Understanding Low Sperm Count | UK Encyclopedia

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What is a low sperm count?

Anything less than 15 million sperm per milliliter, or 39 million sperm per ejaculate, is considered low. A low sperm count is often referred to as oligospermia. A high, or above average, sperm count is over 200 million sperm per millimeter. You can determine your sperm count through a semen analysis.

What does an abnormal sperm count mean?

An abnormal sperm count may also indicate an underlying health condition. A normal sperm count ranges from 15 million sperm to more than 200 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen. Anything less than 15 million sperm per milliliter, or 39 million sperm per ejaculate, is considered low.

What is a normal sperm count?

Normal sperm densities range from 15 million to greater than 200 million sperm per milliliter of semen. You are considered to have a low sperm count if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter or less than 39 million sperm total per ejaculate. Your chance of getting your partner pregnant decreases with decreasing sperm counts.

How is a low sperm count diagnosed?

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 might be used to measure sperm count. Semen samples can be obtained in a couple of different ways.

How do you know if your sperm count is low?

The main sign of low sperm count is the inability to conceive a child. There might be no other obvious signs or symptoms. In some men, an underlying problem such as an inherited chromosomal abnormality, a hormonal imbalance, dilated testicular veins or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause signs and symptoms.

What causes low sperm count?

However, often the cause of low sperm count isn't identified. Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include: Varicocele. A varicocele (VAR-ih-koe-seel) is a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle. It's the most common reversible cause of male infertility.

What Is Low Sperm Count

1. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/low-sperm-count/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/symptoms-causes/syc-20374585
3. https://www.healthline.com/health/infertility/low-sperm-count
4. https://www.spirehealthcare.com/conditions/low-sperm-count/
5. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22477-oligospermia-low-sperm-count
6. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324821
7. https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/sperm-count