What is the reason why my husband suddenly loses sperm?

The husband's sudden oligospermia may be caused by varicocele, reproductive system infection, endocrine disorders, bad living habits, drug side effects, etc. Oligospermia usually manifests as a significant decrease in sperm count, which may be accompanied by a decrease in sperm motility or an increase in the rate of malformations. Timely medical treatment is required to determine the cause.

1. Varicocele

Varicocele is one of the important causes of male infertility. The obstruction of testicular venous return leads to an increase in local temperature, which affects sperm production. Patients may experience swelling in the scrotum, which may become more apparent after standing for a long time. Diagnosis requires scrotal ultrasonography. Mild cases can be relieved with a scrotal band. Moderate to severe cases require laparoscopic surgery to ligate varicose veins.

2. Reproductive system infection

Infections such as prostatitis and epididymitis can destroy the spermatogenic environment, and pathogens may directly damage sperm. Common symptoms include frequent urination and urgency, perineal pain, and increased leukocytes on semen examination. It is necessary to carry out bacterial culture and then use antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets and cefixime dispersible tablets in a targeted manner, combined with warm water sitz bath to improve blood circulation.

3. Endocrine disorders

Pituitary dysfunction or thyroid disease can lead to insufficient gonadotropin secretion and affect testicular spermatogenesis. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as loss of sexual desire and sparse body hair. Six items of sex hormones need to be checked. After diagnosis, testosterone undecanoate soft capsules or chorionic gonadotropin injection can be used for replacement treatment as directed by the doctor.

4. Bad living habits

Long-term smoking and drinking will reduce testosterone levels, and working in a high-temperature environment or sitting for a long time will increase the scrotal temperature. Staying up late and being too stressed can also disrupt the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is recommended to quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption, avoid wearing tight pants, ensure 7 hours of sleep every day, and perform aerobic exercise three times a week to improve metabolism.

5. Drug side effects

Chemotherapy drugs, hormone drugs, or antihypertensive drugs may temporarily suppress sperm production. If you use cyclophosphamide tablets, tripterygium glycoside tablets, etc., you must inform your doctor about your pregnancy preparation needs. Usually, the spermatogenic function can gradually recover 3-6 months after stopping the drug. During this period, spermatogenic capsules can be used to assist in conditioning.

It is recommended to adjust the diet structure, increase zinc and selenium-rich foods such as oysters and nuts, and supplement vitamin E and folic acid. Avoid contact with toxic substances such as pesticides and heavy metals, and reduce exposure to high temperatures such as saunas and hot springs. Regularly review the semen routine. If there is no improvement in 3 months, a chromosomal examination or testicular biopsy is required to rule out hereditary diseases. The spouse can be checked simultaneously to rule out the influence of immune factors.