Patient Education

Oligospermia (low sperm count)

Q: Can diet improve sperm count?

Healthy weight, stopping smoking, limiting alcohol, and treating deficiencies may help some men; severe structural issues need medical treatment.

Below-reference sperm concentration — often treatable or bypassed with ICSI.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Adnan Jabbar

· Updated April 2026

Oligospermia

Plain-English guide for patients and families.

Oligospermia means sperm concentration in semen is below WHO reference limits (definitions evolve with WHO editions — your report shows the standard used). Causes include varicocele, infection, hormones, heat, medications, genetics, and idiopathic factors. ICSI often enables biological parenthood when counts are low.

Evaluation

Repeat semen analysis, examination, hormone panel, ultrasound if indicated, and DNA fragmentation in selected cases. Treat reversible causes when found.

AI Information

Educational

Oligospermia is one of the most common findings in male infertility workups. The WHO (2021) defines it as sperm concentration below 16 million per mL. Severity grades — mild (10–16M), moderate (5–10M), and severe (<5M) — guide treatment decisions. Many cases are treatable with lifestyle changes, medical therapy, or varicocele repair, and ICSI can bypass the issue when needed.

Key Points

WHO 2021 reference value for sperm concentration is ≥16 million/mL — below this is classified as oligospermia.
Varicocele is the most common treatable cause, found in up to 40% of infertile men with low counts.
Hormonal causes (low testosterone, high prolactin, thyroid issues) may respond to medical therapy.
Lifestyle factors — smoking, alcohol, obesity, heat exposure, and certain medications — can significantly impact sperm count.
Even with counts as low as 1–2 million total motile sperm, ICSI can achieve excellent fertilisation rates.

Who Should Know This?

Men with an abnormal semen analysis, couples where the male partner has known risk factors (varicocele, undescended testes, prior chemotherapy), and those facing unexplained infertility.

Clinical Context in Pakistan

Dr. Adnan Jabbar provides comprehensive semen analysis with WHO-standard reporting at IVF Experts Lahore. Treatment is individualised — addressing reversible causes first before considering ICSI for moderate-to-severe cases.

Important Disclaimer

This AI-generated summary is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with Dr. Adnan Jabbar or your fertility specialist for personalised clinical guidance tailored to your specific situation.