Causes of Low Sperm Count

 

While the average man can produce this many sperm multiple times per day, sometimes an internal factor, such as varicocele, could lower the number of sperm. External factors such as smoking, drug usage, poor diet and lack of exercise can also all decrease sperm count. Here are some of the external factors that could impact your sperm count:

1. Heat can have a detrimental effect on normal sperm production. It is for this reason that nature has placed the testicles outside the body in the scrotum rather than in the abdomen like the ovaries. Soaking in a bathtub full of hot water can almost halt sperm production completely.

2. Obese men can also become sterile because the sagging layers of fat can overheat the testicles.
Men whose jobs involve long hours of sitting, e.g. long distance lorry-drivers may have infertility due to the increased heat to the genital area.

3. Very frequent intercourse can lead to the demand exceeding the supply. There are quite a number of infertile men whose sex drive is such that they must ejaculate 2-3 times a day thus giving them a lower sperm count.

4. Smoking over 20 cigarettes a day has been shown to reduce both the sperm count and sperm motility.
Excessive alcohol intake can lead to infertility. Alcohol can lower the production of sperm and of the male hormone testosterone.

5. A workaholic husband may find that stress and fatigue can potentially interfere with sperm production.

Infected semen can also be a cause of infertility. Previously it was believed that mumps could cause sterility in men. However, it is now known that even when the testicles are involved in mumps such as orchitis (a very painful swelling of the testicles), it is extremely rare for this to lead to sterility.