The right treatment for low sperm count can help make parenthood possible

You might be surprised to learn that male infertility is just as common as female fertility issues. At Texas Fertility Center, we find that many hopeful parents struggle to conceive due to a low sperm count. Also known as oligospermia, this condition reduces the likelihood of the sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg. However, a diagnosis of male factor infertility isn’t the end of the road. Our Austin infertility clinic offers effective treatment for low sperm count.

Semen analysis can reveal the right treatment for male factor infertility

The best treatment for low sperm count is tailored to a patient’s specific diagnosis. As a result, our doctors always order a semen analysis. This test evaluates several parameters of sperm and semen health.

• Semen volume
• Sperm count/concentration, which is the number of sperm per volume of semen
• Sperm motility, or the percentage of sperm that are alive and swimming
• Sperm morphology, which is the percentage of sperm with a normal shape and size

If the results reveal a low sperm count, your doctor may ask you to repeat the test to confirm the result. The team at our Austin infertility clinic may also order bloodwork to evaluate your levels of FSH, LH and testosterone. Your physician may also test your prolactin level, if erectile dysfunction is an issue.

Moving forward with customized treatment for low sperm count

The results of semen analysis and bloodwork will determine the next steps on the journey to increase sperm count. In some cases, patients receive treatment at our Austin infertility clinic. However, working with a urologist is the best path forward for other hopeful parents.

• Abnormal hormone levels. If bloodwork reveals that your hormone levels are abnormal, we can often prescribe medications to help.
• Physical abnormalities. If both semen analyses come back with significantly abnormal results, your doctor may refer you to a urologist for a physical exam. This doctor specializes in treating issues affecting the male reproductive tract. As such, they can determine if any physical abnormalities are causing a low sperm count. If physical issues are present, they can often treat them using minimally invasive procedures.

Medications and surgery aren’t the only types of treatment for low sperm count. Other effective forms of treatment are intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). These treatments can address abnormalities in sperm production or function by helping the sperm reach and fertilize an egg.

Severe cases of male factor infertility may require IVF with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). During this procedure, an embryologist in the lab injects a single sperm directly into an egg to achieve fertilization. This procedure is a safe and effective treatment for low sperm count.

If you think a low sperm count is interfering with your dream of parenthood, we can help. Contact us to learn more about how we can diagnose and treat a low sperm count.