Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is a type of IVF technique, in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to fertilise it. The fertilised egg is then returned to the woman's womb to grow and develop. In vitro fertilisation (IVF) may be an option if you have a slightly low sperm count and you've been trying to conceive naturally with your partner for at least 2 years.ĭuring IVF, an egg is removed from the woman's ovaries and fertilised with sperm in a laboratory.
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In many cases, it's not obvious what causes a low sperm count. See how to use self-test kits safely for more about the issues of home-testing. It's better to see your GP for a proper semen analysis at an accredited laboratory if you're concerned about your fertility. While these tests might sometimes give a useful indication of your sperm count, they may also give you false reassurance or may suggest your sperm count is low when it's actually perfectly normal.
It may be tempting to try one of the tests if you would rather not see your GP, but you should be aware that: These tests claim to indicate whether your sperm count is low. There are several male fertility home-testing kits available to buy from pharmacies.
Your GP can refer you to a specialist in male infertility at your local hospital or fertility clinic if any problems are found. This will normally be performed after 3 months. If the results are not normal, the test should be repeated to ensure it was accurate. The results are usually available within a week. This is where a sample of semen is analysed to check the quality and quantity of the sperm. One of the tests your GP can arrange is a semen analysis. It's important to understand what the exact issue is before you decide on your next steps. It's a good idea for both you and your partner to get advice, as fertility problems can affect men and women and often it's a combination of both. See your GP if you have not managed to conceive after 1 year of trying for a baby. There are treatments available on the NHS or privately that can help you become a dad if you have a low sperm count. They're a factor in around 1 in 3 couples who are struggling to get pregnant. Problems with sperm, including a low sperm count and problems with sperm quality, are quite common. Having a low sperm count can make it more difficult to conceive naturally, although successful pregnancies can still occur. A low sperm count, also called oligozoospermia, is where a man has fewer than 15 million sperm per millilitre of semen.