What Is Hypospermia?
Hypospermia refers to a condition in which a man produces an abnormally low amount of semen during ejaculation. Specifically, this condition occurs when less than 1.5 ml of ejaculate is produced in a single semen sample.
Hypospermia is a condition that can be caused by certain diseases or injuries that can cause male infertility. As semen is the vehicle of transport for sperm and plays a crucial role in the reproductive process, hypospermia is a common cause for male infertility.
Hypospermia can also have a negative impact on psychological well-being, as a decrease in sexual satisfaction can cause a loss of confidence.
Hypospermia Symptoms
Ejaculate contains a number of fluids, including seminal fluid (which contains the sperm). The average amount of semen that is produced during ejaculation varies from 1.5 to 6 milliliters.
The primary symptom for hypospermia is producing less than 1.5 ml of semen during ejaculation. Hypospermia may also be associated with a decrease in sexual satisfaction during ejaculation.
What Causes Hypospermia?
Hypospermia may be caused by a number of health conditions or abnormalities. Damage due to surgery or injury received during exercise can result in complications of the male reproductive tract. Genetic abnormalities and lifestyle choices can also contribute to this condition.
The most common causes of hypospermia include:
- Retrograde ejaculation – During ejaculation, the semen travels back into the bladder.
- A congenital absence of vas deferens or seminal vesicles.
- Ejaculatory Duct Obstruction (EDO).
- Blockage of the seminal vesicles.
- Low testosterone levels.
- Psychological stress.
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Unhealthy diet
Hypospermia-Related Conditions
Hypospermia doesn’t necessarily mean that a man is infertile. Nevertheless, it can be an indicator that points to other causes of sterility, for example:
- Oligospermia, low sperm concentration, frequently seen with hypospermia.
- Asthenozoospermia, reduced sperm motility
- Teratospermia, an increase in poor sperm morphology.
- Partial retrograde ejaculation, where some semen is ejaculated, but some goes into the bladder.
- Advanced age
- Varicocele
- Epididymitis
- Genetic conditions
- Hormonal imbalance
- Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as smoking, drinking and poor nutrition.
- Previous surgery
Testing For Hypospermia
In order to diagnose this condition, a semen analysis must be performed. This test assesses various parameters, such as semen volume and the number, motility and quality of sperm.
The semen sample must be taken after 3-5 days of abstaining from ejaculating. To confirm the condition, a second or third test is performed.
It should be noted that temporary hypospermia can occur with frequent ejaculation (multiple times per day), but this is normal and not indicative of any health problem.
Treatment of Hypospermia
Treatment for Hypospermia can be done depending on the underlying cause. This can involve surgery, medicine, or lifestyle changes. If you suspect you have hypospermia, you should make an appointment to see a doctor.
There is no medical treatment that can increase the amount of semen in the ejaculate. There are some surgeries that can be done to help if the cause is due to an abnormality.
Hypospermia is often observed along with other semen-related conditions, including:
In these cases, assisted reproductive technology (ART) may be recommended. Depending on the severity of the abnormalities, this could include IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (intrauterine fertilization).
Keep in mind that men with hypospermia need to be evaluated by a urologist in order to identify the underlying cause. They should also seek assistance from a reproductive specialist if there is a problem with fertility.
See Also: The Top 3 Supplements For Increasing Semen
Janice Reilly is the Deputy Editor of Content at The Sperm Count Report. She has extensive experience as a writer and editor for medical news blogs, where she covered fitness, reproductive health, nutritional supplementation, and similar subjects.
