Male Infertility Low Sperm Volume

Written by The Blue Heron Clinic

Male Fertility can be an issue when Low sperm volume, Oligospermia or oligozoospermia is present as this indicates male semen with a lower than normal concentration of sperm and can be a common finding in causes of male infertility. Semen with a decreased sperm concentration may also show abnormalities in both sperm morphology (shape / development) and motility (movement). The World Health Organization (WHO ) has established a reference point of less than 15 million sperm/ml as a diagnosis for low sperm volume in men. However sperm concentrations may fluctuate and oligospermia may be temporary in some men.

What Causes Low Sperm Volume (Oligospermia)

Low semen volume may sometimes be a result of a physical blockage or retrograde ejaculation. A blockage will usually cause result pain or discomfort during ejaculation - see your doctor if you experience this symptom.

Retrograde ejaculation occurs when semen, which would normally be ejaculated through the urethra, is redirected to the bladder. Normally during sexual intercourse, the sphincter of the bladder contracts prior ejaculation directing the semen to exit through the urethra which is the path of least pressure. When the bladder sphincter does not function properly, retrograde ejaculation occurs. This may affect fertility as insufficient quantities of sperm will be delivered to the uterus.

Ways to prevent Low Sperm Volume

• Wear Loose Clothing - Studies show that men wearing tight fitting underwear have a higher average testicular temperature which is associated with low sperm counts and low sperm motility. Choosing to wear boxers over tight fitting underwear may help your sperm levels to remain healthy.
• Keep your Laptop off your Lap! - Keeping your laptop computer sitting on your lap for 15 to 20 minutes can increase your testicular temperature significantly which can damage sperm quality and volume possibly resulting in male infertility for chronic laptop users. Testicles need to remain slightly cooler relative to the body so avoiding excessive heat is critical to male fertility health.
• Healthy Diet, Including Vitamins or Fertility Supplements - Nutrition plays a significant role in the fertility health for both men and women. Including foods rich in zinc, vitamin c and natural antioxidants may improve sperm health over the long term. Many of the nutrients required for male fertility health can be found in green whole-foods such as avocado, spinach, broccoli, nuts and seeds so adding these foods to your diet while including adequate protein from sources such as organic fish and meat will ensure you are receiving the proper nutrient requirement to develop healthy sperm.

• Incluide Organic Green whole-foods for essential minerals and antioxidant protection
• Include Organic nuts and seeds for a concentrated amino acid, protein punch to keep sperm healthy
• Include a quality multivitamin or fertility supplement containing zinc and vitamin c
• Avoid drinking coffee or black tea - studies show caffeine may damage fertility
• Minimize alcohol consumption and recreational drug use
• Manage your stress - high stress will reduce your libido..
• Include Moderate daily exercises into your schedule - this helps stress reduction and circulation

The Blue Heron Clinic uses acupuncture and fertility nutrition to treat male and female infertility for clients in Galway, Oranmore and Knocknacarra Ireland.