The male partner needs to have sperm which is capable of fertilising an egg for conception to happen, and the sperm has to be able to reach the egg. Problems with male fertility are related to sperm, sperm production and the reproductive tract. They may be hormonal, or they may be physical and can relate to sperm quality.

Sperm problems may be related to the number of sperm present in the semen (the sperm count), their shape (morphology) and the way they move (motility) as well as potential damage to the sperm.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a man with fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen is considered to have oligospermia or low sperm concentration. If his ejaculate is absent of sperm, he has azoospermia. Commonly seen sperm problems are :-

1. Azoospermia – No sperms in semen either due to blockage in the tubing or no sperm production in testicles.

2. Aspermia – No semen in the ejaculation. This can occur either due to the inability to transport semen or ejaculating in a different direction. (Retrograde ejaculation)

3. Teratozoospermia – Sperms are abnormally shaped. As such they negatively affect proper transportation and attaching itself to the egg.

4. Asthenozoospermia – Sperm motility is reduced so that sperms have little or no movement.

5. Hyperspermia – Higher than the normal volume of semen per ejaculation. ( >6ml)

6. Hypospermia – Lower than the normal volume of semen per ejaculation. (< 1.5 ml)

7. Oligospermia – Low sperm count.

8. Necrospermia – When all or a considerable portion of sperms are dead

There are several potential causes of low sperm count in men. Some of the most common ones include:

1. Lifestyle related causes: Obesity, the use of certain medicines, smoking, stress, and prolonged sitting can all play a role in low sperm count.

2. Sperm Duct Problems: Illness or injury may cause the ducts that carry sperm to be blocked or damaged. Blocked or damaged ducts make it difficult for sperm to make their way into the semen.

3. Hormonal Imbalances: There are certain hormones like testosterone that are necessary to produce sperm. Any alterations in these hormones may hinder sperm production.

4. Infections: Sexually transmitted diseases STD like gonorrhea, chlamydia, and urinary tract infections are examples of conditions which may lead to infection and trigger low sperm count.

5. Ejaculation Issues: Neurological diseases, birth defects that affect the male reproductive system, prostate surgery, hormone-related conditions, depression, and anxiety may all lead to ejaculation issues

Ayurvedic view and treatment options :-

Vajikarana Therapy is recommended in Ayurveda for men who are above 20 and below 70 to maintain optimum sexual activity and number of healthy sperms. Vajikarana Therapy recommends herbal preparations which are aphrodisiac. Vajikarana therapy increases sperm count, sperm motility and quantity of semen. This therapy is helpful in erectile dysfunction.

Causes of Low sperm count according to Ayurveda :-  According to Ayurveda, the conditions that cause the sperm problems and resultant infertile condition in a male are-

• Ativayavat - Anything in excess is dangerous, so overindulgence in the sexual condition can cause low spermcount and male infertility.
• Vyayamat – An overexertion of the body due to physical exercise that can cause huge loss of energy.
• Akale – Inappropriate age, i.e. before the desirable age of 18, or beyond the age of 65to70
• Astamanayam - Eating too much spicy or oily food. Consuming food with low nutrition value, lack of hygiene, sleeping late at night, watching too much adult movie, and hectic lifestyle leads to a low disparity of rakta and Pitta Dosha, causing Shukra kshaya (low sperm count )

The other essential causes of male infertility are stress, anxiety, depression and emotional trauma. Now a day too hectic lifestyle and working in the hot environment also deplete the quality and the number of sperm leading to low sperm count or nil sperm. If there is any trauma to the genital organs due to unnatural sex or masturbation can result in erectile dysfunction. Suppression of sexual urge causes infection in reproductive tract can cause an obstructive pathology.

Ayurvedic Herbs commonly used to treat sperm count are :-

Ashwagandha : It is a plant whose roots and berries used as medicines. It helps in reducing the anxiety, stress levels and acts as the genetic tonic. To increase the sexual desire and help reduce infertility this plant can mostly use. It accelerates the testosterone and increases fertility in Men.

Gokshura: This herb is also known as Tribulus Terrestris and it helps in increasing stamina and strength in the body. It improves immunity and thereby boosts self-confidence and self-esteem in men. This herb plays a vital role in improving the erectile dysfunction in men. It improves the overall quality of the sperm making it antioxidant rich. Apart from improving the sperm quality and count, it delays the ageing process and boosts circulation in the testicle region in males.

Shilajit : An ancient herb popular in increasing fertility in men. Erection problem can cure by using this Shilajit. It is found to improve the stamina and increases the sperm count. It acts as a natural remedy in men.

Kapikacchu : The seed extract of kapikacchu showed marked improvement in sexual potency and behavior, libido, sperm parameters, and endocrine levels

Shatavari : Shatavari can serve as a powerful male tonic.  Its cooling properties balance the heating herbs which are used to improve sperm count, such as, garlic, onion, ashwagandha, etc.

Pippali : Pippali is a rejuvenating herb with a warming, stimulating and kapha reducing action.It aids blood flow to the reproductive tissues when taken in combination with Ashwagandha.

Kali Musli or Syah (black) Musli : It is an aphrodisiac or rejuvenator ameliorating sexual arousal and performance by inducing penile erection, mating sustenance, orientation behavior, etc. This herb also promotes anabolic and spermatogenic effect by pronounced increased weight of reproductive organs.

Akarakara : For centuries Akarakara or commonly known as Spanish pellitory has been used to treat premature ejaculation issues like sex, libido, erectile dysfunction and impotence decreased. The root of the plant is dried and turned into powder. It also improves blood circulation within the body and purifies the blood. This increases the quality of sperm and increase sperm count

Safed Musli : The aqueous extract of dried roots of this herb can enhance sexual arousal, strength, and libido as well as sperm count. This herb also reportedly improves male reproductive functions in diabetic scenario.

Yashtimadhu : This undershrub is famous for its soothing effects. It has sweet roots. Antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects of this herb are used to make medicines in Ayurveda. Semen quality can improve by using this herb.

Along with above mentioned herbs, Ayurveda offers other wonderful therapies like Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Nasyam, Marma massage and Basti to solve nearly all sperm related problems. You can book a consultation with our Ayurvedic Practitioners to get your individualised treatment plan Here.