Symptoms

The most common symptom of having a low sperm count, of course, is being unable to conceive a child. If a couple has been married for a year or more and could not still have a child, there is a high chance that they have infertility problems.

In case the problem of low sperm count is related with some hormonal problems, other symptoms may be experienced like decreased body or facial hair. Some problems on sexual function may also be felt and experienced.

Causes

Low sperm count may happen for a number of reasons. Listed below are some of the common reasons for a man to suffer from low sperm count.

Having damaged sperm ducts is a probable cause of low sperm count. It may be due to surgeries, injuries and infections. It can also be hereditary. This is a cause since sperm ducts carry sperm from the testicles to be brought to the penis.
Varicocle is also a reason for a man to have a low sperm count. It refers to a swollen vein inside a man's scrotum that apparently affects sperm production. This is common among men but can be repaired through a surgery.
Anti-spem antibodies are also among the reasons. Men who have anti-sperm bodies mainly have an immune system that acts negatively against sperm production. This happens mostly to men who had a vasectomy reversal. However, it can also be due to infection or injury.
Sperm production problems are of course also one of the causes. This can be due to genetic factors like the Klinefelter's syndrome. Other hormonal problems could affect sperm production.

Risk Factors

Enumerated below are some of the factors that contribute to the chances of experiencing low sperm count:

Smoking. Smoking is a proven factor that could increase the chances of having low sperm count. Strangely enough, even secondhand smoke can contribute to this problem.
Substance abuse. If you are taking illegal drugs like marijuana and cocaine, there is also a chance to have your sperm production affected.
Obesity. Obesity affects the hormones, thus sperm production could also be affected.
Cancer treatment. Male cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment can decrease the sperm production.
Exposure to toxins. Radiation and certain chemicals affect sperm production.
Hormonal and genetic problems. Genes and hormones have a lot to do in increasing sperm production. You may see a physician to get a clear idea on how these became factors.
Injuries and surgeries that affected the glands or testicles have high chances of getting low sperm count.

Prevention

Having a low sperm count is actually not a hopeless case. There are some things that you need to do to help you avoid this sexual dilemma. Low sperm count could bring in a string of more serious problems and could even destroy a marriage. Thus, it is important to put the following in mind:

Quit smoking. If you have been smoking too much, try quitting slowly. Smoking can interfere sperm production and libido. Avoid also people who smoke as secondhand smoke can also affect you.
Do not drink too much alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption or having two drinks each day is proven to affect sperm production. Likewise, alcohol also affects one's libido.
Maintain your weight. Since obesity affects your hormones, watching your weight can help you avoid sperm count problems.
Do not use illegal drugs. Do not use marijuana, cocaine or anabolic steroids.
Do not try vasectomy. It is better to try other birth control options if you are not anymore interested of getting a child. Vasectomies reduce sperm production.
Do not expose yourself to too much heat. Too much heat is also proven to lower sperm count. Wearing too tight underwear and putting laptop on your lap for a long time can also affect as the scrotal temperature is increased.