When the long-awaited pregnancy does not occur, one of the most common causes of male infertility can be oligozoospermia, also known as oligospermia. The sperm count is significantly reduced compared to the ejaculate of a fertile man. This can negatively impact the chances of natural conception, as the likelihood of the reduced number of sperm traveling through the female reproductive tract to the uterus and fallopian tubes to fertilize the egg is lower. The desire for children often remains unfulfilled.
How is oligozoospermia defined?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), oligozoospermia is diagnosed when the sperm count in a man's ejaculate is less than 16 million sperm per milliliter.
Oligozoospermia is diagnosed using a sperm analysis, which requires a semen sample (after no more than 3-5 days of abstinence). The number of sperm present is examined under a microscope. The degree of oligozoospermia can be classified as moderate, mild, or severe.
What causes oligozoospermia?
Hormonal Imbalances
Sperm production is primarily regulated by hormonal signals. A disturbance in hormonal balance can affect sperm production and quality. Relevant hormones include:
- Testosterone: A low testosterone level can hinder spermatogenesis (sperm maturation/production).
- FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone): These hormones are responsible for regulating sperm production and testosterone production in the testes.
Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome or hypogonadism can lead to hormonal imbalances and thus cause oligozoospermia.
Genetic Factors
Genetic abnormalities play a significant role in the development of oligozoospermia. Common genetic causes include:
- Klinefelter Syndrome: A chromosomal anomaly where men have an extra X chromosome, leading to reduced sperm production.
- Y Chromosome Microdeletions: Small losses on the Y chromosome can severely affect sperm production.
Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Certain environmental and lifestyle factors can negatively impact sperm count:
- Smoking: Nicotine and other harmful substances in tobacco smoke can reduce sperm quality and count.
- Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to hormonal disorders and reduced sperm production.
- Drug Abuse: The use of drugs like cannabis or steroids can impair sperm production.
- Overweight and Obesity: Excess body fat can cause hormonal imbalances that disrupt sperm production.
Infections and Inflammations
Certain infections and inflammatory conditions of the reproductive organs can affect sperm production:
- Orchitis: Infections, such as mumps, can inflame the testes and affect sperm production.
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis can impair sperm storage and maturation.
Anatomical Problems
Anatomical abnormalities can also impact sperm production:
- Varicocele: An enlarged vein in the scrotum can disrupt blood circulation in the testes and affect sperm production.
- Congenital Anomalies: Birth defects in the reproductive organs can hinder sperm production or transport.
Exposure to Toxins
Long-term exposure to chemicals or environmental toxins can reduce sperm count. Examples include:
- Heavy Metals: Lead, mercury, and other metals can impair sperm quality.
- Industrial Chemicals: Exposure to certain industrial chemicals can also have negative effects on sperm production.
Can you still get pregnant despite oligozoospermia?
The good news: Yes, it is possible to get pregnant with oligozoospermia. However, the chances of spontaneous pregnancy are significantly reduced, so consulting a specialist is strongly recommended. Identifying the cause of oligozoospermia is crucial for targeted treatment.
How can you still get pregnant?
The following methods can help improve your chances of getting pregnant despite oligozoospermia:
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Addressing the Underlying Causes
- Medication: If hormonal imbalances or other treatable causes of oligozoospermia are present, medications or hormone replacement therapies can help improve sperm production.
- Surgical Interventions: For anatomical issues such as a varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), surgery may be considered to improve blood circulation in the testes and enhance sperm production.
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Healthy Lifestyle
- An active lifestyle with plenty of exercise and a balanced diet, along with avoiding alcohol and nicotine, is recommended for healthy sperm production.
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Micronutrients
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Scientific studies have identified positive effects of certain substances on overall sperm count. Key nutrients include:
- Coenzyme Q10
- Folate
- Selenium
- Vitamin B Complex
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Clinical studies have also shown improvements in sperm morphology, motility, and reduction of DNA fragmentation with certain micronutrients. These include:
- Omega-3
- N-Acetyl Cysteine
- Trans-Resveratrol
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Effective results depend on micronutrients being in their bioavailable form and optimally dosed (based on scientific findings). All relevant substances to support sperm count and quality can be found in VILAVIT Male, developed by leading reproductive specialists.
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- For mild oligozoospermia, artificial insemination or intrauterine insemination (IUI) may be a cost-effective and straightforward option, provided 2-3 million progressively motile sperm can be obtained (after sperm preparation).
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In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or ICSI
- For moderate or severe oligozoospermia, in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be necessary. In ICSI, a single viable sperm is selected using advanced techniques and injected into the egg to achieve fertilization.
Although oligozoospermia can reduce the chances of natural pregnancy, there are numerous ways and treatment options to increase the likelihood of a successful conception. Medical support from specialists, lifestyle changes, and micronutrients are key to achieving a successful pregnancy despite a low sperm count.
Sources
- Safarinejad M.R. Efficacy of Coenzyme Q10 on Semen Parameters, Sperm Function and Reproductive Hormones in Infertile Men. Urol. 2009
- Agarwal A, Prabakaran SA, Allamaneni SS. What an andrologist/urologist should know about free radicals and why. 2006
- Hosseini B, Nourmohamadi M, Hajipour S, Taghizadeh M, Asemi Z, Keshavarz SA, Jafarnejad S. The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, EPA, and/or DHA on Male Infertility: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Diet Suppl. 2019
- Jannatifar R, Parivar K, Roodbari NH, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Effects of N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation on sperm quality, chromatin integrity and level of oxidative stress in infertile men. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2019
- Mongioì LM, Perelli S, Condorelli RA, Barbagallo F, Crafa A, Cannarella R, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. The Role of Resveratrol in Human Male Fertility. Molecules. 2021
