Oligospermia: low Sperm Volume, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Sperm volume is the amount of semen that is produced during ejaculation (intercourse). It is also known as semen volume. The fertility of men is dependent on sperm volume. Low sperm volume leads to infertility.

Low sperm volume can be defined as” The low concentration of sperm in the semen is known as low sperm volume”. There are various causes of low sperm volume such as diseases, medication, and lack of exercise. But fortunately, there are lots of medications and home remedies available that treat low sperm volume.

In this article, we will discuss sperm count, natural home remedies for low sperm volume, and causes of low sperm volume.

What is sperm count or oligospermia?

Sperm count is the number of sperms present in the sample of semen. A normal range of sperm count is at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. If sperm count is below 15 million then it is considered as a low sperm count and may be the sign of infertility. It is also known as oligospermia.

Generally, sperm count is considered along with other factors such as sperm morphology and sperm motility. Sperm morphology is the percentage of the sperms that have normal size and shape while sperm motility is the percentage of sperms that can swim in the semen in a straight line. To find the fertility of men then these factors are evaluated.

Oligospermia causes

The common factors that cause low sperm count include:

Hormonal imbalances
Certain medication
Genetics
Environmental toxins
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Certain diseases such as depression etc
Age
Alcohol consumption
Household problems

These are the basic and common causes of low sperm count. To treat infertility, first, find the cause and then treat it accordingly.

Symptoms of oligospermia

The common symptoms of oligospermia include:

Decreased amount of semen during ejaculation
Problem in achieving pregnancy
Less than 15 million sperm per ml of semen (low sperm count)
Sperm abnormal morphology (abnormal shape and size)
Reduced motility of sperm
Infertility
Loss of sex drive or libido
In case pain, and swelling in testes
Erectile dysfunction

Natural remedies for low sperm volume

To treat low sperm volume, there are lots of natural remedies available that are backed by science. People are using them for a very long time to treat their infertility. World-famous researchers and fertility specialists recommend the following natural remedies for low sperm volume.

Increase your zinc intake

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that plays an important role in various functions of the body. But it plays a key role in the production of sperm and testosterone.

Modern studies have revealed that zinc is a key element in the production of sperm. To treat your infertility increases your daily zinc intake.

You can increase your zinc intake either by taking zinc supplements or foods high in zinc.

Zinc rich foods include beef, chicken, pumpkin seed, and oysters. Add these foods to your daily meals to get tremendous results.

To get rapid result takes zinc supplements and zinc rich foods daily.

Note: Excessive zinc intake can cause lots of side effects. So it is best to consult a doctor before taking any supplement.

Take supplements daily

Certain supplements increase the production and viability of sperm. These supplements include Vitamin C, vitamin E, and omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements increase sperm volume and health.

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant and protects the sperm from damage. Vitamin E is also a strong antioxidant and protects the sperm from damage as well as improves sperm motility.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the development of sperm and it also increases the motility and overall health of the sperm.

To get these supplements start to eat foods that have a high content of these supplements. But if you are facing infertility then you should buy them to compensate for their deficiency in a short time.

These supplements are available both in health food stores and online.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an old Ayurvedic herbal supplement that is used for men’s infertility. From ancient times Ashwagandha is used to increase the fertility of men.

Some modern studies have shown that Ashwagandha increases sperm volume and improves sperm motility. Some studies tell that Ashwagandha increases the level of testosterone which increases sperm volume.

In ayurvedic and alternative medicine Ashwagandha is considered as a super medicine for infertility treatment.

Tribulus Terrestris

Tribulus Terrestris is an old Ayurvedic medicine that is used to treat men’s infertility.

According to recent studies, Tribulus terrestris increase sperm count and improve sperm motility.

Some studies tell that Tribulus Terrestris increases the level of testosterone, which is necessary for the health of sperm. It also increases sperm volume.

Horny goat weed

Horny goat weed is another herbal medicine that is used for the treatment of infertility. In chines medicine and ayurvedic Horny goat weed is used to treat sperm count and improve erectile dysfunction.

It is believed that Horny goat weed increases the blood flow to the testicles which nourishes the sperm and increases the sperm volume.

Regular exercise

Regular exercise will not only increase your sperm volume but also your overall health. One of the main causes of low sperm volume is the lack of blood supply and nutrients to the sperm.

Regular exercise increases both nutrients and blood supply to the testicles. Sufficient blood supply to testicles helps to nourish the sperm and improve their overall health.

