Sperm Count 17 million : Is it enough for pregnancy
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By: Dr.Bhargav Raut
- 2023-08-09T09:35:07.479+00:00
What is a normal sperm count?
A normal total sperm count is 39 million as per the WHO. For the purposes of this article we assume an ejaculatory volume of 3 ml.[1.5ml - 6ml].What is Male Infertility
Male infertility is when a man and a woman try to have a baby for a whole year without using any protection, but they can't make a baby. The woman is totally fine and can have babies, but the man has something wrong that makes it hard for them to have a baby. And did you know that about 1 in 5 cases of infertility are because of just the man?4What is it called when sperm count is 17 million/ml?
This condition is called oligospermia or a low sperm count.How is sperm count measured?
A sperm count is assessed by means of a semen analysis test. In this test you are asked to provide a sample of your semen, and the lab uses special techniques to analyze the semen. The count is estimated by diluting the semen in a special diluent and then using a measurement chamber to visualize the sperms. A complex mathematical formula is employed to estimate the actual sperm count.What is my grade of oligospermia?
Your sperm count is currently at 17 million, which is considered below the normal range. This condition is known as oligospermia, specifically classified as moderate. Oligospermia means that the quantity of sperm in your semen is lower than what is typically found in a healthy man's ejaculate. In order to determine male fertility, doctors often analyze the sperm count, and a normal count is considered to be above 39 million sperm. It's important to note that these numbers are not absolute indicators of fertility, but they do provide some insight into the potential challenges of conceiving a child.What are the causes of a sperm count of 17 million?
There are several different causes of oligospermia and they can be one of several categories including due to genetic factors, past cancer, secondary to other diseases, physical factors in the reproductive tract etc.5Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids are medications that suppress the hypothalamo-pituitary axis, which is responsible for regulating hormone production. When taken in excess, testosterone is converted into estrogen, leading to hormonal imbalances. This can negatively affect sperm count. To investigate the cause, a doctor may recommend blood tests to check hormone levels and potentially require a semen analysis to assess sperm count and quality.Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are medications that suppress the secretion of hormones from the hypothalamus, affecting the gonads' function. This can result in a decrease in sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor might suggest blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Additionally, a semen analysis may be performed to assess sperm count and motility.Obesity
Obesity, characterized by having a high body mass index (BMI), can increase the risk of hormonal imbalances, including elevated levels of estradiol (a form of estrogen) and a deficiency in androgens (male hormones). These imbalances can negatively impact sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor may recommend blood tests to measure hormone levels, as well as assess other factors like blood sugar, cholesterol, and liver function. Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthier diet and regular exercise, may also be suggested.Sarcoidosis
Sarcoidosis is a condition characterized by inflammation that can infiltrate and disrupt the pituitary gland. This disruption can affect the production of hormones involved in reproductive function, potentially leading to a decrease in sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI, to visualize the pituitary gland. Blood tests to assess hormone levels, including FSH and LH, may also be conducted.Craniopharyngioma
Craniopharyngioma is a type of brain tumor that can exert pressure on the pituitary gland, disrupting the production of hormones involved in reproductive function. This disruption may result in a decrease in sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to visualize the tumor's location and size. Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, including FSH and LH, may also be performed.Hemochromatosis
Hemochromatosis is a condition where excessive iron accumulates in the body, leading to organ damage, including the pituitary gland. This can disrupt hormone production and potentially decrease sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor may suggest blood tests to measure iron levels, genetic testing to identify specific gene mutations related to hemochromatosis, and imaging tests to assess the pituitary gland's condition.Toxins
Exposure to certain toxins like pesticides, radiation, lead, or cadmium can negatively impact reproductive function, including sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor may inquire about potential exposure to these toxins and may order specific tests to measure their levels in the body. Additionally, a semen analysis may be conducted to assess sperm count and quality.Pituitary Adenoma
A pituitary adenoma is a noncancerous tumor that can exert pressure on the pituitary gland, disrupting hormone production. This can lead to a decrease in sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to visualize the tumor's presence, location, and size. Blood tests to evaluate hormone levels, including FSH and LH, may also be performed.Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a genetic condition characterized by unregulated production of adrenal androgens, which can suppress pituitary function. This hormonal imbalance may result in a decrease in sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor may order blood tests to measure hormone levels, genetic testing to identify specific gene mutations related to congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and potentially a semen analysis to assess sperm count and quality.Infections (Prostatitis)
Infections, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), can disrupt normal reproductive function and potentially decrease sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor may ask about symptoms of infection, perform a physical examination, and potentially order tests such as a urine culture or prostate fluid analysis to identify the presence of infection. Additionally, a semen analysis may be conducted to assess sperm count and quality.Varicocele
Varicocele refers to the enlargement of veins within the scrotum, which can lead to sloughing (shedding) of sperm, testicular atrophy (shrinkage), and low testosterone levels. These factors can negatively affect sperm count. To investigate this cause, a doctor may perform a physical examination to assess the presence of varicocele. Additionally, a semen analysis may be conducted to assess sperm count and quality.Questions to ask yourself for a sperm count of 17 million
Age at which you had puberty
Have you ever noticed any physical changes, such as growth of facial hair or deepening of your voice, during your teenage years?Surgery on testicles
Have you ever undergone any surgery on your testicles?
