Low sperm count is one of the most common causes of male infertility in Bangladesh. Studies show that nearly 40–50% of infertility cases involve male factors, and low sperm count (oligospermia) is often the main issue. The good news is that in most cases, low sperm count is treatable with the right diagnosis, lifestyle changes, and medical care.
This article explains the causes, symptoms, testing, and treatment options for low sperm count in Bangladesh, with expert insights for couples trying to conceive.
What Is Low Sperm Count?
Low sperm count (oligospermia) means a man has fewer sperm than normal in his semen.
According to WHO standards:
- Normal sperm count: 15 million or more sperm per ml
- Mild oligospermia: 10–15 million/ml
- Moderate oligospermia: 5–10 million/ml
- Severe oligospermia: Less than 5 million/ml
- Azoospermia: No sperm in semen
A low sperm count reduces the chances of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg, making natural conception difficult.
Common Symptoms of Low Sperm Count
Most men do not notice symptoms. The problem is usually found during a fertility test.
However, some may experience:
- Difficulty conceiving
- Low sexual desire
- Erectile difficulty
- Pain or swelling in the testicles
- Scrotal varicose veins
- Hormonal imbalance signs
- Reduced beard or body hair (rare)
If a couple is trying to conceive for over 12 months (or 6 months if age >35), semen analysis is recommended.
Causes of Low Sperm Count in Bangladesh
There are many physical, hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect sperm health. Below are the most common causes among Bangladeshi men.
1. Medical Causes
Hormonal Imbalance
- Low testosterone
- High prolactin
- Thyroid disorders
- Pituitary gland problems
Hormonal imbalance directly affects sperm production.
Varicocele
A leading cause in Bangladesh. Varicoceles are enlarged veins around the testicles that reduce sperm quality and cause overheating.
Infections
- Mumps
- STD infections
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Prostate or testicle infections
These can damage sperm-producing cells.
Genetic Problems
Some men have genetic issues, such as:
- Klinefelter syndrome
- Y-chromosome microdeletion
- Undescended testicles history
These may reduce or permanently stop sperm production.
Chronic Health Problems
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Hypertension
- Liver/kidney disease
These conditions can impact sexual and reproductive function.
2. Lifestyle Causes
Very common in Bangladesh:
Smoking & Tobacco
One of the biggest contributors. Tobacco reduces sperm count and motility.
Alcohol
Heavy drinking lowers testosterone and sperm quality.
Stress & Depression
High stress hormones directly affect sperm production.
Poor Sleep Pattern
Irregular sleeping hours reduce hormone balance.
Unhealthy Diet
Low intake of zinc, vitamins, and antioxidants can affect sperm production.
3. Environmental Causes
Bangladeshi men are highly exposed to:
- Air pollution
- Pesticides (farmers, agricultural areas)
- Industrial chemicals
- Heat exposure (traffic police, factory workers, kitchen workers)
- Radiation from excessive mobile/laptop use near the groin
Sperm is very sensitive to temperature and chemicals.
How Low Sperm Count Is Diagnosed in Bangladesh
Diagnosis is the most important step. At fertility centers like Harvest Infertility Care, doctors follow a structured evaluation process.
1. Semen Analysis (Main Test)
This test measures:
- Sperm count
- Sperm motility
- Sperm morphology
- Semen volume
- Liquefaction time
- Infection indicators
A man should take 2 semen tests, 2 weeks apart, for accurate results.
2. Hormonal Profile
Doctors check hormones such as:
- Testosterone
- FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone)
- LH
- Prolactin
- Thyroid hormones
Hormones control sperm production.
3. Scrotal Ultrasound
Used to detect:
- Varicocele
- Testicle infection
- Blockage
- Injury
4. Genetic Testing
Recommended for men with:
- Very low sperm count
- Azoospermia
- History of undescended testicles
- Birth defects
5. Additional Tests
- Semen culture
- Post-ejaculation urine test
- Testicular biopsy (for azoospermia cases)
These help identify the root cause for proper treatment.
Treatment Options for Low Sperm Count in Bangladesh
Treatment depends on the exact cause. The goal is to improve sperm production and natural conception chances or to guide couples toward the most effective fertility procedure.
1. Medication & Supplements
Many men improve with simple, targeted medication:
Hormonal Medicine
Used for:
- Low testosterone
- High prolactin
- Thyroid imbalance
Sperm-Boosting Supplements
Common helpful nutrients:
- Zinc
- Vitamin E
- Coenzyme Q10
- Omega-3
- L-Carnitine
- Multivitamins
- Folate
These increase sperm count, motility, and energy.
Antibiotics
If infection is the cause.
2. Lifestyle Changes (Very Effective in Bangladesh)
Doctors recommend:
- Stop smoking/tobacco
- Reduce alcohol
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Sleep 7–8 hours nightly
- Exercise 30 minutes daily
- Eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts & fish
- Avoid mobile/laptop heat near the groin
- Reduce stress
- Stay hydrated
These simple steps often improve sperm count within 2–3 months.
3. Treating Varicocele
Varicocele surgery (varicocelectomy) is one of the most effective treatments when the cause is swollen veins.
Benefits include:
- Higher sperm count
- Improved motility
- Better sperm morphology
Many men conceive naturally after varicocele treatment.
4. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
If natural treatment doesn’t work, doctors recommend:
IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Suitable for:
- Mild to moderate low sperm count
- Good motility
- Unexplained infertility
Sperms are washed and directly placed inside the uterus to increase the chance of fertilization.
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
Best for:
- Very low sperm count
- Poor motility
- Abnormal morphology
- Previous IVF/IUI failure
In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.
Many Bangladeshi couples succeed with ICSI, especially when the sperm count is severely low.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
Used when multiple fertility factors exist, or the sperm parameters are borderline.
Sperm Retrieval Techniques
Useful for men with azoospermia:
- TESA
- PESA
- Micro-TESE
Sperm is collected from the testicles and used in ICSI.
How to Improve Sperm Count Naturally (Bangladesh Lifestyle Guide)
A simple routine can make a big difference:
✔ Eat These Daily
- Eggs
- Nuts (almonds, walnuts)
- Fish & seafood
- Bananas
- Dark leafy greens
- Dates
- Pumpkin seeds
- Citrus fruits
✔ Avoid
- Smoking
- Excessive mobile/laptop heat
- Fast food
- Sugary drinks
- Plastic bottles (BPA)
- Tight underwear
✔ Exercise
Jogging, cycling, swimming, or gym for 30 minutes daily.
When Should You Visit a Fertility Specialist?
You should seek medical help if:
✔ You have been trying to conceive for more than 12 months
✔ Semen analysis shows low count
✔ You experience erectile or hormonal symptoms
✔ You have a history of varicocele or testicular injury
✔ Your partner is above 35 years old
✔ You want expert-guided treatment (IUI/ICSI)
Early treatment improves pregnancy chances significantly.
Final Thoughts
Low sperm count is a very common but highly treatable condition in Bangladesh. With proper diagnosis, lifestyle changes, medications, and modern fertility treatments like IUI or ICSI, most couples achieve pregnancy successfully.
If you or your partner is facing fertility challenges, don’t delay. Early evaluation gives you the best chance of success.