Health For Everone Q&A Men’s Health

Men with low sperm should be wary of four diseases. What is oligozoospermia?

Asked by:Buri

Asked on:Apr 13, 2026 06:27 AM

Answers:1 Views:340
  • Blackwell Blackwell

    Apr 13, 2026

    Oligozoospermia may be caused by varicocele, reproductive tract infection, endocrine abnormalities, immune factors and bad living habits, etc. It can be improved through drug treatment, surgical correction, lifestyle adjustment, etc. Oligospermia is mainly characterized by sperm density less than 15 million/ml, which may be accompanied by decreased fertility or sexual dysfunction.

    1. Varicocele:

    Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility. Abnormal expansion of the venous plexus in the scrotum can increase the local temperature of the testicles and affect sperm production. Patients may experience scrotal swelling, which worsens after standing for a long time. Mild cases can be relieved with a scrotal band, while moderate to severe cases require laparoscopic high ligation of the spermatic vein.

    2. Reproductive tract infection:

    Reproductive system infections such as chronic prostatitis and epididymitis will change the composition of seminal plasma and directly damage sperm motility. This type of infection is mostly caused by bacteria or mycoplasma and may be accompanied by frequent urination and perineal pain. It is necessary to carry out semen bacterial culture and then use antibiotics in a targeted manner, and at the same time, it is combined with Chinese patent medicines to clear away heat and promote dampness.

    3. Endocrine disorders:

    Endocrine problems such as hypopituitarism and thyroid disease can interfere with testosterone secretion and lead to seminiferous epithelial dysplasia. Such patients are often accompanied by symptoms such as sparse body hair and loss of sexual desire. It is necessary to confirm the diagnosis through six sex hormone tests, and use chorionic gonadotropin and other drugs for replacement treatment.

    4. Immune factors:

    The production of anti-sperm antibodies will cause sperm agglutination and reduce the number of effective sperm. This situation is more common after testicular trauma or vasectomy. Sperm agglutination can be seen in semen examination. Treatment requires glucocorticoids to suppress the immune response, and severe cases require assisted reproductive technology intervention.

    5. Influence of living habits:

    Long-term smoking and alcohol abuse will destroy the testicular sperm production environment, and high-temperature work or prolonged sitting will also inhibit sperm production. Oligospermia caused by such factors is usually accompanied by an increased rate of sperm abnormalities. To improve the condition, you need to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, avoid hot spring baths or wearing tight pants, and appropriately supplement trace elements such as zinc and selenium.

    Patients with oligozoospermia should maintain a regular schedule and perform aerobic exercise such as jogging and swimming 3-4 times a week to promote blood circulation in the testicles. Eat more zinc-rich foods such as oysters and nuts, and limit the intake of fried foods. Avoid exposure to heavy metals and radiation, and control the frequency of sexual life to 2-3 times a week. If pregnancy preparation has not been successful for more than 1 year, it is recommended that both couples go to the reproductive medicine center for a systematic evaluation. If necessary, assisted reproductive technologies such as intrauterine insemination can be used. Regular semen review is crucial to evaluate the effect of treatment, and a good attitude must be maintained during treatment.