Any trouble with sexual drive or function
Have you ever experienced any difficulties with your sexual drive or ability to perform sexually?Sexually transmitted infections
Have you ever been diagnosed with or treated for any sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?Infections of prostate or testicle
Have you ever experienced any infections or inflammation in your prostate or testicles?Current and former medications
Have you ever taken any medications, whether currently or in the past, that could potentially affect your sperm count or fertility?Use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs
Have you ever consumed alcohol, smoked tobacco, or used illicit drugs?Systemic disease
Have you ever been diagnosed with any medical conditions or diseases that affect the entire body, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders?Environmental exposures, including radiation, pesticides, and occupational
Have you ever been exposed to radiation, pesticides, or worked in an occupation that involves potential environmental hazards?Any Cancer diagnosis or treatment
Have you ever been diagnosed with cancer or received any treatments for cancer in the past?What will be done during medical checkup for sperm count of 17 million?
Is your sexual development complete ? - Tanner stage
When a doctor examines a patient for their sexual development, they are trying to understand if their body has gone through all the changes it needs to during puberty. One way they determine this is by assessing the Tanner stage. This stage is a way to measure the physical changes that happen during puberty, such as the growth of pubic hair, development of breasts (in females), and the enlargement of the testicles (in males). The doctor will ask the patient questions and may also perform a physical examination to determine their Tanner stage. This helps the doctor understand if the patient's sexual development is complete or if there might be any concerns that need further attention.
Do you show signs of a mass in the brain? - Bitemporal hemianopsia (pituitary mass)
The doctor will evaluate the patient for any signs of a mass in the brain that could potentially affect the pituitary gland. One specific symptom they will look for is called bitemporal hemianopsia, which means the patient may have difficulty seeing objects on the outer sides of their visual field. The doctor will conduct a thorough examination of the patient's vision, asking questions about any changes or difficulties they may have experienced. This examination will help the doctor determine if there is a possibility of a pituitary mass causing this visual symptom. Further testing or referral to a specialist may be recommended based on the findings.Is your testicle size normal ? Reduced testicular volume (<15 cc)
The doctor will assess the size of your testicles to determine if they are within the normal range. This involves a physical examination where the doctor will feel and measure the testicles. A normal testicular volume is typically considered to be greater than 15 cc. If your testicular volume is found to be less than this, it may indicate a condition called reduced testicular volume. Further tests or investigations may be required to determine the cause and appropriate treatment options.
Is there a mass in your testicle? - Testicular mass
The doctor will check if there is a lump or swelling in your testicle. They will gently feel your testicle and the surrounding area to see if there is any abnormal mass. This is done to rule out the possibility of a tumor or growth. It's a quick and painless examination that helps the doctor understand the cause of your low sperm count.Is the natural tube from testicles missing from either side? - Presence of vas deferens bilaterally
The doctor will check if the natural tube connecting the testicles is missing on both sides. This tube is called the vas deferens. The examination will involve a physical check of the scrotum to see if the tubes can be felt. If they cannot be felt, it may suggest that they are missing. This can be an important factor in determining fertility, as the vas deferens carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra. The doctor will use this examination to gather more information about the patient's sperm count and possible causes for infertility.Is there any cyst or swelling in the testicular sac ? - Presence of varicocele or other scrotal mass
The doctor will carefully examine the patient's testicular sac to check for any cysts or swelling. This involves feeling the area with their hands to detect any abnormalities. They will also look for the presence of varicocele, which is a condition where the veins in the scrotum become enlarged and can cause discomfort or infertility. Additionally, the doctor will check for any other scrotal masses that could potentially be a cause for concern. This examination is important to determine if there are any underlying issues that may be affecting the patient's sperm count.Are the testicles missing? - Presence of cryptorchidism or hypospadias
The doctor will check if the patient has cryptorchidism or hypospadias. Cryptorchidism means that one or both testicles did not descend properly into the scrotum. The doctor will carefully feel the scrotum to see if the testicles are present or if they are missing. Hypospadias is a condition where the opening of the urethra is not at the tip of the penis, but on the underside. The doctor will examine the patient's penis to check for this. These examinations will help the doctor understand if these conditions might be causing the low sperm count.Is there any joint problem ? -Synovitis of second and third metacarpal-phalangeal joints, 'bronzed' appearance or stigmata of liver disease or heart failure (hemochromatosis)
The doctor will check if there are any issues with the patient's joints by examining the second and third joints of their hands. They will look for signs of synovitis, which is inflammation of these joints. The doctor will also observe the appearance of the patient's skin, specifically looking for a "bronzed" color or other signs that could indicate liver disease or heart failure. This could be a condition called hemochromatosis. The examination will help the doctor determine if there are any problems with the patient's joints or if there are any indications of liver or heart issues.Is the patient on muscle building steroids? Presence of marked muscle hypertrophy suggesting anabolic steroid use
In order to determine whether the patient is using muscle building steroids, the doctor will conduct a thorough examination. This examination will involve looking for signs of marked muscle hypertrophy, which means the doctor will assess the patient's muscle size and strength. They will carefully observe the patient's body shape and the development of their muscles, paying close attention to any unusual or disproportionate growth. If the doctor finds significant muscle hypertrophy that is not typically achievable through regular exercise, it could suggest the use of anabolic steroids. This examination will help the doctor make an informed assessment regarding the presence of muscle building steroid use in the patient.