How to Achieve Pregnancy With Low Sperm Count

Low sperm count, also referred to as oligospermia, can greatly reduce a man's chance of impregnating a woman and is one cause of male infertility. If a couple has been unsuccessful at conceiving after 12 consecutive months of regular intercourse, infertility may be the cause. Possible reasons for low sperm count include damaged sperm ducts, anti-sperm antibodies, varicocele and problems with low sperm production. Since there are no physical symptoms of low sperm count, a qualified urologist will need to determine if low sperm count exists.

Things You'll Need

• Qualified urologist
• Ovulation prediction kits

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Instructions

Medical Treatment Options

• 1

  Surgical varicocele repair can increase the chances of pregnancy by improving sperm count. Varicocele is a swollen vein in the scrotum that can inhibit sperm production and create abnormally shaped sperm.

• 2

  Hormone replacement therapy can be used if the pituitary glands in the brain are not producing adequate amounts of hormones, which can interfere with sperm production. Gonadotropin injections may be required for up to a year to raise levels of sperm.

• 3

  In vitro fertilization (IVF) can result in conception with low sperm count. IVF is a medical procedure in which a woman's eggs are harvested from her ovaries, combined with sperm in a laboratory, and then placed inside the uterus once fertilization has occurred.

• 4

  Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), also called intrauterine insemination (IUI), can be used in conjunction with IVF. This is a medical procedure completed by injecting a single sperm into a female egg.

Natural Remedies

• 5

  Reduce the number of ejaculations. Because sperm needs time to replenish, frequent ejaculation can reduce the number of sperm present in semen. Men should not ejaculate more than every 36 hours.

• 6

  Keep the scrotum cool. Increased body temperature has been linked to a decrease in sperm production. Avoid hot tubs, baths, saunas, lengthy exposure to outside heat and tight fitting underwear or shorts since these can raise body temperature.

• 7

  Use ovulation prediction kits. Kits are available over the counter and provide women information about when their most fertile days are each month. Having intercourse on the days immediately prior to ovulation can improve the chance of conception.

• 8

  Avoid alcohol, tobacco and drugs. All of these have been linked to poor sperm production and motility. Men who are trying to improve their fertility should eat well-balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables, follow an exercise regimen, take a multivitamin daily and reduce their stress.