Male factor infertility affects about 30% of infertility cases. Many times low sperm count can be the leading cause of couples being unable to conceive. The normal sperm count to get pregnant should be at least 15 million sperm per milliliter. Men who suffer from low sperm count produce semen with sperm that are fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
How to Know If You Have Low Sperm Count or Motility?
- Semen Evaluation
If a couple has been trying to conceive for over a year without any success, they should consult a doctor to diagnose the cause. A sperm count test is a common procedure done to investigate the cause of infertility. This is done by a procedure called semen evaluation which requires a sperm sample to be evaluated in the lab to check the sperm count, sperm motility, appearance, color, pH, and Leukocyte presence.
- Semen Analysis Cost
A standard sperm count test cost in India is about INR 500.
- Semen Analysis Procedure
Semen analysis is a simple procedure wherein the doctor will ask you to provide a sperm sample in a container provided by the hospital. The sample is then sent to the lab for evaluation.
Can You Become a Father With a Low Sperm Count or Motility?
Yes, many men who have lower-than-normal sperm count to get pregnant go on to become fathers successfully with the right treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with low sperm count, do not despair. Talk to your doctor about the possible low sperm count treatment options.
What to do if You have Low Sperm Count or Motility?
Doctors will suggest a few low sperm count treatment options if your sperm count is low in the semen analysis procedure. This will be done after further evaluating the causes behind the low sperm count. Some possible treatments to help you become a father include:
- IVF: If you have a slightly low sperm count and have been trying to conceive naturally with your partner for nearly two years, In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may be an option.
- ICSI or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection: It is another type of IVF technique for low sperm count treatment wherein a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to fertilize it.
- Surgery: If the low sperm count s caused by a condition like Varicocele that can be corrected with surgery, then the doctors will perform the required surgery to correct the issue.
- Medications: Medications can also be prescribed if the cause of low sperm count is due to an infection or low levels of gonadotrophin hormones, etc. It can effectively help the couple to reach the normal sperm count to get pregnant.
- Donor Insemination: this can be done during the IVF procedure if the male partner’s sperm cannot be used due to quality issues or a genetic disorder. Sperm can then be collected from a donor for the IVF process.
In addition to these treatments, it is advised that the couple try to regularly have sexual intercourse to improve the quality of sperm and increase the chances of conception. Patients should also try to quit alcohol consumption and smoking and try to maintain a healthy lifestyle to improve sperm quality naturally. Mental stress can also have an adverse effect on sperm production.
Conclusion
A male with a normal sperm count may also face issues in fertility, and many with low sperm count can become fathers naturally without treatment. Therefore if you have a low sperm count, do not be disheartened. Get a semen analysis done, and do not worry about the sperm test cost, as it is very affordable. Talk to the fertility doctor about treatment options and do your best to stay stress-free and healthy.