Low Sperm Count Treatment for Getting Pregnant

In 50% of infertile couples, the cause of infertility is the male partner. Low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape, and low sperm motility are men's leading causes of infertility. These problems and associated low sperm count signs can easily be diagnosed by semen analysis, also known as sperm count tests and programs.

Factors such as anxiety, being overweight, and poor diet affect the number and motility of sperm and can lead to infertility. Studies have shown that having a proper and nutritious diet and following the essential care tips can minimize sperm disorders and increase sperm count, addressing oligospermia. In this article, we mention some tips on how to increase sperm count and how to eliminate male infertility factors, including the specific consideration of oligospermia. Treatment for low sperm count and causes of low sperm count are also discussed to provide comprehensive guidance on addressing male infertility.

Low Sperm Count Symptoms

Men who cannot conceive a child after a year of effort should take fertility tests, such as genetic tests, hormonal tests, testicular biopsy, testicular ultrasound, etc., to find the cause of infertility and low sperm count signs. Male infertility is typically caused by sperm weakness, which can be identified by looking for certain general symptoms like: such as: 

• Low sex drive;
• Erectile dysfunction;
• Pain or swelling in the testicles;
• The emergence of lumps in the testicles;
• Losing hair on the face or body;
• Hormonal imbalance;
• Diluted semen
• A small volume of semen.

Additionally, men who have had certain surgeries on their testicles, penis, or groin, or who have a history of sexual dysfunction, prostate cancer, or testicular issues, may also have weak sperm. 

Contact Us Contact us for a free initial consultation about true

WhatsApp Telegram Facebook Email

Diagnosing Low Sperm Count

Today, several methods are practiced to diagnose low sperm count, such as:

• Semen analysis;
• Physical examination;
• Checking medical history;
• Blood test to check hormones or chromosomes;
• Post-ejaculation urinalysis to check for retrograde ejaculation;
• Anti-sperm antibody tests to check for antibodies that kill the sperms;
• Prostate test to check for blockage of the vas deferens;
• Biopsy to check for blockage in vas deferens; and
• Ultrasound scanning for diagnosing prostate.

To date, the most accurate test for identifying oligospermia, low motility, and abnormal morphology in sperm has been a spermogram or semen analysis. The patient should ejaculate in a cup during the spermogram and submit the sample of semen to the laboratory for analysis. In order to get consistent results, the doctor may occasionally ask the patient to repeat the test multiple times.

How to Increase Sperm Count?

It would help if you modified your lifestyle and diet to increase sperm count and boost male fertility. Factors that affect testosterone levels will impact sperm quantity and quality the most. In general, to boost sperm count and minimize its abnormalities, it is recommended to observe the following care on low sperm count treatment:

• Avoid taking hot baths
• Reduce your stress and anxiety
• Stop smoking
• Do not wear tight underwear
• Limit the use of laptops and cell phones
• Do pelvic tilting exercises
• Avoid drinking alcohol
• Take vitamin and dietary supplements
• Have a proper diet
• Avoid chemical exposure
• Avoid long-distance cycling 
• Prevent sexually transmitted diseases
• Lose some pounds
• Keep your testicles cool
• Treat your underlying medical diseases.

Avoid taking hot baths

The ideal temperature for sperm production is about 34.5. Studies show that men who avoid hot baths have experienced a 50% increase in sperm production.

Reduce your stress and anxiety

The body's immune system and sperm production can be seriously jeopardized by stress and anxiety. Your body prioritizes survival over other processes, like sperm production, when you're under mental stress. Therefore, lowering your anxiety is thought to be an effective treatment for low sperm count.

Stop smoking

Smoking significantly lowers sperm count in addition to all the other negative effects it has on the body. Therefore, you should stop smoking to increase the quantity of your sperm if you want to become a parent.

Do not wear tight underwear

Since the temperature of the testicles must be lower than that of the body, they are housed in sacs outside the body. The testicles are brought closer to the body and become hotter when wearing tight underwear. Therefore, you can increase the number of sperm by wearing loose, comfortable underwear.

Limit the use of laptops and cell phones

Studies have shown a direct relationship between using a laptop connected to Wi-Fi and reducing sperm count. Also, putting the cell phone in the pants' pocket exposes the testicles to electromagnetic waves and weakens the sperm. Consequently, it is preferable to use fewer electromagnetic devices to increase the quantity of sperm.

Do pelvic tilting exercises

Pelvic tilting exercises include contracting and releasing the muscles of the lower pelvis. These exercises do not affect the number and quality of sperm but can increase the speed of ejaculation.

Avoid drinking alcohol

The best low sperm count treatment is to have a healthy lifestyle. Alcohol increases the level of estrogen in the body by affecting the liver. Also, it reduces sexual drive and, as a result, the number of sperms.

Take vitamin and dietary supplements

Sperm quality and quantity can be enhanced by certain supplements that contain vitamins and antioxidants like carnitine, folic acid, arginine, vitamin E, selenium, vitamin C, glutathione, coenzyme Q10, I-carnitine, and lycopene.

