Low Sperm Count - NHS

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Low sperm count

Low sperm count is when there's a low amount of sperm in your semen. It can make it harder for you and your partner to get pregnant (conceive), but it may still be possible to conceive naturally and there are fertility treatments that can help.

Low sperm count can happen in men of any age. It can affect anyone who has testicles and produces sperm.

Signs of low sperm count

You could have a low sperm count if you and your partner are having difficulty getting pregnant (conceiving).

You usually find out you have a low sperm count after having tests to check your fertility.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• you and your partner have been having regular sex without using contraception for over 1 year (or 6 months if your partner is 36 or over) and have not been able to get pregnant

Your GP can arrange some tests to check both of your fertility, including tests for low sperm count.

Tests for low sperm count

The main test to check for low sperm count is a semen analysis test.

This involves a sample of your semen being tested to check the amount of sperm in it. The test also checks how fast the sperm move and the shape of your sperm.

If your semen analysis test results find a possible problem, you'll have another semen analysis test usually around 3 months after the first test.

If the 2nd test also finds a problem with your sperm, you will be referred to a specialist for more tests. This may include blood tests, an ultrasound scan of your testicles or a urine test.

Information:

Find out more

Lab Tests Online: semen analysis test

Things you can do if you have a low sperm count

If you have a low sperm count and you and your partner are trying for a baby, it may still be possible to get pregnant (conceive) naturally.

It's recommended you have sex every 2 to 3 days without using contraception.

There are also some things you can do that may help improve your sperm count.

Do

• drink less alcohol – it's recommended to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread across 3 days or more

• lose weight if you're overweight

• stop smoking if you smoke

• wear loose fitting underwear – tight underwear can increase the temperature of your testicles which may affect the quality of your sperm

• try to avoid exposure to chemicals at work such as pesticides, solvents or some heavy metals

Don’t

• do not take recreational drugs such as anabolic steroids or cocaine

Treatment for low sperm count

If you have a low sperm count and you and your partner have not been able to get pregnant (conceive) after trying for over 1 year (or 6 months if your partner is 36 or over), there are treatments on the NHS that may help.

Treatment may include in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

These treatments are where eggs are removed from your partner's ovaries and fertilised with your sperm in a lab. They are then put back into your partner's womb to grow and develop.

Other treatment may include using sperm from a donor if your sperm count is very low.

Information:

Find out more

• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority website)
• Using donated sperm in fertility treatment (Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority website)

Page last reviewed: 26 January 2024 Next review due: 26 January 2027