How Is Oligozoospermia Treated? (Low Sperm Count Treatment Guide)

By Dr. Shilpi Khare — Fertility, IVF & Women’s Health Specialist

Oligozoospermia refers to low sperm count, a common male infertility condition. While the diagnosis can feel alarming, the encouraging reality is that oligozoospermia is highly treatable, and many men go on to father healthy children naturally or with assistance.

Below is a clear, point-wise guide to understanding and treating low sperm count.

What Is Oligozoospermia?

A sperm concentration of less than 15 million/ml is considered low. It can be:

• Mild: 10–15 million/ml

• Moderate: 5–10 million/ml

• Severe: <5 million/ml

Even severe cases often respond well to treatment.

Common Causes of Low Sperm Count

1. Lifestyle Factors

Smoking, alcohol, obesity, stress, lack of sleep, and excessive heat exposure.

2. Varicocele

Dilated veins that reduce sperm production due to heat and oxidative stress.

3. Hormonal Imbalance

Abnormal testosterone, FSH, LH, or prolactin levels.

4. Infections

Past or current genital infections affecting sperm production.

5. Genetic Factors

Y-chromosome microdeletions, chromosomal issues.

6. Environmental Toxins

Pollution, chemicals, excessive radiation or heat.

Correctly identifying the cause helps personalise treatment.

How Do We Diagnose Oligozoospermia?

In my clinic, evaluation includes:

✔ Repeat Semen Analysis

Two samples 2–4 weeks apart for accuracy.

✔ Hormonal Panel

FSH, LH, Testosterone, Prolactin.

✔ Scrotal Ultrasound

Detects varicocele and structural abnormalities.

✔ Genetic Testing

Recommended for very low counts.

✔ Lifestyle Assessment

Sleep, stress, habits, diet, heat exposure.

Treatment Options for Oligozoospermia

1. Lifestyle Modification — Most Effective First Step

I strongly advise:

• Quit smoking & alcohol

• Maintain healthy weight

• Exercise daily

• Reduce stress

• Sleep 7–8 hours

• Avoid heat exposure (saunas, tight underwear, laptops on lap)

• Eat antioxidant-rich foods

Lifestyle changes alone can improve sperm count significantly within 3 months.

2. Antioxidant Supplementation

Boosts sperm production and reduces oxidative stress.

Common antioxidants I prescribe:

• CoQ10

• L-Carnitine

• Zinc

• Selenium

• Vitamins C & E

• Omega-3

• Lycopene

These improve count, motility, and DNA quality.

3. Treating Varicocele

If varicocele is clinically significant, varicocele repair often improves semen parameters and natural conception rates.

4. Hormonal Correction

Men with low testosterone or abnormal pituitary hormones may need medical therapy to boost sperm production.

5. Treating Infections

Antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications when indicated.

6. Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)

✔ IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

Useful for mild to moderate low count.

✔ IVF with ICSI

Best for severe oligozoospermia — as even a single sperm can fertilise an egg in ICSI.

A Message From Dr. Shilpi Khare

"Oligozoospermia is not a permanent barrier to fatherhood. With timely evaluation, lifestyle optimisation, and evidence-based treatment, most men show remarkable improvement. My goal is to guide each couple with clarity, compassion, and personalised care."