Low Sperm Count Causes

The main cause of male infertility is low sperm count.

Many biological and environmental factors can cause low sperm count in men. The causes of male infertility have been explained in texts of ayurveda. Few of these factors are discussed below.

Age: Studies have shown that the rate of fertility decreases as age of men increases. Low testosterone level and degeneration of tissues may cause lowered fertility in aged persons. Ayurveda acharyas recommend “Vajikarana therapy” to elderly men. This therapy keeps men as strong as “Vaji” ( Horse) by increasing their sexual energy and stamina.

Stress: Emotional Stress produces stress hormones which interfere in production of sperms. This results in low sperm count. Stress reducing techniques like Yoga, Meditation, deep breathing etc help to reduce stress. Hence ayurveda acharyas have included herbs like Ashwagandha in Vajikarana category.

Lubricants: Lubricants used in condoms or Vaseline can affect sperm count.

Testicular Exposure to Overheating: Over heating of testicles due to fever, saunas, hot water bath tubs etc reduce sperm count. Persons who work with their lap tops keeping them on their thighs may encounter low level of sperms. Men who are exposed to very high temperatures at working place may also face this condition. Ayurveda acharyas recommend washing of testicles with cold water twice daily.

Cocaine or marijuana: Cocaine or marijuana reduces sperm count by 50%. They reduce the swimming ability of sperms. According to principles of ayurveda these substances are “tamoguna pradhana”. Tamoguna induces lethargy and sleep. Hence sperms lose their ability to swim when these substances are consumed.

Smoking: Studies have shown that smoking reduces sperm count and sperm motility. It also reduces life span of sperm. Apart from this it causes erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation which are also causes of primary infertility.

Nutrient deficiencies: Nutrients like as vitami
C, selenium, zinc, and folate help in production of healthy sperms and they also help to increase their count. Deficiency of these nutrients may lead to low sperm count.

Obesity: Few studies have shown a relationship between obesity and low sperm count. According to ayurveda acharyas heating of testicles due to overlapping belly may lead to low sperm count.

Trauma to Testicles: Any trauma to testicles may interfere with production of sperms. Usually Bicycling, riding motor bike, etc lead to lowering of sperm count.

Apart from these genetic factors, toxins, chemicals, heavy metals and infections may also hinder production of sperms which results in low sperm count. Exposure to X-ray and other radiations may also act as causative factors for lowering sperm count.

Varicocele : Varicoceles are found in 15% to 20% of all men and in 25% to 40% of infertile men. It is not clear how they affect fertility, or even if they do at all.