Causes For Oligospermia

As per Ayurveda, oligospermia may be correlated with Kshina Shukrata. In this condition the sperms are not able to fertilize the ovum. Kshina Shukra (weak sperm) or Shukradushti (Impaired sperm) may arise due to the vitiation of doshas, especially Vata.

Some of the possible causes of oligospermia, including the following:

• Varicoceles

  Varicoceles are also a common cause of low sperm production and decreased sperm quality, which can cause infertility in men. In Ayurveda, varicocele is described as Siragranthi (Swelling of veins in the sac). It is caused due to the vitiation of Apana Vayu and Rakta Dhatu. Varicocele occurs when veins in the scrotum become enlarged. Every vein has a valve that prevents blood from flowing backward, but sometimes the valve fails. This causes blood to flow back, damaging the vein and causing swelling.

• Hormonal imbalances

  The hormones required for sperm production are produced by the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. The sperm production gets impaired if any alteration occurs in these hormones.

• Ejaculatory problems

  When semen instead of flowing out of the penis, reverses back to the bladder, then it is known as retrograde ejaculation. This condition can reduce sperm counts and cause infertility in men.

• Undescended testicles

  Men born with this condition are unlikely to be fertile. If during fetal development, the testicles do not descend from the abdomen into the sac that forms the scrotum, then the fertility of that person gets hampered.

• Anti-sperm antibodies

  Certain immune system cells known as anti-sperm antibodies tend to kill the sperm cells by mistakenly identifying them as harmful invaders causing low sperm count.

• Chromosomal abnormalities

  Certain genetic disorders like Klinefelter's syndrome, Kallmann's syndrome, and Kartagener's syndrome can cause abnormal development in the male reproductive organs.

• Obstructions

  Obstruction is one of the major causes of oligospermia. The tubes that carry sperm, if blocked by some abnormal developments like cystic fibrosis or any injury due to prior surgeries and infections, can lead to a low flow of semen.

• Trauma or injury

  Some surgeries like vasectomy, hernia repair surgery, scrotal surgeries, prostate surgeries, etc. can reduce the sperm count in your ejaculate.

• Certain medications

  Certain medicines like antifungal, antibiotic, ulcer medicines, chemotherapy drugs, testosterone replacement therapy, etc. can impair sperm production in one's body.

• Environmental factors

  Exposure to chemicals, radiation, and heavy metals can reduce sperm production.

The major causes of oligospermia include Varicoceles, Hormonal imbalances, Ejaculatory problems, Undescended testicles, Anti-sperm antibodies, Chromosomal abnormalities, Obstructions, Trauma or injury, certain medications and some environmental factors.