A decrease in sperm count can significantly reduce the chances of fertilization, posing a growing concern for men globally.Health professionals identify low sperm count as an underlying issue linked to hormonal imbalances, inherited chromosomal abnormalities, and dilated testicular veins. These conditions can obstruct the passage of sperm, leading to early signs of damage.

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While complete absence of sperm is a situation most men want to avoid, research indicates that a sperm count is considered lower than normal when there are fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Despite having a low sperm count, many men can still father a child.In addition to hormonal or inherited causes, there are common habits and practices that can unknowingly contribute to damage and lower sperm count.

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GhanaWeb has compiled a list of these causes and habits based on research, shedding light on factors that individuals might not be aware of.Tight Boxers:Most men rather wear tight pants instead of wearing boxers. These tight pants often keep your testicles closer to the body which results in warm temperatures that kill sperm and equally lead to a low sperm count.

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Infections:The most common factor of low sperm count could be associated with infections and these could be sexually transmitted ones.They often occur in the testicles and can block sperm production or cause an abnormal discharge. Some of these infections could be derived from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) such as gonorrhea or HIV.

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These infections if not properly treated could result in permanent damage to the testis and subsequently lead to infertility.Varicoceles:Varicoceles is the swelling of the testis veins which is also a major cause of low sperm count and infertility often found among men.Varicoceles create an abnormal temperature inside the testis which might kill some sperm or reduce sperm quality. Health professionals however say this could be treated.

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Prolonged use of laptops and phonesAnother common cause of low sperm count is the persistent use of laptops under one's lap. Most laptops often generate a heat temperature of up to 70°C while in use.Owing to this, a rather prolonged use of laptops carried on the laps may cause irreparable damage to a male’s reproductive function.Health professionals have advised that laptops placed on a table or desk during use.

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For mobile phones, health professionals advise that it be placed in the back pocket.Drugs, Steroids and AlcoholStudies have shown that the excessive use of some legal and illegal drugs, alcohol can have long-lasting effects on male reproductive function.It’s been found that some anti-inflammatory drugs like Sulfasalazine and other anti-cancer drugs can cause sperm damage.

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The use of cocaine, tobacco, marijuana and other illicit drugs also can result in low sperm count.This story was originally published on April 2, 2021 by GhanaWeb

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