Did you know that it is not enough if a male just ejaculates but the quantity he ejaculates is also important when it comes to male fertility? Yes, just like how sperm count is crucial to male fertility, semen volume per ejaculation is also important. Hypospermia is a type of male infertility that can affect many men. Read on to know all about this condition.
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Hypospermia is a condition when a male ejaculates very little semen every time. A healthy, fertile male should ejaculate anywhere between 1.5 mL to 6 mL of semen per ejaculation unless exhausted from prior ejaculation. If he ejaculates less than 1.5 mL of semen, he could be suffering from hypospermia.
Hypospermia is different from oligospermia. While oligospermia refers to very low sperm count per ejaculation, hypospermia refers to very low semen per ejaculation. Both conditions can interfere with a male’s fertility, and when combined, the chances of infertility are quite high.
Hypospermia causes low semen ejaculation. When the ejaculated semen is low, the healthy and motile sperm available to travel up the fallopian tube to fertilise the egg is also low. While pregnancy is still possible despite hypospermia, it may cause some delays.
If natural conception is not possible, couples can always opt for one of the fertility treatments or use the sperm retrieval technique to extract the sperm and opt for IUI.
There are no symptoms of hypospermia other than the ejaculation quantity. It is normal for a male to ejaculate less than normal or not ejaculate at all at times. This could be due to stress, inadequate arousal, or not enough recovery time since the last ejaculation. However, if the semen quantity is very low every or for most ejaculations, it is important to consult a doctor.
Hypospermia is quite common and can affect men of various age groups. Some common causes for this condition are:
1. Retrograde Ejaculation – Also known as a dry orgasm, this condition causes the ejaculated semen to move into the bladder instead of coming out of the body, thus affecting the quantity of semen that comes out.
2. Absence of Seminal Vesicles – Seminal vesicles are glands that are responsible for producing the fluid that helps protect and move the sperm in the female reproductive tract. When these glands are not present or not functioning properly, it will reduce the liquid they produce, thus reducing the overall quantity of semen per ejaculation.
3. Vas Deferens – This is a coiled tube that carries sperm from the testicles to the urethra for ejaculation. If there is an issue with this tube, it can affect the quantity of semen sent to the urethra.
4. Blockage – If there is a block in the ejaculatory duct, it can reduce the quantity of semen ejaculated.
5. Duration Between Ejaculations – The sperm takes about 2 days to fully regenerate. If you are checking the ejaculation quantity before this time gap, the semen quantity can be less.
6. Nerve Damage – Damages or deterioration of the nerves in the penis can interfere with the ejaculation quantity.
7. Hormones – Low levels of the sex hormone – testosterone can reduce the quantity of semen ejaculated.
8. Surgery – Any surgery on any part of the male reproductive system can interfere with his ejaculation.
9. Lifestyle – An unhealthy lifestyle, like a lack of regular exercise, not following a healthy diet or regular smoking and alcohol consumption, can lead to hypospermia.
10. Exposure – Exposure to toxins or excess heat regularly can decrease the semen volume and sperm quality, thus interfering with fertility.
To confirm a diagnosis of hypospermia, the doctor may take the following steps:
The treatment for hypospermia depends on the cause of this condition. Some treatment options include:
Hypospermia, due to some medical or physical issues with the reproductive system, is not preventable. In general, improving one’s health can have a positive impact on one’s fertility, including the ejaculation volume.
Regular exercise, following a well-balanced nutritious diet, and reducing unhealthy habits like alcohol, drugs, or smoking can help improve overall health and fertility. Effective stress management and reducing exposure to environmental toxins and heat can also help.
Some genetic disorders can cause hypospermia. However, hypospermia itself cannot be passed on to the next generation as a defective gene.
Hypospermia is a condition that can affect males without any warning. Following a healthy lifestyle in general and being proactive about one’s own health can help diagnose this condition early.
Yes, hypospermia is a type of male infertility that impacts the ejaculation quantity. When very little semen is ejaculated, there is not enough healthy sperm to travel up the fallopian tube to fertilise the egg.
Yes, lifestyle changes can help treat hypospermia to an extent. The impact of these changes depends on the severity of the hypospermia and how long this condition has existed.
If hypospermia is due to some underlying health complications, treating those issues medically will help. In case of physical damages or abnormalities, surgery to correct the same can help increase the ejaculation quantity.
Following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent any fertility issues to an extent. Hypospermia caused by medical or physical issues cannot be prevented.
