Tuesday, 27 March 2012

[www.keralites.net] Home Remedies for LOW SPERM COUNT

 

LOW SPERM COUNT

Definition

Low sperm count means that the fluid (semen) you ejaculate during an orgasm contains fewer sperm than normal. Low sperm count is also called oligospermia (ol-ih-go-SPUR-me-uh). Your sperm count is considered lower than normal if you have fewer than 20 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
 
A low sperm count decreases the odds that one of your sperm will fertilize your partner's egg, resulting in pregnancy. Nonetheless, many men who have a low sperm count are still able to father a child.
 
Sperm count may increase if an underlying condition can be identified and treated. Both you and your female partner may need treatment to boost fertility. For some couples, achieving pregnancy requires a procedure such as in vitro fertilization.

Symptoms

The main sign of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. Often, there are no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some cases, however, an underlying problem such as an inherited hormonal imbalance or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause signs and symptoms. Low sperm count symptoms may include:
When to see a doctor 
See a doctor if you:
  • Are unable to conceive a child after a year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse with your partner
  • Have erection or ejaculation problems, low sex drive or other problems with sexual function
  • Have pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle area
  • Have a history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems
  • Have had groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery
Sperm production is complex and requires normal functioning of the testicles (testes) as well as the hypothalamus and pituitary glands — organs in your brain that produce hormones that trigger sperm production. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis. Problems with any of these systems can affect sperm production. In addition, a number of issues can cause abnormal sperm shape (morphology) or movement (motility). Often the cause of low sperm count isn't ever identified.

Medical causes 
Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include:
 
Environmental causes 
  • Overexposure to certain environmental elements such as heat, toxins and chemicals can reduce sperm production or sperm function. Specific causes include:                            
  • Pesticides. Some men exposed to pesticides such as ethylene dibromide and organophosphates have lowered sperm counts. Pesticide exposure has also been linked to testicular cancer. Most studies have been done on men who work in agriculture or live in agricultural areas.
  • Heavy metal exposure. Exposure to lead or other heavy metals also may cause infertility.
  • Exposure to radiation or X-rays. Exposure to radiation can reduce sperm production. It can take several years for sperm production to return to normal. With high doses of radiation, sperm production can be permanently reduced.
  • Overheating the testicles. Frequent use of saunas or hot tubs may temporarily lower your sperm count. Sitting for long periods or wearing tight clothing also may increase the temperature in your scrotum and reduce sperm production.
  • Prolonged bicycling. Prolonged bicycling is another possible cause of reduced fertility due to overheating the testicles. In some cases, bicycle seat pressure on the area behind the testicles (perineum) can cause numbness in the penis and erectile dysfunction.

Health, lifestyle and other causes 

     Some other causes of low sperm count include:
  • Illegal drug use. Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily reduce the number and quality of your sperm as well.
  • Alcohol abuse. Heavy drinking can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction and decrease sperm production. Liver disease caused by excessive drinking may also cause fertility problems.
  • Tobacco smoking. Men who smoke may have a lower sperm count than do those who don't smoke. Secondhand smoke also may affect male fertility.
  • Emotional stress. Stress may interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm. Your sperm count may be affected if you experience severe or prolonged emotional stress. A problem with fertility itself can sometimes become long term and discouraging, producing stress.
  • Vitamin deficiency. Deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin C, selenium, zinc and folate may contribute to decreased sperm production and male infertility.
  • Weight. Obesity can cause hormone changes that reduce male fertility. Men who are underweight also may have reduced fertility.
  • Age. Men older than 35 begin to have a gradual decline in sperm production.
  • Incomplete sperm collection. Lower than normal sperm counts can result from testing a sperm sample that was taken too soon after your last ejaculation; was taken too soon after an illness or stressful event; or didn't contain all of the semen you ejaculated because some was spilled during collection. For this reason, results are generally based on several samples taken over a period of time.
Risk factors
A number of risk factors are linked to low sperm count and other problems that can cause low sperm count. They include:
      
