Medical Cause
Low
sperm count can be caused by several health issues and a number of
environmental and lifestyle factors. Some of the common causes of low sperm
count are:
- Varicocele. A varicocele can affect negatively on quantity and quality of sperm. It is also one of the most common causes for Male Infertility.
- Infection. Several infections can obstruct with sperm production as well as hamper sperm health. These include certain sexually transmitted infections, including Chlamydia and Gonorrhea.
- Tumors. Some cancerous and nonmalignant tumors can disturb the male reproductive system directly or indirectly by affecting the glands which release hormones related to reproduction. Many surgical, radiation and chemotherapy treatments used to treat tumors may also affect Male fertility.
- Hormone imbalances. Hormones play a very important role in creating sperm. Therefore, any hormonal imbalance may impair sperm production.
Environmental
causes
Many environmental factors adversely affect sperm production. Some of the specific causes include:
- Industrial chemicals. Over exposure to industrial chemical like benzenes, toluene, xylene, herbicides, pesticides, organic solvents, painting materials and lead may cause low sperm count or poor sperm quality.
- Heavy metal exposure. Exposure to lead, cadmium, arsenic or other heavy metals may also cause low sperm count.
- Radiation or X-rays. Exposure to radiation or X-rays can also reduce sperm production. Cells that produce sperm are very sensitive to radiation damage.
- Overheating the testicles. Regular use of saunas or hot tubs may temporarily lower your sperm count. Sitting for long periods, wearing tight clothing or using a laptop on your lap for long periods of time may also increase the temperature in your scrotum and reduce sperm production.
- Prolonged bicycling. Prolonged bicycling is another possible cause of reduced fertility due to overheating of the testicles.
Health,
lifestyle and other causes
other lifestyle causes of low sperm count include:
- Illegal drug use. Anabolic steroids taken to stimulate muscle strength and growth can cause the testicles to shrink and sperm production to decrease. Use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily reduce the number and quality of your sperm also.
- Alcohol use. Alcohol abuse can affect sperm production.
- Smoking. Smoking does affect sperm count. Studies reveal that smoking reduces quality and quantity of sperm.
- Stress. Severe or prolonged emotional stress, including stress about fertility itself, may interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm.
- Weight. Obesity can cause hormone changes that reduce male fertility.
