Oligospermia: Difference between revisions

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'''Oligospermia''' is a male fertility issue characterized by a low sperm count. Other aspects of the sexual health of men, such as [[libido]] and the ability to have an erection, are not affected. The condition is commonly associated with [[infertility]], but many men with oligospermia are still capable of fathering a child.
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
==Causes==
| name                    = Oligospermia
The causes of oligospermia can be many and varied. In some cases, it is due to a medical condition, such as [[varicocele]], a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. Other causes can include [[hormone imbalances]], [[genetic defects]], or certain medications. Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol, can also affect sperm count.
| image                  = [[File:Spermatogenesis_pathologies.png|250px]]
 
| caption                = Diagram showing spermatogenesis pathologies
==Diagnosis==
| field                  = [[Andrology]]
Diagnosis of oligospermia is typically made through a [[semen analysis]]. This involves examining a sample of the man's semen under a microscope to count the number of sperm. If the number of sperm is lower than normal, the man is diagnosed with oligospermia.
| synonyms                = Low sperm count
 
| symptoms                = [[Infertility]], difficulty conceiving
==Treatment==
| complications          = [[Infertility]], [[psychological stress]]
Treatment for oligospermia depends on the cause. If it is due to a varicocele, surgery may be recommended to repair the veins. Medications may be used to correct hormone imbalances. If the cause is related to lifestyle factors, changes such as quitting smoking or reducing alcohol intake may be recommended.
| onset                  = Reproductive age
 
| duration                = Varies
==See also==
| causes                  = [[Genetic factors]], [[hormonal imbalances]], [[lifestyle factors]], [[environmental factors]]
| risks                  = [[Smoking]], [[alcohol consumption]], [[obesity]], [[exposure to toxins]]
| diagnosis              = [[Semen analysis]]
| differential            = [[Azoospermia]], [[Asthenozoospermia]], [[Teratozoospermia]]
| prevention              = Healthy lifestyle, avoiding toxins
| treatment              = [[Hormonal therapy]], [[surgery]], [[assisted reproductive technology]]
| medication              = [[Clomiphene citrate]], [[gonadotropins]]
| prognosis              = Varies depending on cause and treatment
| frequency              = Affects approximately 1 in 20 men
}}
'''Oligospermia''', also known as '''oligozoospermia''', is a male fertility issue characterized by a low sperm count in the ejaculate. It is one of the common causes of male infertility and can be influenced by various factors, including lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors.
== Definition ==
Oligospermia is defined by the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) as a sperm concentration lower than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. This condition can be further classified into mild, moderate, and severe oligospermia based on the concentration of sperm present.
== Causes ==
The causes of oligospermia can be broadly categorized into pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular factors:
=== Pre-testicular Causes ===
Pre-testicular causes are related to hormonal imbalances or systemic conditions that affect sperm production. These include:
* [[Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism]]
* [[Hyperprolactinemia]]
* [[Hypothyroidism]]
* [[Obesity]]
=== Testicular Causes ===
Testicular causes are directly related to the testes and include:
* [[Varicocele]]
* [[Cryptorchidism]]
* [[Testicular cancer]]
* Genetic disorders such as [[Klinefelter syndrome]]
=== Post-testicular Causes ===
Post-testicular causes involve issues with sperm transport and include:
* [[Ejaculatory duct obstruction]]
* [[Retrograde ejaculation]]
* [[Cystic fibrosis]]
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of oligospermia typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis. A semen analysis will assess sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Additional tests may include hormonal evaluations and genetic testing.
== Treatment ==
Treatment for oligospermia depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:
* Lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and smoking cessation
* Medical treatments like hormone therapy
* Surgical interventions for conditions like varicocele
* Assisted reproductive technologies such as [[in vitro fertilization]] (IVF) or [[intracytoplasmic sperm injection]] (ICSI)
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for men with oligospermia varies depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Many men with oligospermia can achieve pregnancy with appropriate treatment and interventions.
== See Also ==
* [[Male infertility]]
* [[Spermatogenesis]]
* [[Semen analysis]]
* [[Semen analysis]]
* [[Infertility]]
* [[Assisted reproductive technology]]
* [[Varicocele]]
[[Category:Reproductive system disorders]]
* [[Hormone imbalance]]
[[Category:Male infertility]]
 
[[Category:Male reproductive health]]
[[Category:Infertility]]
[[Category:Medical conditions]]
 
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 05:24, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Oligospermia
Synonyms Low sperm count
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Infertility, difficulty conceiving
Complications Infertility, psychological stress
Onset Reproductive age
Duration Varies
Types N/A
Causes Genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle factors, environmental factors
Risks Smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, exposure to toxins
Diagnosis Semen analysis
Differential diagnosis Azoospermia, Asthenozoospermia, Teratozoospermia
Prevention Healthy lifestyle, avoiding toxins
Treatment Hormonal therapy, surgery, assisted reproductive technology
Medication Clomiphene citrate, gonadotropins
Prognosis Varies depending on cause and treatment
Frequency Affects approximately 1 in 20 men
Deaths N/A


Oligospermia, also known as oligozoospermia, is a male fertility issue characterized by a low sperm count in the ejaculate. It is one of the common causes of male infertility and can be influenced by various factors, including lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors.

Definition[edit]

Oligospermia is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a sperm concentration lower than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. This condition can be further classified into mild, moderate, and severe oligospermia based on the concentration of sperm present.

Causes[edit]

The causes of oligospermia can be broadly categorized into pre-testicular, testicular, and post-testicular factors:

Pre-testicular Causes[edit]

Pre-testicular causes are related to hormonal imbalances or systemic conditions that affect sperm production. These include:

Testicular Causes[edit]

Testicular causes are directly related to the testes and include:

Post-testicular Causes[edit]

Post-testicular causes involve issues with sperm transport and include:

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of oligospermia typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and semen analysis. A semen analysis will assess sperm concentration, motility, and morphology. Additional tests may include hormonal evaluations and genetic testing.

Treatment[edit]

Treatment for oligospermia depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:

  • Lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and smoking cessation
  • Medical treatments like hormone therapy
  • Surgical interventions for conditions like varicocele
  • Assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for men with oligospermia varies depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Many men with oligospermia can achieve pregnancy with appropriate treatment and interventions.

See Also[edit]