What a Low Sperm Count Can Tell You About Fertility and Overall Health
What a Low Sperm Count Can Tell You About Fertility and Overall Health
Most people think a low sperm count only affects fertility. But it can also be an early warning sign of other health conditions, including heart disease, hormone disorders, and certain genetic conditions.
That means a fertility evaluation may reveal much more than your ability to have children. It can also provide important clues about your overall health.
If you and your partner are struggling with fertility, or you just want to “check your count,” here’s what to know and how University of Utah Health experts can support you.
A Low Sperm Count Can Reveal More Than Fertility Issues
A low sperm count—also called oligospermia—means there are fewer sperm in a person’s ejaculate than what is considered normal. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a normal sperm concentration is more than 20 million per milliliter.
While a low sperm count is commonly associated with male infertility, doctors now recognize that it may also signal other medical conditions.
“There’s more word getting out that semen parameters are tied to general health,” says Alexander Pastuszak, MD, PhD, a urologist at University of Utah Health. “When you think about biology, the testicle is in many ways a canary in the coal mine for the rest of the body.”
Testicles need optimal conditions to function properly, and when those conditions are disrupted by illness, hormonal imbalances, or environmental factors, sperm formation can be impacted. Pinpointing what other health issues you may have can give you the treatment you need to improve your fertility and general health.
Health Conditions Linked to Low Sperm Count
A low sperm count doesn’t necessarily mean you have another medical condition. But it can prompt your doctor to look more closely for health problems that may otherwise go unnoticed.
One study of more than 9,000 men with fertility problems found that 44% of them had another health condition besides infertility. Specifically, researchers found a correlation between poor semen quality and cardiovascular issues such as hypertension and heart disease.
Conditions associated with a low sperm count include:
- Hormonal and/or endocrine disorders
- Genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome and cystic fibrosis
- Varicocele
- Obesity
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Certain gut diseases
- Cancer
Environmental factors can also affect semen quality, including:
- Industrial pollution
- Exposure to heavy metals
- Exposure to wildfire smoke
- Radiation or X-rays
Men with a low sperm count may also be at higher risk of developing certain diseases later in life, such as:
“More physicians are encouraging younger men to go and have their sperm counts checked because they can be a window into future health risks," Pastuszak says.
When to Get Checked
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for one year without success, it’s time to see a health care professional. If your female partner is older than 35, don’t wait that long—seek an evaluation sooner.
At University of Utah Health, men’s health specialists are specially trained on reproductive and sexual health to best support their patients.
At an appointment, a physician will perform a physical exam and typically order a semen analysis, one of the first steps in evaluating male fertility.
A semen analysis measures:
- Sperm count
- Sperm movement (motility)
- Sperm shape
- Other factors that affect fertility
If you get an abnormal result, your care team will work with you to determine next steps and whether further testing is needed to rule out other health conditions.
However, you don’t need to be trying to conceive to have a semen analysis. This test is increasingly becoming a routine part of assessing a man’s health.
“It’s worth getting a sperm check even as a young man, even if it’s not necessarily going to guide any sort of treatment at this point,” Pastuszak says. “It’s still something that men who are interested in preventive health should consider. It’s easy, it’s fast, and there’s usually something we can do to help.”
Treatment Options for Low Sperm Count
If your doctor determines that you have a low sperm count, the good news is that it’s often treatable. Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may recommend:
- Surgery, specifically for varicocele
- Hormone treatments
- Antibiotics
- Treatments and/or counseling for sexual conditions like erectile dysfunction
- Certain medications, like testosterone or steroids
Healthy lifestyle habits can also improve sperm count and support overall health:
- Quit smoking and/or taking drugs
- Cut back on alcohol consumption
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Eat a balanced diet
- Exercise regularly
Ongoing research continues to impact the way men’s health specialists at U of U Health advise their patients about fertility. A recent study by Pastuszak found that men should avoid cannabis use when trying to conceive, as it may negatively impact sperm count, motility, and viability.
Whether you’re trying to start a family or are just interested in preventive health measures, understanding how your sperm count is tied to other areas of health can keep you attuned to your fertility and overall well-being as you age.
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