Sperm count may be impacted by many factors, which may include:
1. Medical conditions
Infections and inflammations such as gonorrhea, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), orchitis, and epididymitis
Varicocele (enlargement of the veins within the scrotum)
Retrograde ejaculation (a condition in which the semen enters the bladder during an orgasm instead of coming out of the tip of the penis)
Nerve diseases due to diabetes or spinal injuries
Injury or surgery in the pelvic area
Certain autoimmune diseases.
2. Medications
Alpha-blockers
Anabolic steroids
Certain antibiotics
Anti-ulcer medications
3. Environmental causes
Heavy metals
Industrial solvents and other chemicals
Radiation exposure
High temperature
4. Lifestyle
Alcohol or drug abuse
Smoking
Stress
Being overweight
What factors determine sperm health?
The normal sperm count is 20-150 million sperm per milliliter of sperm sample, albeit this can vary slightly from test to lab.
A disorder known as azoospermia affects some men who may not have any sperm in their semen sample. Low sperm counts may lower fertility, but because fertility often depends on sperm cell quality, many men are still able to conceive with their female partners in spite of this.
Besides sperm count, other factors that determine sperm health include:Â
Motility or movement – To navigate the female reproductive system, find the egg (ovum), and fertilize it, sperm cells must be movable.
Morphology or structure – The sperm must have a typical form, which includes an oval head and a lengthy tail that work together to drive it.
At least 60% of the sperm cells in a semen sample must move well and have appropriate morphology for the sample to be considered healthy.
Content created and supplied by: Bronzeman (via Opera
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