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 one of the prevalent and consequential conditions that can impede conception in males. It is characterized by a reduced sperm count in the semen. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), a man is considered to have oligospermy if his sperm concentration is less than 15 million spermatozoa per milliliter.
Oligospermy can be caused by various diseases, such as hormonal disorders, testicular problems or infections. In many cases, Oligospermy is associated with other conditions, such as those 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 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.
Additionally, testicular varicocele can lead to a condition called oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, which is characterized by low-quality spermatozoa in terms of both quantity and quality, including motility and morphology.
Adequate treatment can lead to notable improvement in cases of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia associated with testicular varicocele. Surgery is generally considered the most effective treatment, particularly in severe instances.
Hypogonadism and oligospermy: links in reproductive health
Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the testicles do not produce enough sex hormones, such as testosterone. This affects sperm production and can cause infertility as well.
Male hypogonadism can be divided into two main types:
- Primary hypogonadism: the testes do not function properly due to a problem in the testes themselves. The most common genetic disorder of this type is Klinefelter’s syndrome, which can result in low testosterone levels, reduced muscle mass, poor facial and body hair, and reduced 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.
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 that causes fluid to accumulate around one or both testicles. It can be congenital or acquired, and is more common in men over 40 years of age.
Hydrocele is not a direct cause of infertility, but may be associated in 10% of cases, in which it can cause a partial obstruction of the vas deferens, which can reduce the number of sperm in 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.
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.
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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.
