Low sperm count, also known as oligospermia, occurs when a mans semen contains fewer sperm than is typical. A man is considered to have low sperm count if he has fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen or less than 39 million sperm total per ejaculate. There are many factors that can contribute to low sperm count, including:

• Medical causes: Low sperm count can be caused by a number of health issues and medical treatments. Some of these include varicocele, a swelling of the veins that drain the testicle; infections; hormonal imbalances; genetic problems such as Klinefelter syndrome; and certain medications such as chemotherapy, some antibiotics, and some antidepressants.

• Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to low sperm count. These include alcohol use, smoking, drug use (such as anabolic steroids), and exposure to environmental toxins.

• Physical factors: Problems with the reproductive system can also cause low sperm count. These can include damage to the testicles, inflammation of the testicles, and blockages in the tubes that transport sperm.

• Other factors: Other factors that can contribute to low sperm count include being overweight or obese, wearing tight clothing or working on a laptop computer for long stretches of time, and having had surgery or other treatments for an underlying condition.

Its important to note that sometimes the cause of low sperm count isnt identified. If youre concerned about your fertility, its best to see your doctor for a proper semen analysis at an accredited laboratory.