What are the causes of low sperm count in men?

Have you been trying to conceive but have had no luck? Are you worried about your sperm count and wonder what might be causing it to be low? Well, look no further because we have compiled a comprehensive list of possible causes for low sperm count.

Introduction

Sperm count is one of the crucial factors that determine fertility among men. If a man’s sperm count is too low, then fertilization will be difficult or impossible. There are several reasons why one may suffer from a low sperm count. Some of these causes can be treated with medications or through lifestyle changes.

Genetics

As much as we hate to admit it, our genetic makeup largely determines our traits, including male fertility. Unfortunately, some men may inherit genes that affect their reproductive abilities adversely.

Genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter syndrome, where males inherit an extra X chromosome (XXY) contribute significantly; they alter hormonal balances making spermatogenesis challenging.

Another condition called Y-chromosome microdeletion predisposes individuals to produce fewer amounts of healthy sperms hence contributing to infertility.

Table 1: Genetic Causes

Abnormality Name Description
Klinefelter Syndrome Male offspring who inherits an extra chromosome – usually XXY
Y-Chromosome Microdeletion A deleted area on the long arm p11 region

Age & Lifestyle Habits

Ageing comes wrapped together with its consequences; decreased formation and functionality being just but examples in this context – this presents problematic semantics especially when paired up with certain lifestyle habits which could compound issues on reproduction health.

Exercise is good for overall wellness but over-exercising can hamper reproductive capabilities done excessively alongside other health-draining behaviors like cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption ultimately leading up cases of impaired semen parameters.

Furthermore, obesity is long known to impact negatively on the production of sperms which ultimately impacts reproductive health. A study by Sermondade et al proved an inverse relationship between increasing body mass index (BMI) and sperm counts.

Table 2: Age-Related Causes

Lifestyle Description
Over-exercising Excessive workout causes oxidative stress levels that hinder proper swimming capability.
Cigarette smoking Contains lead,tar and carbon monoxide all of which affects overall blood flow to such tissues as testicles, inhibiting healthy production Spermatogenesis may undergo reversibility after quitting though not without substantial consideration for the consequent damage done

## Heat

Sperm thrive in a specific temperature range usually lower than normal human core temperature – this explains why testicles hang from outside our bodies – away from body warmth. Testicular overheating resulting from tight-fitting clothes like skinny jeans or exposing one’s genitalia too often too warm baths could contribute to low sperm count.

Fluctuations in extreme temperatures experienced throughout winter/summer seasons also have adverse effects; underwear material and design should be key considerations when it comes down to matters of raising scrotal temperature hence effectivity of sperm activity.

Endocrine System

The endocrine system contains glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream leading directly or indirectly leading back effects felt across several organs including ovarian and testicular functionalities essential in responses via direct feedback mechanisms triggered by hormonal signals.

Hormonal inadequacies caused by factors like pituitary tumors, hypothalamus-related issues, excessive growth-hormones fallout can similarly result in negative consequences. One notable example is hypogonadism whereby inadequate testosterone secretion might hamper semen quality albeit with concurrent minimal symptoms but posing permanent impairments on spermatogenesis – hormonal replacement therapy aids alleviate intricate difficulties associated with fertility complications.

Table 3: Endocrine System Causes

Hormonal Inadequacy Description
Hypogonadism The inadequate secretion of testosterone leads to hampering semen quality, leading to permanent impairment issues.
pituitary tumors These tumors impact the normal functioning of the hormone-secreting gland – this has ominous consequences on reproduction health which carries over through a genetic predisposition from father to son.

Exposure to Toxins

In recent times widespread use and exposure toxic compounds This is worrisome since many toxins are exceptionally efficient when it comes down to suppressing reproductive systems in general; pesticides like DDT, lead could very well have questionable effects on sperm counts.

Industrial waste products inadvertently released into water sources contaminates food supplies consumed by people living in impacted locations triggering mutations that apparently affect overall wellness compromising capable reproductive abilities downstream.

Table 4: Environmental & Occupational Causes

Toxin Exposer Type Description
Pesticide-exposed agricultural workers Baskaran et al findings reveal a definitive association between pesticide exposed peasant farmers and significantly reduced ejaculatory volume along with motility and Scrotal Temperature increases induced by highly intensive workloads further compound men’s woes decreasing total testicular volumes activating heat-induced oxidative stress all eventually diminishing spermatogenesis capabilities.

## Summary

Low sperm count can be quite frustrating for both partners trying to conceive but also presents severe emotional distress owing towards self-esteem issues amongst affected individuals. Factors responsible span across numerous categories as enumerated earlier encompassing environmental contaminants occupational-related hazards general lifestyle habits genetics among others.

The silver lining however lies within scientifically proven remedial options available including hormonal therapies assisted reproductive techniques dietary changes as well ideal working conditions comprehensively improving male fertility rates ultimately translating into improved confidence go forth live fuller lives knowing what aspects active listeners should zero-in-on.

  1. Sermondade, N., Faure, C., Fezeu, L., Shayeb, A.G.A., Bonde, J.P.E .,… Juul ,A (2013). Body mass index is an issue in both sexes but has different relationships to semen profile: Results from a large cohort study of Northern-European men | Fertility & Sterility | 19(466) |

  2. Baskaran et al (2020). Pesticide Exposure and Low Sperm Quality: a Comparative Cross-sectional Study in Rural Areas of Tamilnadu state India – Journal of Health Pollution 10(26), pp.: 200618-16|

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