Can oligospermia lead to fertility?

Oligospermia is a problem that some men have, and it is also one of the main causes of male infertility. After a man suffers from oligospermia, the number and quality of sperm in his body are relatively low. In this case, the male's fertility will be greatly affected. There are many reasons for oligospermia, such as cryptorchidism and varicocele. Below, I will introduce you to the relevant knowledge of oligospermia!

1. Introduction to Oligospermia

Oligospermia refers to a condition in which the number of sperm in the semen of fertile men is lower than normal. The International Health Organization stipulates that the number of sperm in a man should not be less than 20 million per milliliter. If it is less than 20 million, it is considered oligospermia, which will have a great impact on fertility.

2. Causes

1. Varicose vein

Varicose veins increase the local temperature of the testicles and increase vasoactive substances, thus affecting the spermatogenic function of the testicles. However, the degree of varicocele is not proportional to the quality of sperm.

2. Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism is one of the important factors affecting semen quality. About 60% of patients with unilateral cryptorchidism are infertile. Therefore, if the sperm density is low and there is cryptorchidism, it must be treated as soon as possible.

3. Reproductive tract infection

Chronic infection of the accessory gonads can affect various laboratory indicators in semen.

4. Autoimmunity

Reproductive immunology studies have found that male autoimmunity can affect fertility, and anti-sperm antibodies can affect the production and transport of sperm.

5. Endocrine abnormalities

Normal spermatogenesis in men depends on the normal function of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis. Any disorder in any of these links will affect spermatogenesis. Other diseases such as thyroid and adrenal gland diseases will also affect the function of the gonads and cause oligospermia.

6. Chromosomal abnormalities

Chromosomal aberrations have a serious impact on sperm density, motility and morphology.

7. Others

Excessive scrotal temperature, radiation damage, chemical drugs and drug effects can all cause oligospermia.

3. Clinical manifestations

Symptoms include fatigue, sore waist and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, loss of libido, etc., or there may be no symptoms at all, but the common manifestation is long-term infertility after marriage, and the normal sperm count in semen is less than 20×10/ml.