If you’re trying to conceive, or just beginning your journey to becoming a dad, one of the first things you’ll want to establish is whether or not your sperm count is sufficient.
Sperm count plays a big role in fertility and male fertility generally isn’t great, so guys must know if they have enough swimmers before embarking on the road to parenthood.
If you have a low sperm count, don’t panic! You can increase your sperm count by applying some simple ways.
A low sperm count is when a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per ml of semen. This is less than half the amount of sperm that is considered normal.
For most couples, it takes approximately two to three months to conceive after regular sexual intercourse.
If you have been trying to conceive for more than six months and aren’t having any success, you may want to visit a fertility specialist.
A fertility specialist will perform a semen analysis to determine if there is a low sperm count. It’s important to do this as soon as possible because you will want to begin treatment if you find out that there is a low sperm count.
Low Sperm Count Signs
There are a few signs that may indicate a low sperm count. If you have difficulty conceiving, have fewer than normal sperm when ejaculating.
You may have testicles that feel softer than usual, these could be potential signs of a low sperm count. If you have any concerns, it’s best to speak with a doctor to determine the cause and possible treatments.
Common symptoms of low sperm count include:
- Reduced semen volume
- Abnormal sperm morphology (shape and size)
- Reduced sperm motility (movement)
- Increased numbers of abnormal sperm
While you may still be able to conceive with a low sperm count, it may take longer. If you’re concerned about your sperm count, here are some signs to look out for.
Low Ejaculate Volume
If you notice that your ejaculate volume is lower than normal, this could be a sign of low sperm count.
A low sperm count can cause your testicles to secrete less sperm than usual, resulting in a reduced ejaculate volume.
Longer Intercourse Time
If you notice that it takes you longer than usual to ejaculate, this could be another sign of low sperm count.
Sperm typically takes around 10-15 minutes to fully travel from the testicles to the tip of the penis, but it takes longer if your sperm count is low.
Low Libido
If you notice that your libido has significantly decreased, this could be another sign of low sperm count.
No Or Reduced Sperm Production
If you notice that you’ve stopped producing sperm altogether, or that they are very few, you may have a low sperm count.
No Or Reduced Ejaculate
If you notice that your ejaculate is no longer coming out of your urethra, or if it’s reduced in volume, this could be another sign of low sperm count.
No Or Reduced Sperm Motility
If you notice that your sperm are not swimming toward your partner, this could be another sign of low sperm count.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s important to see a doctor or fertility specialist for testing. Low sperm count is treatable, so don’t hesitate to get help if you’re trying to conceive.
What Causes Low Sperm Count?
There are many possible causes of low sperm count. It may be due to a medical condition, such as diabetes, varicocele, or an infection.
It may also be due to lack of healthy lifestyle choices, and addiction to smoking, drinking alcohol, or using drugs. Additionally, low sperm count could be caused by environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals or heat.
Treatment for low sperm count will depend on the type of cause due to which it happened.
Low Sperm Count Treatment
If you’re experiencing low sperm count, the first thing you’ll want to do is make an appointment with your physician. Your doctor will be able to perform a thorough physical exam.
Further, this could check for any potential causes of sperm issues, and they’ll also be able to order some basic blood tests or semen tests to check your hormone levels.
A semen analysis is used to determine the quality and quantity of sperm in a man’s ejaculate. A doctor will ask you to provide a semen sample by masturbating and ejaculating into a cup or bag.
The sample will then be examined for sperm count and the quality of the sperm. If all of these checks come back normal, your doctor may refer you to a fertility specialist to help determine the cause of your sperm issues.
If you’re experiencing a low sperm count, there are a few things that you can do to help improve it. The first is to take some time off from sexual activity.
Studies have found that taking a break from sex for around 10 days can help boost sperm quality.
How To Check Low Sperm Count At Home
There are a few different ways that you can check your sperm count at home. The most common way is to use a home sperm test kit.
These kits are available over the counter at most pharmacies. They work by measuring the amount of semen in your sample.
Another way to check your sperm count is to use a microscope. You will need to purchase a special microscope designed for this purpose, but it is a relatively simple process.
All you need to do is collect a semen sample and then look at it under the microscope. You will need to know research studies to determine the abnormality in your semen.
Does Low Testosterone Mean Low Sperm Count?
As we’ve discussed above, many different factors could be affecting your sperm count. However, if you’re experiencing all of the signs of low sperm count.
It’s important to check your hormone levels to ensure that low testosterone isn’t the cause. It is important to remember that just because you have low testosterone levels.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a low sperm count. However, if you do have a low sperm count, your testosterone levels are likely low as well.
The key is to get checked out by a doctor. The medical professional could be able to determine whether or not your low testosterone levels are causing your low sperm count.
Conclusion
A low sperm count can affect a couple’s ability to get pregnant. A couple should see their doctor if they have been trying to conceive for more than six months and aren’t having any success.
A doctor will perform a semen analysis to determine if there is a low sperm count. A low sperm count can be caused by many different factors.
It is a common problem, but it can be easily diagnosed and treated. If you are experiencing any of the signs of low sperm count, make sure that you get yourself checked out by a doctor.