Oligospermia and pregnancy: What you need to know

What is oligospermia?

Oligospermia, also called oligozoospermia or low sperm count, refers to a condition where an ejaculation contains fewer sperm cells than normal. According to WHO, oligospermia is divided into the following categories:

• Mild: 10 to 15 million sperm cells per millilitre.
• Moderate: 5 to 10 million sperm cells per millilitre.
• Severe: Fewer than 5 million sperm cells per millilitre.

What causes oligospermia?

Various factors can cause oligospermia. The most common ones are:

• Hormonal imbalance: A hormonal imbalance can harm your sperm production and cause oligospermia.
• Physical blockage: Oligospermia can be caused by a physical blockage hindering healthy sperm cells from travelling from the testicles to ejaculation.
• Varicocele: Varicoceles are enlarged veins in the scrotum and can harm sperm production.
• Infections and sexual diseases: Infections and diseases can cause scar tissue or inflammation hindering sperm production.
• Lifestyle factors: Fertility is highly affected by lifestyle factors like obesity, cigarettes, and no exercise.
  
  

How oligospermia affects male fertility

To obtain a pregnancy, you need a healthy sperm cell to fertilise the egg. The more sperm cells you have per millilitre, the better your chances of success. Therefore, oligospermia, especially severe oligospermia, harms the chances of obtaining a pregnancy, as fewer healthy sperm cells are present in the ejaculation.

Ways to get pregnant with oligospermia

Non-medical treatments for oligospermia

For many men, making positive lifestyle adjustments can improve sperm count and quality. These non-medical approaches are often the preferred starting point as they not only support fertility but also contribute to overall health. Here are some common non-medical approaches to try:

• Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Focusing on a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding substances such as alcohol and cigarettes can help improve sperm production and sperm count. 
• Manage stress levels: Try to eliminate stress factors from your life and consider incorporating stress-reducing activities such as yoga and meditation.
• Avoid harmful environmental factors: High temperatures can reduce sperm quality. Therefore, minimize exposure to heat by avoiding hot baths, tight-fitting underwear, and saunas.

Other articles about male infertility

• Getting pregnant with erectile dysfunction
• Understanding Klinefelter syndrome and male infertility
• Getting pregnant with obstructive azoospermia

Fertility treatment with TESE

If treatment is necessary, an option is fertility treatment with TESE. In TESE, a fertility doctor uses a small syringe to retrieve sperm cells from the testicles for fertility treatments. Often, IVF or ICSI is the preferred treatment after TESE.

Treatment with donor sperm

Depending on the severity of your oligospermia, you may need to use a sperm donor to help you fulfil your dreams of parenthood. If you consider treatment with donor sperm and have questions regarding the process, feel free to book a call with our dedicated Customer Care Consultants.

Adoption

Adoption can also be a possibility for men unable to conceive using their sperm.

FAQ about oligospermia

What are the chances of getting pregnant with severe oligospermia?

If struggling with severe oligospermia, your chances of getting pregnant using your own sperm are reduced. However, you can still achieve your dream of being a father. A doctor can help decide if fertility treatment with TESE could be a possibility. Otherwise, you may consider fertility treatment with donor sperm.

Is it possible to cure oligospermia?

Yes, through lifestyle changes or medical treatment, it is possible to improve sperm count. Many men with oligospermia become fathers, either by improving their sperm count or through fertility treatment with TESE or with help from a sperm donor.