Oligospermia

Oligospermia is a male fertility condition in which the sperm count in semen is lower than normal, reducing the chances of natural conception. It is a common and often treatable cause of male infertility.

What is a normal sperm count?

  • Normal: ≥15 million sperm per milliliter

  • Oligospermia: <15 million sperm per milliliter

Severity levels

  • Mild: 10–15 million/ml

  • Moderate: 5–10 million/ml

  • Severe: <5 million/ml

Causes of Oligospermia

Medical causes

  • Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)

  • Hormonal imbalance (low testosterone, FSH, LH)

  • Infections (mumps, prostatitis, STDs)

  • Undescended testis

  • Genetic disorders

  • Chronic illnesses (diabetes, kidney disease)

Lifestyle & environmental causes

  • Smoking 🚬

  • Alcohol consumption 🍺

  • Drug use (steroids, recreational drugs)

  • Obesity

  • Excessive heat exposure (tight underwear, laptops on lap)

  • Radiation or chemical exposure

Other causes

  • Stress and anxiety

  • Poor nutrition

  • Frequent ejaculation (temporary low count)

  • Certain medications (chemotherapy, hormone drugs)

Symptoms

Oligospermia usually has no obvious symptoms. Some men may experience:

  • Difficulty conceiving

  • Low sexual desire (if hormonal imbalance exists)

  • Erectile dysfunction (in some cases)

  • Testicular pain or swelling