Accurate testing leads to targeted treatment for low sperm count

If you and your partner have been trying to conceive and not getting results, you may need to consider an infertility evaluation. Couples who struggle to have a baby are often shocked to find that female or male factor infertility has created roadblocks for their family-building plans. David T. Vandermolen MD, MS, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor, provides comprehensive infertility testing and treatment, including options to combat low sperm count.

A review of male factor infertility

An estimated 30% to 40% of infertility cases are linked to male factor infertility, even though many people think infertility only affects women. Structural abnormalities, prior medical treatments and hormone imbalances can all affect sperm production.

While you and your partner may feel discouraged to learn this news, identifying the cause of your fertility issues can point Dr. Vandermolen in the right direction for determining the best infertility treatment.

Taking the first steps with a semen analysis

Before beginning any treatment, Dr. Vandermolen will order a full workup on both you and your partner. Our female patients will have blood work ordered, undergo a physical exam and receive a ultrasound exam, for starters. With the male partners, our Northern Louisiana fertility doctor will order a semen analysis, which measures several semen factors including but not limited to the semen volume and the motility, shape, and number of sperm in the sample.

The results of this test can shed light on any male factor infertility concerns. For reference, a normal sperm concentration range is 15 million or more sperm per milliliter of semen. Men who have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter, or fewer than 39 million sperm total sperm per ejaculate, are considered to have a low sperm count.

Frequent causes of sperm issues

Unfortunately, we can’t always identify the cause of a low sperm count. Some common factors can contribute to the problem.

• Scarring from prior surgery or past infections
• Cancer or earlier cancer treatment
• Hormonal imbalances
• Marked obesity
• Certain medications
• Excessive alcohol or illicit drug use

How to treat a low sperm count

If your partner’s semen analysis indicates issues with sperm quantity or quality, Dr. Vandermolen may make a referral to a urologist, a physician who specializes in the male reproductive system. Through additional testing and collaboration with this doctor, we can create a treatment plan that may involve lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or assisted reproductive technology, such as intrauterine inseminations or ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) and IVF.

Keep in mind that most men with male factor infertility issues eventually achieve their goals of fatherhood. Dr. Vandermolen and the team at ArkLaTex Fertility can assist you in finding the optimal path to welcoming a healthy baby into your life. We will evaluate all the options and develop the best plan forward.

Contact our office for more information about infertility treatment, including addressing a low sperm count.