  •      Being age 35 or older
  •      Smoking tobacco
  •      Abusing alcohol
  •      Using certain illegal drugs
  •      Being overweight
  •      Being underweight
  •      Having certain past or present infections
  •      Being exposed to toxins
  •      Overheating the testicles
  •      Having a prior vasectomy or vasectomy reversal
  •      Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder
  •      Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses
  •      Undergoing medical treatments, such as surgery or radiation for cancer
  •      Taking certain medications
  •      Bicycling for long periods, especially on a hard seat or poorly adjusted bicycle

Complications

Infertility caused by low sperm count can be stressful for both you and your partner. Complications can include:
  • Surgery or other treatments for an underlying cause of low sperm count or other reproductive problems
  • Expensive and involved reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization Stress related to the inability to have a child
Preparing for your appointment
You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, when you call to set up an appointment, you may be referred to a specialist.
Because appointments can be brief, and there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well prepared. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
 
What you can do 
These steps can help you make the most of your appointment:
 
Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as refraining from having an orgasm (ejaculating) for a certain period of time, or stopping certain medications.
 
Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment. 
 
Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
    
Find out whether you have a family history of fertility problems. Having a male blood relative, such as your brother or father, with fertility problems or other reproductive issues may give clues to the cause of low sperm count.
 
Make a list of all medications, vitamins and supplements that you're taking.
 
Take your partner along. Even if you have a low sperm count or other fertility problems, your partner also may need tests to see whether she has any problems that could be preventing
pregnancy. It's also good to have your partner along to help keep track of any instructions your doctor gives you or to ask questions you may not think of.
 
Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Time with your doctor is limited, so preparing a list of questions ahead of time will help you make the most of your time together. For low sperm count, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
 
      What do you suspect may be causing my low sperm count?
 
       Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible reasons my partner and I haven't been able to conceive a child? 
  • What kinds of tests do I need?
  • Will my partner also need tests?
  • What's the best treatment for my condition?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach that you're suggesting?
  • Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
  •  Should I see a specialist?
  •  Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
  • Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take home with me? What websites do you recommend visiting? 
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions at any time during your appointment.
 
What to expect from your doctor 
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on. If you see a doctor because you and your partner are unable to conceive, some questions your doctor may ask include:
 
· At what age did you start puberty?
· Have you had any sexual problems in this relationship, including difficulty     maintaining an erection, ejaculating too soon or not being able to ejaculate?
· Have you ever fathered a child?
· Have you had a vasectomy or a vasectomy reversal?
· Do you use illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine or anabolic steroids?
· Have you been exposed to toxins such as chemicals, pesticides, radiation or lead, especially on a regular basis?
· Are you currently taking any medications, including dietary supplements?
· Do you regularly take hot baths or steam baths?

Tests and diagnosis
When you see a doctor because you're having trouble getting your partner pregnant, he or she will try to determine the underlying cause. Even if your doctor thinks low sperm count is the problem, you and your partner may both need tests to rule out other causes of infertility and to look for any underlying health problems. Testing and diagnosis may involve the following.
 
General physical examination and medical history 
This includes examination of your genitals and questions about any inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries or surgeries that could affect fertility. Your doctor may also ask about your sexual habits and questions about your sexual development.
 
Semen analysis 
A low sperm count is diagnosed as part of a semen analysis test. Sperm count is generally determined by examining semen under a microscope to see how many sperm appear within squares on a grid pattern. In some cases, a computer may be used to measure sperm count.
 
To collect a semen sample, your doctor will have you masturbate and ejaculate into a special container. It's also possible to collect sperm for examination during intercourse, using a special condom. Often sperm counts fluctuate from one specimen to the next. In most cases, several semen analysis tests are done over a period of time to ensure accurate results.
 
