Is Low Sperm Volume Abnormal? What Are the Causes? A Problem Men Shouldn’t Overlook.

Low sperm volume refers to when a man ejaculates with an insufficient amount of semen. This issue can arise due to various factors, including health conditions, daily lifestyle habits, and environmental influences.

Symptoms of men with low semen volume may occur in some cases, such as:

• Pain or swelling in the testicular area

• Low sexual performance or erectile dysfunction

• Decreased facial or body hair, indicating hormonal imbalances

• Inherited chromosomal abnormalities

• Having unprotected intercourse for over a year without the female partner conceiving

In some patients, noticing a decrease in semen volume may be a warning sign of underlying health issues, such as:

• Blockage of the sperm ducts

• Poor sperm quality

• Infertility

• Imbalance in male hormone levels

• Bacterial infections

Physical or Medical Causes

Health conditions that can lead to reduced semen volume include various factors such as blocked sperm ducts due to bacterial infections or reproductive system disorders.

Environmental Causes

Being in a stressful or high-pressure environment can contribute to sexual dysfunction and may lead to decreased semen production.

Lifestyle Causes

Certain lifestyle habits can also increase the risk of low semen volume and erectile dysfunction, such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, or drug use.

These factors are also considered causes of reduced semen volume, such as:

• Smoking

• Alcohol consumption

• Overweight or obesity

• Infections

• Severe stress or depression

• Testicular injuries

• Cancer treatments like radiation therapy

• Certain medications

• Substance abuse

If you notice any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor for a medical check-up:

• Having unprotected sex for over a year without achieving pregnancy

• Experiencing issues with ejaculation or erectile dysfunction

• Decreased sexual desire

• Pain, swelling, or lumps in the testicular area

• A history of treatment related to the testicles, prostate, or sexual health

Physical Examination If a man experiences low semen volume, he should consult a specialist for a thorough examination of the reproductive system to check for inflammation or infections. The doctor will assess the urinary tract and test for bacterial infections. Additionally, a semen analysis will be conducted to determine if the sperm quality falls within normal parameters. Medical History Assessment The doctor will review the patient's medical history, including symptoms and daily habits, to determine if the low semen volume is linked to genetic factors or a history of infertility. The evaluation will also consider lifestyle behaviors that may impact sperm production and ejaculation. Semen Quality Analysis After an initial assessment, the doctor will order a semen analysis, requiring the patient to provide a sample for laboratory testing. The test will assess sperm quantity, shape, survival rate, and potential contamination with red or white blood cells. If the overall semen quality falls within the standard range, there is no specific abnormality, but treatment may focus on increasing semen volume to meet the normal threshold.

1. Medication Treatment
   The doctor will identify the cause and prescribe medication accordingly. If the semen volume is low and lacks concentration, the doctor may prescribe vitamins such as zinc and vitamin B complex. However, if the condition is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics will be necessary to treat the reproductive system.

2. Hormone Therapy
   For patients with hormonal imbalances, hormone replacement therapy may be considered. The doctor will conduct hormone level tests and determine, in consultation with the patient, which specific hormones need supplementation.

3. Surgical Treatment
   If a blockage in the sperm ducts is detected due to tissue or scarring, causing inflammation or infection, the doctor may perform a surgical procedure. This involves endoscopic examination through the urethra, and if necessary, surgery to repair and restore normal function of the sperm ducts.

4. Lifestyle Modifications
   Certain lifestyle habits in men, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, can contribute to low semen volume. Reducing or eliminating these habits can help improve overall reproductive health.

Having a lower-than-normal semen volume does not necessarily mean that your partner will be unable to conceive. However, it may take longer than usual. Low semen volume can contribute to infertility because it reduces the chances of sperm successfully swimming through the cervix to reach the egg in the fallopian tube for fertilization. In some cases where there is no semen ejaculation at all, infertility treatment may be required, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) combined with the TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction) procedure. This involves extracting a small tissue sample from the testicles to isolate sperm for use in an ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) procedure.

When noticing a decrease in semen volume, men should avoid the following habits that may affect sperm quality:

• Quit smoking

• Reduce or avoid alcohol consumption

• Avoid drug use

• Maintain good physical health

• Manage stress and maintain a positive mindset

• Avoid exposure to toxic substances such as pesticides and heavy metals

There are several foods that can help improve the quality and quantity of sperm, including:

• Eggs – Easily accessible and rich in protein, vitamin A, B, D, E, amino acids, and iron, which help maintain male hormone levels and increase sperm production.

• Meat – Helps boost sperm count and strengthens sperm cells.

• Chocolate – Contains antioxidants that increase sperm production and improve blood circulation.

• Bananas – Rich in vitamin A, B1, and C, which help balance the reproductive system, enhance sperm concentration, and increase sperm volume.

Having a low sperm count does not necessarily mean that a man is infertile. Even if the sperm quantity is low, as long as the sperm quality remains within the normal range, there is still a chance for the partner to conceive.

Low sperm count refers to when a man ejaculates a small amount of semen during climax. This may be a warning sign of potential health issues or lifestyle behaviors that haven't been properly managed. Some patients may experience testicular pain and swelling, erectile dysfunction, or notice greater difficulty in conceiving compared to others. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don't ignore them. It is important to see a doctor for a physical examination, diagnosis of the underlying cause, and to discuss treatment options.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at Line@ : @beyondivf for further assistance.