Reduced sperm quality

In about 1/3 of couples who have problems getting pregnant, the cause lies with the man. Most often, this concerns reduced sperm production or sperm quality, which may be due to hereditary conditions and diseases, but environment and lifestyle are also contributory factors.

Reduced sperm quality

Reduced sperm quality may be triggered by diseases, but it may also be congenital. The following may be fertility-reducing factors:

• Mumps in childhood
• Undescended testicles (the testicles have not descended into the scrotum).
• Varicocele
• Failure in production of sex hormones
• Genetic causes (chromosomal disorders)
• Environmental impacts

Blocked sperm ducts

The cause of blocked sperm ducts may be a previous sterilisation or a result of, e.g., an inflammation or mumps. Here we can offer TESA, where the sperm cells are aspirated with a thin needle under local anaesthesia.

Read more about TESA

Cancer treatment

Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may result in a lack of sperm cells. Freezing of sperm before commencement of cancer treatment should be considered.

Lifestyle

Your lifestyle also affects your sperm quality. The following advice has been prepared by the Danish Council on Disease Prevention. Following these guidelines can help prevent infertility.

• Fertility decreases with age, so it may be a good idea to have children before you turn 35
• Have safe sex – to prevent sexually transmitted diseases
• Get tested if you are at risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease and get treatment if you become infected
• If you want to get pregnant, regular intercourse is recommended 2-3 times a week
• Make sure to have intercourse when you are ovulating
• Keep within a normal weight range (BMI 19 – 25)
• Avoid active and passive smoking
• Be physically active
• Get enough sleep
• Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol (max. 14 units per week)
• Avoid anabolic steroids and cannabis