermore, 64% showed significant defects in sperm quality.
The study found that asthenozoospermia (poor sperm movement) and teratozoospermia (abnormal sperm shape) were the major issues. Researchers noted a higher prevalence among civil servants. They also linked many cases to bacterial infections.
Common Causes of Low Sperm Count
Several factors can reduce sperm production. The experts identify these key causes:
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Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum can impair testicle development and sperm production.
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Environmental Toxins: Pesticide residues in food and general pollution play a role.
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Occupational Heat: Long-distance drivers exposed to heat around the waist are at higher risk.
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Infections: Reproductive tract infections are a major contributor to abnormal semen in Africa.
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Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, alcohol abuse, and smoking (including shisha) significantly lower sperm count.
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Medical Conditions & Age: Illnesses like cancer and the natural aging process can also be factors.
The Male Role in Infertility
Research supports these concerns. An article in the African Journal of Reproductive Health states that male factors cause about 40% of all infertility cases. This issue is more common in couples struggling to conceive their first child.
How Is Low Sperm Count Treated?
Dr. Aderonmu explains that treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Managing low sperm count depends entirely on its root cause. Diagnosis may involve hormone tests, scrotal scans, or even a testicular biopsy.
The main treatment paths include:
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Medication: This can involve hormonal treatments or specific supplements.
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Corrective Procedures: Surgery can address issues like varicocele.
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Assisted Reproduction: For severe cases, techniques like IVF or using donor sperm are viable options.
The treatment timeline varies. It depends on the cause, the corrective measures taken, and how the man’s body responds.