One of the most common causes of low sperm count is an incomplete or improper collection of a sperm sample. Most doctors will check two or more semen samples over time to ensure consistency between samples. To ensure accuracy in a collection, your doctor will want to:
 
  • Ensure all of your semen makes it into the collection cup or collection condom when you ejaculate
  • Wait at least three months after you've recovered from an illness or stressful event to collect a sperm sample
  • Have you abstain from ejaculating for at least 48 hours before collecting a sample (but not for more than seven days)
 
Semen analysis results 
Normal sperm densities range from 20 million to greater than 100 million sperm per milliliter of semen. You are considered to have a low sperm count if you have fewer than 20 million sperm per milliliter. Some men have no sperm in their semen at all. This is known as azoospermia (ay-zoh-uh-SPUR-me-uh).
 
Your chance of getting your partner pregnant decreases along with decreasing sperm counts:
 
Fewer than half the men with sperm counts between 12.5 million and 25 million sperm per milliliter are able to get their partner pregnant.

Fewer than one-quarter of men with sperm counts less than 12.5 million sperm per milliliter are able to get their partner pregnant.

There are many factors involved in reproduction, and some men with low sperm counts have fathered children. Likewise, some men with normal sperm counts have been unable to father children. The number of sperm in your semen is only one factor. Even if you have enough sperm, you're much more likely to get your partner pregnant if at least half of your sperm have a normal shape (morphology) and show normal forward movement (motility).
 
Other tests 
Depending on initial findings, your doctor may recommend additional, more specialized tests to look for the cause of your low sperm count and other possible causes of male infertility. These can include:
 
· Scrotal ultrasound. This test uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images inside your body. A scrotal ultrasound can help your doctor look for evidence of a varicocele or obstruction of the part of the testicle that stores sperm (epididymis). A small wand is moved over the surface of your testicle sac to produce images on a video screen.
 
· Transrectal ultrasound. This is similar to a scrotal ultrasound — but for this test, a small lubricated wand is inserted into your rectum. It allows your doctor to check your prostate, and check for blockages of the tubes that carry semen (ejaculatory ducts and seminal vesicles). 
 
· Hormone testing. Hormones produced by the pituitary and hypothalamus glands and the testicles play a key role in sexual development and sperm production. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to determine the level of testosterone and other male hormones that affect sperm count.
 
· Post-ejaculation urinalysis. This test involves collecting a urine sample after orgasm. The urine is checked for the presence of sperm. Sperm in your urine can indicate your sperm are traveling backward into the bladder instead of out your penis during ejaculation (retrograde ejaculation). 
 
· Genetic tests. These tests are used if your doctor suspects your reduced sperm count or other fertility problems could be caused by an inherited sex chromosome abnormality. When sperm concentration is extremely low, genetic causes could be involved. A blood test can reveal whether there are subtle changes in the Y chromosome — signs of a genetic abnormality. Genetic testing may also be ordered to diagnose Klinefelter's syndrome or cystic fibrosis.
 
· Testicular biopsy. This test involves removing samples from the testicle with a needle. It may be used if your semen analysis shows no sperm at all. The results of the testicular biopsy will tell if sperm production is normal. If it is, your problem is likely caused by a blockage or another problem with sperm transport. 
 
· Anti-sperm antibody tests. These tests are used to check for immune cells (antibodies) that attack sperm and can affect their ability to function. You are especially likely to have anti-sperm antibodies if you've had vasectomy reversal.

· Vasography. In some cases, contrast dye is injected into each of the tubes that carry sperm (vas deferens) to check for blockage.
 
· Specialized sperm function tests. A number of different tests can be used to evaluate how well your sperm survive after ejaculation, how well they can penetrate an egg, and whether there's any problem attaching to the egg. If you do have a low sperm count, having healthy sperm can be an important factor in male fertility.
 

Treatments and drugs

Treatments for low sperm count include:
 
· Surgery. For example, a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle (varicocele) can often be surgically corrected or an obstructed vas deferens can be repaired.
 
· Treating infections. If a blood test reveals high numbers of white blood cells, you may have an infection of the reproductive tract. Antibiotic treatment may cure the infection, but doesn't always restore fertility. 
 
