Sperm Disorders And What You Need To Know
Sperm Disorders And What You Need To Know
It is not uncommon for men to have troubles with their sperm production, or to develop a sperm disorder. But what are they, what causes them and how can they be treated?
For men who want to conceive with their partner naturally healthy sperm production is necessary.
What is healthy sperm production?
A normal and healthy sperm count will range anywhere between 15 million sperm to more than 200 million sperm per millilitre of semen. Other signs of healthy sperm production include a morphology rate of 4-48%, as well as an ejaculate volume of 1.5-7.9 millilitres. Anything scarcer than 15 million sperm per millilitre, or 39 million sperm per ejaculate, would be considered low.
What is a sperm disorder?
Sperm disorders include flaws in the quality or quantity of the sperm produced by a male, as well as any defects in sperm ejaculation. Usually, they are diagnosed after a man is struggling to conceive naturally. Through analysis of the semen and genetic testing, doctors can quickly and confidently diagnose a sperm disorder. In vitro fertilisation via intracytoplasmic sperm injection is usually the most effective way to conceive if a man has a sperm disorder. However, there are other treatment options available based on the specifics and severity of the disorder.
What causes sperm disorders?
There are a number of factors that can come into play and cause sperm disorders in men, such as low sperm production: They include:
- smoking tobacco or marijuana
- a history of cancer and cancer therapy
- a history of gonadotropin exposure
- the use of testosterone
- use of chronic opioids
- endocrinopathy and/or hormonal problems
- excessive abdominal fat
- gynecomastia (commonly known as man-boobs)
- varicocele-dilated veins of the spermatic cord
- Testicular mass
- small testicle/s
Treatments for sperm disorders
There are a number of treatments available for men with sperm disorders they may include:
- surgery
- antibiotic treatment
- hormone treatments and medication
- assisted reproductive technology (In vitro fertilization via intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
Book an appointment with Urology Specialist
It is always important to talk to a trusted professional when it comes to your health. If you have any questions about sperm disorders and urological health, or if you would like to book an appointment, please feel free to contact or call Dr Arianayagam’s office on 1300 307 990, and his staff will be happy to assist.
Interested in finding out more about men’s reproductive health? Read some of our other blog posts:
Vasectomies: What you need to know
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