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 a common and significant condition that can hinder male fertility by reducing the quantity of sperm in the semen. According to data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), a man is diagnosed with oligospermy when his sperm concentration is below 15 million spermatozoa per milliliter.
Oligospermy can be attributed to various factors, including hormonal disorders, testicular issues, or infections. Moreover, it is often associated with other conditions, some of which are 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.
Furthermore, testicular varicocele can contribute to the development of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, a condition characterized by low-quality spermatozoa in terms of their number, motility, and morphology.
With appropriate treatment, oligoasthenoteratozoospermia caused by testicular varicocele can often show improvement. In severe cases, surgery is typically considered the most effective treatment option.
Hypogonadism and oligospermy: links in reproductive health
Male hypogonadism refers to the condition in which the testicles do not produce an adequate amount of sex hormones, including testosterone. This hormonal imbalance significantly affects sperm production and can lead to infertility.
Male hypogonadism can be divided into two main types:
- Primary hypogonadism occurs when the testes are unable to function properly due to internal issues. A well-known genetic disorder associated with this type is Klinefelter’s syndrome, which often leads to low testosterone levels, diminished muscle mass, limited facial and body hair growth, and decreased sperm production.
- Secondary hypogonadism occurs when there is a problem in the hypothalamus or pituitary glands, which are responsible for producing the hormones that stimulate sperm production in the testes.
Treatment of this condition depends on the type of hypogonadism. In some cases, hormonal treatment can help restore testicular function and increase sperm production, leading to improved fertility projection.
Hydrocele
Testicular hydrocele is a condition where fluid builds up around one or both testicles. It can occur either from birth (congenital) or develop later in life (acquired), and it is more prevalent in men who are 40 years of age or older.
While hydrocele itself does not typically cause infertility, it may be linked to infertility in approximately 10% of cases. This association arises from the potential partial obstruction of the vas deferens, which can lead to a reduction in the sperm count within the semen.
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Oligoteratozoospermia is a condition characterized by a low concentration of spermatozoa in the semen and abnormal sperm morphology. This term encompasses two findings from a spermogram: “oligo,” which indicates a low sperm concentration (less than 15 million per milliliter), and “terato,” which denotes a low percentage of normally shaped sperm (less than 4%). Abnormalities in sperm shape can impede fertilization and may also have an impact on embryo development.
For men with severe oligoteratozoospermia who desire to conceive, in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is typically recommended. This procedure involves the selection of sperm with good morphology under a microscope, which are then directly injected into the egg. This technique enhances the likelihood of developing a healthy embryo.
Are you from South Africa? Get an accurate diagnosis for better results
While receiving any of these diagnoses may initially dishearten men in their pursuit of starting a family, it is crucial to acknowledge the positive aspect of identifying these conditions early for timely treatment. This recognition can serve as a pivotal moment in improving fertility and overall well-being.
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.
