When talking about male infertility, the most common causes are usually taken into account. However, some alterations are often associated with other diseases and underlying conditions that can lead to the development of further complications, which, if detected early, are feasible to correct or lead to more effective alternative solutions.
Oligospermy is one of the prevalent and consequential conditions that can impede conception in males. It is characterized by a reduced sperm count in the semen. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), a man is considered to have oligospermy if his sperm concentration is less than 15 million spermatozoa per milliliter.
Oligospermy can be caused by various diseases, such as hormonal disorders, testicular problems or infections. In many cases, Oligospermy is associated with other conditions, such as those described below:
Cryptorchidism: a condition associated with oligospermy
Cryptorchidism is a condition characterized by the failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum before birth. This condition can lead to fertility challenges since the undescended testicles are exposed to higher temperatures, which can adversely affect sperm production.
Cryptorchidism predominantly affects a single testicle in about 80% of cases, with the left testicle being the most commonly affected. Bilateral cryptorchidism, where both testicles are undescended, is less frequent. To mitigate the risk of fertility difficulties, boys diagnosed with cryptorchidism should undergo surgical intervention to bring down the testicles into the scrotum before the age of 2 years.
Varicocele
Testicular varicocele refers to the condition in which the veins supplying blood to the testicles become dilated. This dilation can result in elevated testicular temperature, which can have a negative impact on sperm production. While it is more prevalent in one testicle, it can also affect both. If varicocele affects both testicles, it is more likely to be associated with infertility.
Additionally, testicular varicocele can lead to a condition called oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, which is characterized by low-quality spermatozoa in terms of both quantity and quality, including motility and morphology.
It can certainly improve if properly treated, and surgery is usually the most effective treatment, especially in severe cases.
Hypogonadism and oligospermy: links in reproductive health
Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the testicles do not produce enough sex hormones, such as testosterone. This affects sperm production and can cause infertility as well.
There are two primary types of male hypogonadism that can be distinguished:
- Primary hypogonadism: the testes do not function properly due to a problem in the testes themselves. The most common genetic disorder of this type is Klinefelter’s syndrome, which can result in low testosterone levels, reduced muscle mass, poor facial and body hair, and reduced sperm production.
- Secondary hypogonadism: There is an issue in the hypothalamus or pituitary glands, which are the glands that produce the hormones that stimulate sperm production in the testes.
The treatment approach for hypogonadism varies depending on the type of the condition. In certain cases, hormonal treatment can be employed to restore testicular function and enhance sperm production, thereby increasing the chances of improved fertility.
Hydrocele
Testicular hydrocele is a condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid around one or both testicles. It can be either congenital or acquired, and it is more frequently observed in men who are over 40 years old.
Hydrocele is generally not a direct cause of infertility, although it may be associated with infertility in around 10% of cases. In these instances, it can lead to a partial obstruction of the vas deferens, potentially resulting in a decreased sperm count in the semen.
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Oligotherotherozoospermia is a condition in which the concentration of spermatozoa in the semen is low and the shape of the spermatozoa is abnormal. This term brings together two spermogram findings, “Oligo” which refers to a low sperm concentration (less than 15 million x ML), and “terato” refers to a low concentration of normal shaped sperm (less than 4%). Abnormalities in sperm shape hinder fertilization and may also affect embryo development.
Men with severe oligoteratozoospermia who want to have children will need to undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). In this treatment, sperm with good shape are selected under the microscope and injected directly into the egg, thus increasing the chances of a healthy embryo.
Are you from New Zealand? Get an accurate diagnosis for better results
Although these diagnoses may dampen the hopes of men who aspire to have a family, it is essential to understand the positive significance of detecting and addressing these conditions on time. This realization can mark a transformative phase in enhancing fertility and promoting overall health.
Keeping up with routine general check-ups is advisable not just for increasing the chances of starting a family but also for minimizing the risk of receiving these diagnoses, which can have lasting consequences. These conditions can pose a threat to the overall health and well-being of individuals.
If you wish to start a family and experience difficulties in conceiving or know someone who may be suffering from infertility or any complication associated with the symptoms described above, it is vital to contact clinics specialized in Oligospermy, male fertility and assisted gestation, such as Babynova Clinic by Novafem, to receive advice on these issues and be treated as soon as possible.
