sperm volume

Common Causes of Low Sperm Volume

Low sperm count is one of the leading causes of male infertility, where one produces less than 15 million sperms per ml of semen. Sperm count is the concentration (usually in terms of millions), while sperm volume is the amount of semen (measured in milliliters) released during ejaculation.

It’s important to note that your sperm volume doesn’t necessarily matter unless you’re trying to conceive. There are multiple proven ways to boost sperm production, and one of them is using some prescription drugs.

Other options you have include hormone treatment, diet, exercise, and lifestyle change. You should familiarize yourself with some of the leading causes of a low sperm count to know the proper precautions to take. Some of the common causes of low sperm volume include:

Anxiety

low sperm countEven though most people view semen volume as a purely physical problem, there are mental blockages that can lead to issues. If you are constantly worried about your job and how much sperm you can produce during ejaculation, this could be a self-fulfilling prophecy. Once you begin to feel more comfortable with your ability to produce, it will also positively affect the outcome of your attempts to conceive.

Medications

Certain medications can lead to sperm problems, including alpha-blockers, which are certain types of blood pressure medications. While some of these problems are permanent, most ejaculation problems can be reversed with proper treatment for low sperm volume. Some medical conditions (including hormonal imbalances, undescended testes, tumors, antibodies, and infection) can play a significant role in sperm production problems.

Alcohol

While alcohol can serve as a social lubricant, drinking alcohol can be detrimental to your ejaculation. Since it has been shown to lower testosterone levels in the body, it can also have a negative impact on the amount of sperm you can produce.

Emotional Stress

low sperm countLong-term or severe emotional stress can affect the hormones we need to produce quality sperm and sufficient semen. This means that worrying about your sperm quality can lead to more problems.

Drugs

Several medications can have a negative effect on sperm count. Both marijuana and cocaine use will not only decrease your sperm count but also negatively affect quality. Using anabolic steroids (for muscle growth and strength gain) can also lead to decreased sperm production. Studies have shown that men who smoke have significantly more problems with sperm production than men who do not smoke.

 

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