Low sperm count is usually not something men worry about until they intend to have a child. It is also generally associated with old age. Both of these lines of thought need to be abolished. Low sperm count can affect you at any age, and should be worried about long before you look toward having a child. The exact cause of a low sperm count isn't always clear, but there are numerous possibilities.
What Is Low Sperm Count?
Before you can worry about the causes of a disorder, you have to understand what the disorder is. The official medical name for low sperm count is oligospermia. Low sperm count is often assumed to be the only cause of male infertility. This is not the case. It is simply one of the causes. It is, however, exactly what is sounds like. Having a low sperm count means that you produce less sperm, ultimately decreasing the likelihood that one of your sperm will fertilize an egg to produce a child. It only takes one sperm to produce a child, but the odds are actually very low even in a regular male.
Varicocele
Varicocele is a term indicating a swollen vein in the scrotum. This swollen vein can affect sperm production and ultimately lower your sperm count. Varicocele is one of the more common causes of male infertility and low sperm count. The swollen vein may be repaired with a relatively minor surgery.
Damaged Sperm Ducts
Damaged sperm ducts are a leading cause of lower sperm count in men. The unfortunate thing is that there are numerous causes for why sperm ducts would be damaged. The duct system is extremely delicate. Infections, surgeries or minor injuries can all damage the duct system. You can even inherit conditions that would lead to damaged sperm ducts. Sperm ducts are responsible for carrying sperm from the testicles to the penis. Even if you continue to produce normal amounts of sperm, damaged ducts will lower your overall sperm count at the time of release.
Anti-Sperm Antibodies
Anti-sperm antibodies are common in men who have had a reversal of their vasectomy. Anti-sperm antibodies are a result of an immune system that instigates a response in your system to attack the sperm you produce. This is not just caused by the reversal of a vasectomy, but also by infections and injury. Anti-sperm antibodies can be difficult to fight, so consult with your doctor thoroughly about any options you may have.
Klinefelter's Syndrome
Sperm production can be hindered by a variety of issues, many of which are inherited. One such disorder is Klinefelter's syndrome. Klinefelter's syndrome is a disorder in males where they are born with one extra X chromosome. Females are born with an XX chromosomal makeup, and males are born with XY. Males suffering from Klinefelter's syndrome are born with an XXY makeup. An inherited condition is more likely to result in a complete lack of sperm. This is known as azoospermia.
Tags: sperm count, born with, swollen vein, Anti-sperm antibodies, duct system