You should perform any one of the following exercises for at least 20 minutes.

Running
Gym
Cycling
Swimming
Brisky walk
Jogging
And other physical games

These exercises are very beneficial for the health of sperm.

Quit your smoking

Modern studies have shown that smoking reduces sperm volume as well as worsens the sperm’s health. Quitting smoking improves both sperm volume and sperm health.

Limit your alcohol intake

Researchers have found that excessive drinking of alcohol can cause sperm damage which leads to low sperm count. To increase your sperm volume and treat infertility then limit your alcohol intake.

Generally, alcohol is injurious to health and can cause various lethal diseases such as heart attack, liver cirrhosis, kidney failure, etc.

Maintain balanced diet

A balanced diet is key to perfect health. Always try to eat a diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein because this diet increases sperm count and improves the overall health of the sperm.

Avoid processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugars because they can damage the sperm and cause low sperm volume.

Reduce your stress

Stress is a silent killer and can be a cause of various lethal diseases. Stress hurts sperm health and can cause low sperm volume.

According to one study, it was found that people who have stressed the volume of their sperm were low. Stress can also cause poor health in the sperm.

There are lots of ways through which you can reduce stress such as meditation, yoga, games, engaging in events, or psychological therapies.

Get enough sleep

Sleep is very important for proper health. Lack of proper sleep can cause low sperm volume and also damage the sperm.

The normal duration of sleep for a healthy life is 7-8 hours per night.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient chines medicine that is used to treat various diseases. Now a day acupuncture is used to improve sperm motility and sperm volume.

In acupuncture, special types of needles are inserted in specific points of the body.

But more scientific research is needed to confirm how acupuncture improves sperm motility and increases sperm volume.

Avoid hot tubes & saunas

High temperature can cause sperm damage which leads to low sperm volume.

According to one study people who have prolonged exposure to hot water they had have low sperm volume.

Always try to avoid hot tubs and saunas as much as possible and also avoid tight-fitting clothes because they can trap health against the testicles.

Causes of low sperm volume

Low sperm volume is a major problem for people in the world. To treat low sperm volume, first, we should identify the underlying cause of it. So the potential causes of low sperm volume include:

Varicocele

A varicocele is a medical condition in which the testicles’ veins are dilated and enlarged which leads to low sperm volume, poor sperm quality and poor ejaculation.

Infections

Some viral and bacterial infections such as herpes, gonorrhea and chlamydia can affect the health of the testes which leads to low sperm volume.

Hormonal imbalances

Hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone can cause low perm volume which leads to infertility.

Certain medications

Some hormonal therapies can also cause low sperm volume such as testosterone replacement therapy.

Environmental toxins

Environmental toxins are the main culprit of low sperm volume in developing countries. Common environmental toxins include heavy metals, paints and pesticides.

Lifestyle factors

Some lifestyle factors can also cause low sperm volume such as obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of exercise.

Genetic factors

Sometimes low sperm volume is due to the genetic makeup of the individual. A common example of a genetic disorder that causes low sperm volume is Klinefelter’s syndrome.

Age

Generally, the volume of the sperm becomes low with age. With time the quantity and quality of sperm become low which leads to low sperm volume.

Treatment for low sperm volume

Treatment for low sperm volume is depended on the underlying cause. The common effective treatments which are used for low sperm volume are:

Varicocele surgery

If the cause of low sperm volume is varicocele then surgery is performed for the enlarged veins in the testes. It is a minor surgical procedure and very effective for the treatment of low sperm volume.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics are used to treat low sperm volume if it is caused by pathogens.

Hormonal therapy

Hormonal therapy is performed if low sperm volume is caused by hormonal imbalances. Common hormonal therapy is testosterone replacement therapy.

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes can be also used to treat low sperm volume such as quitting smoking and alcohol, maintaining proper body weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet.

In-vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

To achieve pregnancy in low sperm volume and low sperm count conditions, IVF and ICSI are used. But these techniques are not profound in some countries due to ethical issues.

Summary

Low sperm volume is the low concentration of sperm in the semen. It is also known as oligospermia.

Oligospermia is caused by lots of factors such as infections, varicocele, certain medications, environmental toxins, and hormonal imbalances.

Oligospermia is the main cause of men’s infertility but it can be treated based on underlying cause. Common treatment protocols are surgery, antibiotics, lifestyle changes, and hormonal therapy.

Author

Gowhar Ali

Pharm D, Mphil, Diploma in Nutrition
View all posts

Spread the love