Treating Infertility Due to Low Sperm Count
If you and your partner are having difficulty conceiving due to low sperm count or azoospermia (total absence of sperm), our Houston practice can help you increase your fertility. Dr. Larry Lipshultz's state-of-the-art practice has a team of expert physicians versed in today's most sophisticated male fertility treatments. A lack of sperm production can occur for a number of reasons. We are world-renowned for accurately diagnosing the causes of male infertility and providing the treatment men need to achieve their goals of becoming fathers. Contact our Houston practice today to learn how we can help you to overcome azoospermia.
Symptoms
If your sperm count is lower than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen, it is considered lower than normal. This decreases your chances of conception. If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year of unprotected intercourse with your partner, you should contact an experienced urologist to perform a semen analysis.
We determine sperm count by collecting two semen samples over a two- to four-week period, after a period of two to three days of sexual abstinence.
Causes
Sperm production is a very complex function that can can be adversely affected by a range of conditions. Pre-testicular causes of low sperm count include:
- Stress
- Obesity
- Age
- Low testosterone
- Poor nutrition
- Certain medications
Testicular causes can include:
- Age
- Genetic abnormalities
- Trauma to the testes
- Impaired sperm shape
- Mumps or malaria
- Infection and fever
- Overheating the testicles
- Strenuous bicycle or horse riding
- Undescended testicle
- Cancer or cancer treatment
- An enlarged varicose vein in the scrotum
Post-testicular causes include:
- Blockage of the ejaculatory duct
- Obstructed vas deferens
- Retrograde ejaculation
- Hyposadias (mispositioned penile opening)
- Hernia surgery
- Erectile dysfunction
Treatments
We offer both surgical and non-surgical treatments to help you conceive in spite of a low sperm count. Surgical treatments include:
- Microsurgical varicocelectomy, or the removal of a varicose vein from the scrotum.
- Sperm retrieval, or the surgical removal of sperm cells from the testicle. This is often the best solution for patients with obstructive azoospermia, or a blockage in the male reproductive tract.
Non-surgical treatments include:
- Hormone replacement therapy to increase testosterone production and, in turn, increase sperm production.
- Non-hormone therapy, involving herbal supplements.
- Amino acids, which can improve the life of sperm.
- Changes in lifestyle, such as quitting smoking, quitting or reducing alcohol consumption, exercise, and weight loss.
Your Consultation
In order to diagnose your fertility issue, and, if applicable, to determine the cause of your lack of sperm production, we will conduct an in-depth consultation with you. In order to help us make the most accurate diagnosis possible, please be prepared to discuss:
- Any symptoms you may be experiencing, including low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and pain or swelling of the testicles.
- Lifestyle information, including any major life changes and aspects of your life that may be causing you stress.
- Any medications, supplements, or vitamins you are currently taking.
Learn More about Low Sperm Count Treatments
To find out more about how Dr. Lipshultz can help you conceive in spite of a low sperm count or lack of sperm, contact our Houston practice today.