A low sperm count means that the fluid (semen) you ejaculate during an orgasm contains fewer sperm than is normal. Your sperm count is considered lower than normal if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. 

In medical terms, a low sperm account is called oligospermia and a complete absence of sperm is called azoospermia. Also, there can be problems of abnormal sperm shape (morphology), movement (motility) or function.

Sperm production is a complex process that requires the normal functioning of the testicles, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary glands. In addition, the organs in your brain that produce hormones and trigger sperm production. Once sperm are produced in the testicles, delicate tubes transport them until they mix with semen and are ejaculated out of the penis. Problems with any of these systems can affect sperm production.

In some men there are underlying problems that can cause a low sperm count including an inherited chromosomal abnormality, a hormonal imbalance, dilated testicular veins or a condition that blocks the passage of sperm may cause signs and symptoms.

A low sperm count can be stressful for any couple. Sexual dysfunction encompasses any physical or psychological problem that prevents you or your partner from getting sexual satisfaction. They can range from erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and low libido.

Other low sperm count symptoms can include:

  • Problems with sexual function.
  • Low sex drive.
  • Difficulty maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction).
  • Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicle area.
  • Decreased facial or body hair. 
  • Signs of a chromosome or hormone abnormality

Complications can include:

  • Surgery or other treatments for an underlying cause of low sperm count.
  • Assisted reproductive techniques, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF).
  • Stress related to the inability to have children.

Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that are linked to low sperm count and other problems that can be avoided. 

They can include:

  • Smoking tobacco
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Using illicit drugs
  • Overweight
  • Depression or stress
  • Contracting sexually transmitted diseases
  • Exposure to toxins
  • Overheating of the testicles
  • Trauma to the testicles
  • Being born with a fertility disorder
  • Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses
  • Undergoing cancer treatments, such as radiation
  • Certain medications
  • Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery

When To See a Doctor

When you see a doctor because of sexual dysfunction they will work to determine the underlying cause. This examination might include asking questions about any inherited conditions, chronic health problems, illnesses, injuries or surgeries that could affect fertility. Your doctor might also ask about your sexual habits and your sexual development.

You should seek a doctor’s advice if you have any of the following:

  • Erection or ejaculation problems.
  • Low sex drive, or other problems with sexual function.
  • Pain, discomfort, a lump or swelling in the testicle area.
  • A history of testicle, prostate or sexual problems.
  • Groin, testicle, penis or scrotum surgery.

How The Y Factor Can Help

The Y Factor is the premium men’s sexual dysfunction specialists in the Greater Houston area. Sexual dysfunction is a complex disorder that affects about 52% of men and is one of the first signs of a health abnormality.

Sexual dysfunction encompasses any physical or psychological problem that prevents you or your partner from getting sexual satisfaction. Sexual dysfunction is multifactorial and while medications, such as Viagra, are effective, they are simply a band-aid to the problem. Our goal is to identify and address the underlying problems that can cause sexual dysfunction.

Our comprehensive evaluation consists of blood work, physical examination of the male genitalia, and imaging studies that can specifically pinpoint the issues.

Multi factorial conditions causing sexual dysfunction include:

  • Low testosterone
  • Prostate issues
  • Genital concerns
  • Comorbidities
  • Fatigue

Many factors contribute to low testosterone levels such as age, weight, steroid use, lifestyle choices, thyroid dysfunction, pituitary dysfunction, rapid metabolism of testosterone, and varicoceles (varicose veins in the scrotal area). The Y Factor’s goal is to determine the cause of the low testosterone by uncovering the source of the issue and developing a treatment plan to improve the patient’s natural production.

While our team at The Y Factor identifies and addresses the underlying problems, we can immediately improve your sexual performance by utilizing medications that can help improve the blood flow to your penis, ejaculation, and libido.

Although effective, we view these medications as a temporary measure and our overall goal is to help you perform naturally on your own. We offer a full repertoire of treatments as urology specialist.

Our years of experience and expertise in treating sexual dysfunction has identified the following common observations-sexual dysfunction is quite common and there is always an underlying cause.

Let us provide you our sexual dysfunction premium evaluation to determine which option is best for you.