Your Semen Analysis Showed Low Sperm Count. Now What?

If you are searching for answers about low sperm count, it is likely because you have been trying to conceive without success and recently completed a semen analysis – either at home or in a clinic – that showed a low result.

Now you want to understand what it means.

The good news is that low sperm count does not equal infertility. At the same time, it is not something you should ignore.

In this guide, we will explain exactly what low sperm count means, how it affects your fertility, and what next steps you may want to consider – including lifestyle changes and a consultation with a fertility specialist.

What Is Considered a Normal Sperm Count?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), normal sperm concentration is:

  • 15 million sperm per milliliter (mL) of semen or more
  • At least 39 million sperm per ejaculate

Anything below these thresholds is considered low sperm count, also known as oligospermia.

Levels of Low Sperm Count:

  • Mild oligospermia: 10–15 million/mL
  • Moderate oligospermia: 5–10 million/mL
  • Severe oligospermia: Less than 5 million/mL
  • Azoospermia: No sperm at all in the semen sample

These categories help fertility specialists determine how likely natural conception is and what interventions might help.

How Low Sperm Count Affects Fertility

A low sperm count makes conception more difficult because it reduces the number of sperm that can reach and penetrate the egg. Even under ideal conditions, only a small fraction of sperm survive the journey through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. When the starting number is lower than normal, the odds of fertilization decline.

But sperm count is only one factor. Fertility specialists also evaluate:

  • Motility: whether sperm can swim efficiently toward the egg
  • Morphology: whether sperm have a normal shape that allows penetration
  • Semen Volume: enough fluid to carry sperm into the reproductive tract

This is why a man with a mildly low count but strong motility and morphology may still achieve natural conception, while someone with a very low count and poor movement may need medical assistance, such as IVF with ICSI or IUI.

See the Difference Under the Microscope

Understanding the numbers is one thing – but seeing them in action makes it real. In this short video, our embryologist compares two semen samples side by side:

  • One with low sperm count and limited movement
  • One with healthy sperm count and strong, active motility

The contrast is immediate. It shows why sperm count and quality matter together – and why a proper semen analysis provides more insight than numbers alone.

@newhopefertilitycenter Getting your semen analysis done??🤔 Here’s what we look for here at New Hope🤩! Thanks again to Michelle, one of our amazing embryologists, for sharing the gift of sperm knowledge😌 #malefactorinfertility #ivf #ttc #fertility #maleinfertility ♬ original sound – k.a.r.a.o.k.3

What Causes Low Sperm Count?

There are dozens of potential causes, but the most common fall into three categories:

Lifestyle-Related Causes

  • Heat exposure (hot tubs, tight underwear, laptop on lap)
  • Smoking, vaping, heavy alcohol or cannabis use
  • Sleep deprivation, chronic stress
  • Anabolic steroids or testosterone supplements
  • Nutrient deficiencies or poor diet

Medical Causes

  • Varicocele (a common, correctable cause)
  • Hormonal imbalances (low testosterone, high FSH or LH)
  • Infections (e.g., mumps, STIs, prostatitis)
  • Ejaculatory duct obstruction
  • Genetic abnormalities (e.g., Klinefelter syndrome, Y-chromosome microdeletions)

Temporary or Unknown Causes

  • Recent illness with fever
  • Medications
  • Ejaculating too soon before testing
  • Lab error or poor collection technique

The WHO notes that sperm production is a continuous process. Since sperm regenerate every 64–90 days, results can change over time. In some cases, a repeat semen analysis after 6–8 weeks may be advised to confirm the initial findings.

What Can Be Done About It?

Treatment for low sperm count depends on the underlying cause, but common options include:

  • Lifestyle changes: quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, weight loss, stress management
  • Medical or surgical treatment: treating infections, correcting varicocele, adjusting medications
  • Scrotal Ultrasound – to examine the structure of the testicles and detect issues such as varicoceles or blockages
  • Fertility treatments: IVF or IUI for more challenging cases
  • Testicular Biopsy – in rare cases, a small tissue sample may be taken to evaluate sperm production directly

Many men may see improvements after several months of lifestyle modifications or medical treatment.

FAQs: Low Sperm Count

What is considered a low sperm count?

Fewer than 15 million sperm/mL is classified as oligospermia, according to WHO guidelines.

It refers to the total number of sperm in the entire semen sample. A healthy total is 39 million or more per ejaculate.

It is in the moderate to severe range. Natural pregnancy is still possible but may require help depending on other sperm parameters.

Not always. If your partner is highly fertile, and your motility is good, conception might still be possible naturally.

Yes. Sperm regenerate continuously, and levels can improve over time, especially if the cause is lifestyle-related or treatable.

Yes, it is possible. For example, men with counts around 10 million/mL and good motility may still conceive naturally. But when counts drop below 5 million — especially under 2–3 million/mL —specialists often recommend fertility treatments such as IVF with ICSI.

Why New Hope?

If you have used an at-home sperm test, it can be a useful first step but these kits cannot measure important factors like motility, morphology, and overall semen quality. A full in-clinic semen analysis at New Hope Fertility Center provides a more accurate assessment and helps explain what a low sperm count result really means.

For those who need to explore fertility treatments, our specialists can guide you through every option – from lifestyle changes to advanced therapies such as IVF and IUI. To schedule your consultation, call us at (347) 970-8479 or book an appointment online.

New Hope Editorial Team

Written by the New Hope Editorial Team

As experts in IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technologies, we are committed to educating and empowering people on their fertility journey with accurate information and compassionate care.