Strategies to Consider if You Have Low Sperm Count

The journey to parenthood can be challenging, especially when faced with a low sperm count. Having low sperm count is a condition called oligospermia, and it can significantly impact a couple's ability to conceive naturally. However, advancements in medical science and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as the Effortless IVF™ method, can help.

Here, Dr. Kevin Doody and Dr. Kathleen Doody at Effortless IVF™ in Fort Worth and Bedford, Texas, offer information and strategies to consider if you have a low sperm count.

What is a low sperm count?

A sperm count less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen is considered lower than normal. Having a low sperm count decreases the chances of getting your partner pregnant naturally. 

Lifestyle changes to improve fertility with a low sperm count

Sperm health depends on several factors, including sperm count, motility, and structure. There are several things you can do that may help improve a low sperm count and make natural conception more likely.

Diet and nutrition

When you learn you have a low sperm count, it can be helpful to start with simple changes to your diet to improve sperm health. We recommend emphasizing berries, dark leafy green vegetables, and other foods that are rich in antioxidants, which are excellent sperm-boosters.

Exercise

Regular physical activity can boost testosterone levels and improve fertility. However, because too much exercise can have the opposite effect, it’s important to strike the right balance. 

Avoid harmful substances

Reduce alcohol intake and avoid smoking and recreational drugs, all of which can actively reduce sperm count.

Manage stress levels

Chronic stress can impact hormone levels and sperm production. Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, exercise, or counseling can be highly beneficial.

Supplements and herbal remedies 

Certain supplements, such as zinc, L-carnitine, and CoQ10, have improved sperm count and quality in some men. Some herbal supplements, like ashwagandha and fenugreek, may help, but it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Medical intervention for improving sperm count

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to increase your sperm count, the right medical intervention might help. For example, if a hormonal imbalance (i.e., low testosterone) is responsible for your low sperm count, hormone replacement therapy may be able to correct the problem.

If your low sperm count is caused by varicocele (swelling of the veins that drain the testicle), surgery may be a viable corrective option.

Overcoming low sperm count with Effortless IVF

For couples who struggle to conceive, traditional in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is an option to fertilize the female’s eggs with sperm outside of the body, and then transfer the fertilized egg into the woman’s uterus.

At Effortless IVF, our approach combines the sperm and eggs within an innovative device called an INVOcell®. This device is placed in the woman’s vagina, so the fertilization of the egg and early development of the embryo take place within the body, instead of at an IVF lab. 

After five days, we remove the INVOcell, and the healthiest embryo is placed back into the women’s uterus for implantation. You can also freeze any embryos that are not transferred for potential future use.

Dealing with a low sperm count can be a distressing experience, but there are many strategies and treatments available to help overcome this challenge. By making lifestyle changes, exploring medical treatments, and considering Effortless IVF, many men with low sperm count can still achieve their dream of fatherhood. 

Give us a call today to learn more, or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest Effortless IVF office in Fort Worth or Bedford, Texas, any time.