Low sperm count that results in the inability to have children can also be indicative of other underlying health problems as suggested by medical data and recent research. Let us look at some of the medical conditions linked to low sperm count.
Medical Conditions Linked to Low Sperm Count
Low sperm count can be a matter of concern, especially as it is related to fertility. However, there can be many other health issues or medical conditions linked to low sperm count, which we need to understand.
The University of Padova in Italy recently presented its research conclusions emphasizing on the suggestion that low sperm count is likely to be indicative of larger health issues. This presentation was made at the prestigious ENDO 2018; the 100th annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in Chicago, Illinois.
This study conducted by Alberto Ferlin, M.D., P.H.D., based its conclusion off the study 5177 male partners among couples who were infertile with an emphasis on selecting men with a low sperm count of less than 39 million sperm per ejaculate. Among participants in this study; men who had a low sperm count were 1.2 times more likely to have a larger waistline, a higher BMI, elevated systolic blood pressure, elevated bad cholesterol (LDL and Triglyceride) levels, a decrease in good cholesterol levels, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome which according to Mayo Clinic is “a cluster of conditions — increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels — that occur together, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.”
The question that comes about from all of the information above is; what does all of this mean and how does it connect low sperm count to serious health conditions and ailments?
To understand this, let us look at some of the medical conditions linked low sperm count.
Osteoporosis or Low Bone Mass Density – One of the commonest health issues or medical conditions linked to low sperm count is the possibility of low mass density, thus increasing the risk of osteoporosis. In the study conducted at The University of Padova; half of the male participants had low sperm counts, which made this group 12 times more likely to affected by low testosterone levels. Half of the participants with low testosterone levels showed a pattern of low bone mass density in bone scans. This indicates that there is some connection between low sperm count and low bone mass density or osteoporosis in men.
Obesity – As established prior, according to the study conducted at Padova University in Italy; many of the male participants with low sperm counts were judged to be obese. As such; it is suggested that obesity may be linked to low sperm counts or vice versa. Advances in medical science have established that obesity is a detrimental medical condition that can affects health in many ways. Thus, one of the health issues linked to low sperm count is obesity, which itself is a major risk factor for several lifestyle disorders.
Diabetes – As low sperm count may be linked to obesity, it can invite an array of lifestyle problems, including diabetes, which is a matter of concern. Unfortunately; diabetes is a chronic ailment characterized by a group of metabolic disorders wherein high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period of time leads to debilitating symptoms and even death; if left untreated. Diabetes is mainly caused by the inability of the pancreases to produce sufficient insulin or insulin resistance. As mentioned prior; a significant percentage of male participants with low sperm count levels at the Padova University study were afflicted by insulin resistance which suggests a connection between low sperm count and insulin resistance. Thus, apart from obesity, diabetes too is one of the medical conditions linked to low sperm count.
Cardiac Diseases – According to the study conducted at Padova University; male participants who had low sperm count were 1.2 times more likely to have a larger waistline, a higher BMI, elevated systolic blood pressure, elevated bad cholesterol (LDL and triglyceride) levels and metabolic syndrome which according to Mayo Clinic is a cluster of conditions including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, all occurring together at once. This substantially increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. These findings clearly suggests a connection between low sperm count and cardiac diseases, which adds to the list of medical conditions linked to low sperm count.
Overview
The medical conditions such as obesity, heart disease and stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure, high LDL levels and low good cholesterol levels may be linked to metabolic syndrome, lower testosterone levels and low sperm count. These health issues linked to low sperm count must be dealt with properly to avoid further complications.
Additionally; health issues such as infections, varicocele, ejaculations problems, sperm killing antibodies, tumors, undescended testicles, hormone imbalances, defects in sperm transporting tubules, chromosome defects and even celiac disease may also be linked to low sperm count.
In conclusion; one must note that the problem of low sperm count is never considered the root cause of other disease; in fact other health problems are treated with therapy and medication to improve sperm count when possible. Now that you are aware of the health issues linked to low sperm count, you can monitor your health and seek consultation for medical treatment.
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