· Hormone treatments and medications. In cases where low sperm count is caused by high or low levels of certain hormones or problems with the way the body uses hormones, your doctor may recommend treatment with hormone replacement or medications that change hormone levels.
 
· Assisted reproductive technology (ART). For blockage of the vas deferens, retrograde ejaculation or other problems that can cause low sperm count, sperm can be taken directly from the testicle or recovered from the bladder and injected into an egg. The most common ART treatment is in vitro fertilization (IVF). This procedure involves surgically removing an egg from a woman's ovary, combining it with sperm in the lab, and then placing the fertilized egg into the uterus.
 
· When treatment doesn't work 
Sometimes male fertility problems can't be treated, and it's impossible for a man to father a child. If this is the case, your doctor may suggest that you and your partner consider either using sperm from a donor or adopting a child.
 

Lifestyle and home remedies

There are a few steps you can take at home to increase your chances of getting your partner pregnant:

· Increase frequency of sex. Having sexual intercourse every other day may increase your chances of getting your partner pregnant. However, ejaculating more often than every 48 hours may reduce your sperm count.
 
· Have sex when fertilization is possible. A woman is likely to become pregnant during ovulation — which occurs in the middle of the menstrual cycle, between periods. Experts generally recommend having intercourse every two days near the time of ovulation. This will ensure that sperm, which can live several days, are present when conception is possible.
 
· Avoid the use of lubricants. Some products such as Astroglide or K-Y jelly, lotions, and saliva have been shown to reduce sperm movement. Ask your doctor about sperm-safe lubricants.

Alternative medicine
Evidence is still limited on whether — or how much — herbs or supplements might help increase sperm count or overall sperm health. Some, such as zinc, may help only if you have a deficiency.

Supplements that show some promise for improving sperm count or sperm quality include:
· Vitamin C
· Zinc
· Selenium
· Vitamin E
· Vitamin B-12
· Asian ginseng

Other supplements — including L-arginine and L-carnitine — may help improve sperm quality, but more research is needed.
 
Talk to your doctor before taking any herbal remedies or supplements, as some can cause harm when taken in high doses (megadoses) and some can cause problems when taken with certain medications.
 

Coping and support

Coping with infertility can be difficult. It's an issue of the unknown — you can't predict how long it will last or what the outcome will be. Infertility isn't necessarily solved with hard work. The emotional burden on a couple is considerable, and plans for coping can help.
 
Planning for emotional turmoil
 
· Set limits. Decide in advance how many and what kind of procedures are emotionally and financially acceptable for you and your partner and determine a final limit. Fertility treatments can be expensive and often aren't covered by insurance. A successful pregnancy often depends on repeated attempts. Some couples become so focused on treatment that they continue with fertility procedures until they are emotionally and financially drained.
 
· Consider other options. Determine alternatives — adoption, donor sperm or egg, or even having no children — as early as possible in the fertility process. This can reduce anxiety during treatments and feelings of hopelessness if conception doesn't occur.
 
· Talk about your feelings. Locate support groups or counseling services for help before and after treatment to help endure the process and ease the grief should treatment fail.
 
Managing emotional stress during treatment
 
· Practice stress-reduction techniques. Examples include yoga, meditation and massage therapy.
 
· Consider going to counseling. Counseling such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which uses methods that include relaxation training and stress management, has been associated with higher pregnancy rates.
 
· Express yourself. Reach out to others rather than holding in feelings of guilt or anger.
 
· Stay in touch with loved ones. Talking to your partner, family and friends can be very beneficial. The best support often comes from loved ones and those closest to you.

Prevention
Don't smoke.Many types of male infertility aren't preventable. However, you can avoid some known causes of male infertility:
  • Avoid excessive drinking.
  • Steer clear of illegal drugs.
  • Keep the weight off.
  • Don't get a vasectomy.
  • void the heat.
  • Reduce stress.
 

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
This information is solely for informational purposes. IT IS NOT INTENDED TO PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor. 

 
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