Oligospermia Is More Than Just a Cause of Infertility: How to Prevent Oligospermia

Experts point out that oligospermia can generally be divided into three categories: idiopathic oligospermia, primary oligospermia, and secondary oligospermia. 

Idiopathic oligospermia accounts for 11%-15% of the infertile population. If further classified, a sperm count less than 20 million but more than 10 million is considered mild oligospermia; less than 10 million but more than 5 million is moderate oligospermia; and less than 5 million is severe oligospermia. If only a few sperm are found under high magnification or after centrifugation, it is considered extremely low and termed as severe oligospermia.

What are the harms of oligospermia?

One harm is that it can lead to testicular spermatogenic failure. Local factors include congenital testicular underdevelopment, trauma, inflammation, vascular diseases, and interference with scrotal temperature regulation. Systemic factors include endocrine disorders, genetics, nutritional disorders, exposure to radiation, and industrial hazards.

A second harm is that it can cause obstructions in the sperm ducts. This can be due to inflammation, injury, or malformations leading to blockages or absence in the epididymis, vas deferens, or ejaculatory ducts.

A third harm is that it can lead to disorders due to acquired factors. This includes conditions such as a weak spleen and stomach, insufficient blood and semen. Insufficient innate endowment, kidney essence deficiency, diminished life fire, and the inability to produce sperm.

What are the treatments for oligospermia?

As society has developed, the quality of male sperm has generally decreased. Increased stress in men seriously affects their physical and mental health. However, there's no need to worry, as oligospermia is treatable.

1. If oligospermia is caused by varicocele, treatment can involve varicocele ligation surgery. About 50% to 80% of patients see an increase in sperm density one year after surgery, and about 30% to 50% of their wives become pregnant, which is an ideal outcome.

2. If oligospermia is caused by cryptorchidism, treatment should address the undescended testicle issue as early as possible. It is generally recommended to perform an orchiopexy during infancy, preferably within 2 years of age, and no later than 6 years of age. For adult patients with cryptorchidism, if the other testis is normal, the affected testis can be removed to prevent future complications. Retaining one testicle will not affect sexual function and fertility.

3. Treatment for oligospermia should first address acute and chronic testicular inflammation, epididymitis, prostatitis, and seminal vesiculitis. For these diseases, traditional Chinese medicine Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill has shown good efficacy.

What aspects should be considered in preventing oligospermia?

1. Zinc Supplementation: Zinc deficiency in men can lead to reduced libido and sexual function, and a decrease in sperm count. Some men who are picky eaters or who do not like to consume animal products can experience a decrease in the body's zinc content over time.

2. Reducing Emotional Impact: Family trivialities and discord between spouses, leading to mutual blame and prolonged states of depression or annoyance, can directly affect the body's nervous and endocrine systems. This can disrupt the testicular spermatogenic function, leading to infertility.

4. Avoiding Excessive Sexual Activity: Frequent sexual activity can reduce the number of sperm in each ejaculation. If there are fewer than 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen, the chances of conception are significantly reduced.

4. Radiation Protection: Radiation has a definite impact on human health. Small doses of radiation can affect bodily development, while large doses can cause changes in testicular tissue structure, increase the rate of sperm abnormalities, and decrease sperm count and density. Therefore, men should minimize contact with radiation sources, but there is no need to be overly anxious.

5. Avoiding Testicular Overheating: Infertility experts state that high temperatures can damage the testes. In animal experiments, exposing male animals to 38.5°C for 55 minutes reduced their reproductive capabilities. Therefore, men should avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as staying in saunas or taking hot baths.

6. Quit Smoking and Drinking: Experts note that smoking significantly impacts semen quality. Compared to non-smokers, smokers show a significant decrease in all major semen quality indicators, an increase in the rate of sperm abnormalities, and an increase in the number of white blood cells in the semen. Nicotine and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced by tobacco can cause testicular atrophy and changes in sperm morphology.

7. Reject Drugs: Some drugs, such as marijuana and cocaine, affect semen quality. Marijuana can lower androgen levels in the blood, reduce sperm density, and cause male breast development. Cocaine can reduce sperm density. The impact of drugs on sperm can last a long time, so it is crucial to avoid drugs.

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