Decreased sperm: the most important causes
A man's sperm count may suddenly drop significantly, or the man may be born with a sperm problem. Here are the main causes of low sperm count.
Here are the most important causes and information about male infertility and low sperm count:
Male infertility
The main cause of infertility in men is low sperm count, for others, the causes of male infertility problems may be slow sperm movement, low sperm quality, or a lack of semen.
But the most influential factor in the case of male infertility is the low sperm count, which can be measured by semen examination.
Causes of low sperm count
There are many causes and biological and environmental factors that may lead to low sperm count, the most important of which are:
1- age
Research on the effect of aging on male fertility is not over yet, however, a lot of evidence is starting to show that the aging process causes a decrease in sperm count. The proportions were as follows:
- Fertility rates for men under the age of 39 are up to 60%.
- Fertility rates for men over the age of 39 are just under 50%.
2- Taking drugs and drinking alcohol
The use of cocaine or marijuana may temporarily reduce the quantity and quality of sperm by about 50%.
Sperm have receptors for some of the compounds in marijuana that are similar to natural substances, so binding to them may harm the sperm's ability to move, and may also inhibit their ability to penetrate the egg.
3- Malnutrition or deficiency
Deficiency of certain nutrients in the body (such as vitamin C, selenium, zinc, folic acid) may be risk factors and cause low sperm count.
4- Overweight and obesity
Some studies have found that there is a relationship between obesity in men and low sperm count, but this matter and the strength of the relationship specifically between obesity and sperm is still being researched.
5- Cycling
There is a link between cycling and problems with impotence in men, as well as low sperm count. The bicycle seat may damage the blood vessels and nerves responsible for penis erection.
In particular, we mention mountain biking, which involves walking in rough terrain that exposes the perineum to severe shocks and vibrations and can lead to damage to the scrotum.
6- Genes and heredity
Several studies have shown that genetic factors greatly affect a man's fertility, and inherited genetic diseases can affect fertility. Here are some examples:
- Often patients with cystic fibrosis have a deficiency or blockage of the seminal ducts (the tubes that transport sperm) and therefore have a low sperm count.
- Klinefelter syndrome patients carry one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, this syndrome leads to the destruction of the lining of the testicles at puberty, and people with it do not produce sperm or produce a small amount of semen.
7- Smoking
Smoking affects sperm count, as it reduces the life and motility of sperm, and may even lead to genetic changes that may affect the offspring.
In addition, in a study conducted years ago, it was found that men who smoke generally have low sexual desire and only have sex infrequently.
8- Environmental factors
Excess exposure to chemicals or toxins may cause a low sperm count by directly affecting testicular function or affecting hormone levels.
The chemicals that affect sperm are oxygen, free radicals, pesticides (such as DDT, DDT, PCPs, dioxins, and furans), chemicals used to soften plastics, and hydrocarbons.
9- Exposure to heavy metals
Chronic exposure to heavy metals (such as cadmium, lead, or arsenic) may negatively affect fertility and decrease sperm production in healthy men.
Trace amounts of these minerals in semen may block the action of the enzyme in the membrane that covers the head of the sperm.
10- Radiation therapies
Radiation treatments affect every rapidly dividing cell, so sperm are vulnerable to radiation damage. And cells that are exposed more to high levels of radiation can only restore full function after two years.
In severe cases, the activity of sperm production may not return at all to its normal state.
11- Wireless radiation - Wi-Fi
A recent study showed that the use of wireless connections such as Wi-Fi may harm the quality of sperm and lead to lower male fertility. This is caused by electromagnetic radiation from radio communications.
Causes of temporary lack of sperm
Nearly every severe physical or psychological stress can temporarily lower sperm count. Common situations in which a temporary drop in sperm count occurs include:
- Psychological stress: Stress impairs the action of GnRH and reduces sperm production.
- Sexual problems: Less than 1% of men with fertility problems have trouble having sex, which may affect fertility.
- Things like lack of erections, premature ejaculation, psychological problems, or relationship problems with your partner may harm fertility.