By deactivating free radicals, the minerals and vitamins found in antioxidants help shield the body from harm. Additionally, oranges, berries, potatoes, tomatoes, and spinach contain vitamin C. All red fruits and vegetables, including watermelon, contain lycopene, which can raise the number of sperm.

Have a proper diet

Sperm quality and production are impacted by a diet high in nutrients. Consuming vegetables, whole grains, low-fat foods, and meals high in protein and carbs can help weak sperm and increase sperm count.

Avoid chemical exposure

Some chemicals in the workplace, the air, or even personal care products can be a risk factor for fertility. These chemicals that should be avoided are lead (in pipes, paint, and dust), styrene and acetone (in plastics, packaging materials, and building materials), mercury vapor (in industrial particles and metals), and dibromo chloropropane (in pesticides).

Avoid long-distance cycling 

Male fertility is decreased by long-distance cycling as it lowers the average sperm count needed to conceive. This is because cyclists' tight clothing raises the temperature of their testicles.

Prevent sexually transmitted diseases

Both the quantity and quality of sperm are decreased by sexually transmitted diseases like AIDS, gonorrhea, chlamydia, testicular infections, prostate gland infections, etc. Use common precautions during sexual activity and make sure your partner is free of sexually transmitted diseases to avoid these conditions and increase the number of sperm. It should be mentioned that certain tests needed to diagnose these conditions need to be taken on a regular basis, particularly if you have several sexual partners.

Lose some pounds

Obesity is one of the main causes of low sperm count, low sperm motility, and low semen concentration. So, if your BMI exceeds 30, you should lose a few pounds by exercising and maintaining a healthy diet to improve your sperm parameters.

Keep your testicles cool

You must keep your testicles cool throughout the day in order to produce more and healthier sperm. To achieve this, take short walks throughout the day, especially if you work a desk job, wear cotton and breathable underwear, avoid using car seat heaters for extended periods of time, and avoid placing your laptop on your lap.

Treat your underlying medical diseases.

Some medical conditions, such as infection of the reproductive system or urinary tract, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, anemia, thyroid disease, and Cushing's syndrome, can cause male infertility. So, it is recommended to have yearly check-ups and treat these diseases before trying to conceive.  

Foods that Increase Sperm Count

A healthy diet is essential for producing healthy sperm and increasing the number of sperm. Foods that reduce male infertility factors are presented below:

• Garlic for increasing sperm motility and protecting the sperm;
• Walnuts for increasing sperm life;
• Egg for inactivating free radicals in blood;
• Pumpkin seed for balancing testosterone levels;
• Spinach for improving sperm's shape;
• Asparagus for protecting sperm against free radicals;
• Carrot for increasing sperm count and motility;
• Maca root for increasing sperm count and motility, as well as sexual drive;
• Green tea for eliminating free radicals;
• Ginseng to increase sperm production and sexual potency;
• Dark chocolate for increasing sperm counts and semen volume;
• Zinc to increase the quantity and quality of sperm;
• Hawthorn for keeping the temperature of the scrotum normal and preventing the destruction of sperm due to high temperatures;
• Pomegranate for boosting sperm count; and
• Honey for increasing sperm count and motility.

Medicines to Increase Sperm Count and Motility

• LH and FSH hormones: These hormones stimulate the testicles to produce sperm.
• Gonadotropins (HCG): This drug stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone and sperm.
• Letrozole: It increases sperm count in the body by increasing testosterone.
• Synthetic testosterone: It is used to regulate the body's testosterone level.
• Bromocriptine controls testosterone levels by controlling the secretion of prolactin in the body.
• Antibiotics and antifungal drugs: These drugs are used to treat a variety of genital infections.
• Imipramine: It is prescribed to treat retrograde ejaculation.
• Clomiphene: Clomiphene increases sperm count, balances testosterone levels, and increases sperm motility.
• Semenex: This medication is one of the best for boosting sperm count and motility simply because it contains a variety of vitamins, particularly vitamin E, and amino acids, including arginine and L-carnitine. Its minor side effects are its advantages over traditional medicines.

Different Treatments for Low Sperm Count

The cause of low sperm count determines the kind of treatment. For instance, surgery is an excellent method to treat varicocele, and antibiotics are used to treat sperm disorders caused by an infection. Male infertility brought on by weak sperm can also be treated with hormonal medications or assisted reproductive technologies (ART).

Sperm Injection (ICSI)

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involves injecting a healthy, motile sperm straight into the egg, is one of the most popular fertility treatments. The resultant embryo is placed in the mother's uterus following fertilization.

Notably, the microinjection (ICSI) method is used when the male partner suffers from azoospermia or the number of sperms in his semen sample is very low. Additionally, the doctor should examine sperm disorders and the potential for genetic disorders to be passed on to the embryo before beginning this treatment.

Read more: ICSI in Iran, Success Rates, and What to Expect

Gonadotropin Injection

Injections of gonadotropin, a hormone that promotes sperm production, are another treatment for low sperm counts. This technique won't be applied if the hormones are perfectly balanced or if the reason for the low sperm volume is unknown.

Sperm Donation

Donated sperm is one of the newest treatments for infertility brought on by a low sperm count. This technique (IVF) involves injecting healthy, motile sperm into an egg in a lab after receiving it from a donor. A thin tube is used to transfer the developing embryo into the mother's womb following fertilization. It is important to note that the sperm donor should share physical and genetic traits with the infertile couple.

