Low sperm count, medically known as oligospermia, is one of the leading causes of male infertility. It occurs when the number of sperm in the semen is below the threshold needed for natural conception, usually fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
Understanding Low Sperm Count
- Low sperm count can impair the chances of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg.
- Causes range from genetic factors, infections, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle influences, to environmental exposures such as heat, toxins, and radiation.
- Conditions like varicocele, previous surgeries, or chronic health issues may also contribute.
What Is ICSI and How Does It Help?
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) is an advanced assisted reproductive technology specifically designed to overcome male infertility due to low sperm count or poor sperm quality. During ICSI:
- A single healthy sperm is directly injected into an egg in the laboratory.
- This technique bypasses many natural barriers to fertilization, increasing the chances of successful fertilization.
- ICSI is usually performed in conjunction with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization).
Effectiveness of ICSI for Low Sperm Count
- ICSI has revolutionized fertility treatment for men with severe oligospermia or even azoospermia (no sperm in ejaculate).
- It allows men who otherwise might have no chance of fathering a biological child to achieve pregnancy with their partner.
- The procedure has a high success rate when combined with IVF protocols.
Conclusion
Low sperm count is a common infertility factor that can be addressed with modern reproductive technologies. ICSI offers an effective solution by directly assisting fertilization, significantly improving pregnancy chances for affected couples.