Semen quality is a measure of male fertility , a measure of the ability of sperm in semen to accomplish fertilization. Semen quality involves both sperm quantity and quality. Cryptorchidism , hypospadias , testicular cancer and poor semen quality make up the syndrome known as testicular dysgenesis syndrome. There are many factors that influence the sperm quality.
Back to Health A to Z. A low sperm count, also called oligozoospermia, is where a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen. Having a low sperm count can make it more difficult to conceive naturally, although successful pregnancies can still occur. Problems with sperm, including a low sperm count and problems with sperm quality, are quite common. They're a factor in around 1 in 3 couples who are struggling to get pregnant.
Request an appointment online or call us. A man is considered to have low sperm count if he has fewer than 15 million sperm per millimeter of semen. Having a low sperm count does not necessarily mean that a man will not be able to impregnate a woman, but it may make it more difficult. Poor sperm health may be caused by a variety of factors, including:. The main symptom of poor sperm health is infertility.
When it comes to infertility, women get a lot of the blame. What causes male fertility decline? And how is it similar—and different—from the fertility decline women experience? This is known as reduced egg quality.