Read more: IVF with Sperm Donor: Success Rates & Process.

Treating infection

The doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the male reproductive system infection if it is the cause of the low sperm count. When treating an infection, it's crucial to take antibiotics as prescribed for the duration of the course.

Treating sexual problems

When sexual issues like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation are the cause of male infertility, the doctor recommends medication to treat the condition and asks the couple to seek counseling.

Surgical treatment

Low sperm count can be treated with three main surgeries: sperm aspiration if there are no sperm in the semen sample, surgical removal of the blockage in the vas deferens, and varicocelectomy if there is a large and swollen vein in the ball sac.

Low Sperm Count and Infertility

Fortunately, having oligospermia doesn't mean you are completely infertile; however, getting your partner pregnant may take longer. If there is a problem with one or two sperm parameters (such as motility, morphology, count, etc.), you can still get your partner pregnant. Getting pregnant with low sperm motility might require more time and effort. Still, the cause of infertility should be resolved by taking medications or changing your lifestyle. 

Factors Affecting Sperm Quality

Various factors affect male fertility and the quality of sperm, the most important of which include:

Sperm Count

About 90% of male infertility problems are due to low sperm count or oligospermia. The minimum sperm count in each ejaculation is about 15 million per milliliter, less of which increases the risk of infertility. In other words, a sperm count of less than 10 million per milliliter is abnormal and may lead to male infertility. Oligospermia treatment is crucial in addressing this condition.

Investigations have revealed that factors that alter the body's testosterone level impact sperm number. Drinking alcohol, taking certain medications, aging, obesity, smoking, etc., significantly affect testosterone production. So, by controlling these factors, one can improve sperm count in each ejaculation. Oligospermia natural treatment, along with lifestyle modifications, plays a vital role in addressing and mitigating male infertility caused by low sperm count.

Sperm Motility

Sperms move in the female reproductive system at different speeds. They must move forward fast enough to reach the fallopian tubes and fertilize the egg. Low sperm motility is commonly seen in men with low sperm counts. To treat this problem, doctors determine the type of sperm movement (precession or progressive) and then use the most suitable treatment.

Sperm Morphology

The natural shape of sperm, i.e., having an oval head and a long tail, is important in increasing the chance of fertility. The most important reasons for abnormal sperm morphology include drug addiction, a history of infection, varicocele, congenital problems, etc.

Read more: Semen Analysis: Procedure & Results

Reasons for Low Sperm Count

Although there is no obvious reason for the low sperm count, in most cases, the cause of this problem is one of the following:

• Hormonal imbalance;
• Genetic problems;
• The problem in the genital tract;
• Infection of the genital tract and prostate;
• Varicocele;
• Previous testicle surgeries;
• Overheating of the testicles;
• Smoking and drinking alcohol;
• Taking certain medications such as testosterone supplements or psoriasis medication;
• Getting kicked in the testicles;
• Rotation of testis;
• Diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, heart attacks, kidney and liver failure, Cushing syndrome, cystic fibrosis, and severe iron deficiency;
• Exposure to toxic substances such as copper, ethylene oxide, cadmium, mercury, vinyl chloride, and radioactive;
• Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism);
• Physical, mental, and emotional stress;
• Being overweight;
• Precocious or late puberty;
• Hernia repair surgery and
• Air pollution and toxic substances such as lead are in the air.

Read more: What Are the Top Causes of Male Infertility?

Conclusion

In summary, low sperm count (oligospermia) is one of the leading causes of male infertility in today's world. Smoking, varicocele, prostate cancer, specific medication, poor diet, and obesity can reduce sperm count. Fortunately, various low sperm count treatments include ICSI, IVF, sperm donation, and hormonal medications.

As one of the main hubs in fertility treatment, Iran has the best fertility clinics in the world where you can benefit from standard facilities and technologies. 

Raadina Co. offers customized and affordable Types of Infertility Treatment Methods packages for couples seeking fertility treatment in Iran. Raadina Team provides services such as booking appointments with fertility clinics and specialists, applying for a medical visa, booking a hotel at affordable prices, providing 24/7 support before and during the treatment, and arranging transportation in Iran.

Fertility Treatment in Iran

1.   What is the best treatment for low sperm count?

The most effective treatment for low sperm count depends on the underlying cause. Treatment options range from lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) to medication (like Clomiphene Citrate), hormone therapy, and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

2.   Can a man with a low sperm count still get a woman pregnant?

Yes, especially if the sperm are healthy and mobile. However, assisted reproductive techniques (ART) may be needed.

3.   What causes low sperm count?

Common causes include hormone imbalances, varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), infections, genetic conditions, lifestyle factors, and certain medications.

4.   What lifestyle changes can improve sperm count?

Healthy lifestyle behaviors like following a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol, quitting smoking, managing stress, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding hot tubs and tight underwear can help improve sperm count.

5.   Does diet affect sperm count?

A diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins (like C, E, and D), zinc, selenium, and omega-3s can support healthy sperm production.