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 refers to the condition wherein one or both testicles fail to descend into the scrotum before birth. This can give rise to fertility difficulties because the undescended testicles are exposed to elevated temperatures, which can impact the production of sperm.
Cryptorchidism primarily occurs in a single testicle, accounting for approximately 80% of cases, and the left testicle is more commonly affected. Bilateral cryptorchidism, where both testicles are altered, is less common. To prevent fertility challenges, it is recommended that boys with cryptorchidism undergo surgery to descend the testicles into the scrotum before the age of 2 years.
Varicocele
Testicular varicocele is a condition that causes dilation of the veins supplying the testicles. This can cause an elevation of testicular temperature, which can impact sperm production. It is most common in one testicle, but can also influence both. If it influences both testicles, it is more likely to cause 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.
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 characterized by insufficient production of sex hormones, including testosterone, by the testicles. This condition has a direct impact on sperm production and can result in infertility.
Male hypogonadism can be classified 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.
- In cases of secondary hypogonadism, the issue lies in the hypothalamus or pituitary glands, which are responsible for producing the hormones that stimulate the testes to produce sperm.
The treatment of hypogonadism is determined by the specific type of the condition. Hormonal therapy can be utilized in certain cases to restore testicular function and stimulate increased sperm production, ultimately improving the outlook for 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.
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 refers to a condition where the concentration of spermatozoa in the semen is low, and the shape of the spermatozoa is abnormal. This term combines two observations from a spermogram: “oligo,” indicating a low sperm concentration (less than 15 million per milliliter), and “terato,” representing a low percentage of sperm with normal morphology (less than 4%). The presence of abnormal sperm morphology can hinder fertilization and potentially affect the development of embryos.
In cases of severe oligoteratozoospermia, men who wish to have children often undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). During this procedure, sperm with normal morphology are carefully chosen under microscopic guidance and directly injected into the egg. By employing this method, the chances of obtaining a viable embryo are significantly increased.
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Although any of these diagnoses may discourage men from pursuing their dream of conceiving a family, it is important to recognize the positive value of finding these conditions to treat them in time. That is what can represent a turning point in fertility and overall health.
It is recommended to maintain regular general check-ups to not only enhance the likelihood of starting a family but also to prevent the occurrence of these diagnoses, which can have irreversible consequences. These conditions have the potential to impact the health and well-being of individuals.
If you or someone you know is facing challenges in conceiving or experiencing complications related to the symptoms described above, it is crucial to seek assistance from specialized clinics that focus on oligospermy, male fertility, and assisted reproduction, such as Babynova Clinic by Novafem. Contacting such clinics will provide valuable guidance and enable prompt treatment for these concerns.
