How should oligospermia be diagnosed? As a common male condition, oligospermia impacts fertility and may lead to infertility in severe cases. We advise men to undergo thorough testing before pursuing treatment.
What tests are available for male oligospermia?
1. Endocrine testing. This primarily measures hormone levels, especially serum sex hormones. If FSH is significantly elevated, it indicates primary oligospermia.
2. Prostate examination. This involves assessing the prostate's texture, tenderness, and other specific conditions.
3. Semen analysis. Typically, men with oligospermia undergo semen testing, including sperm count and liquefaction assessment, which serves as the basis for diagnosis.
4. Color Doppler ultrasound.Color Doppler ultrasound is an effective method for examining the spermatic vein. Note that during this examination, the patient must stand upright.Therefore, dietary focus should be on trace element intake, particularly zinc (primarily found in shellfish like oysters and mussels).
Moderate Intake of High-Quality Protein
Protein serves as the primary building block for semen. Ensure balanced consumption of protein-rich foods such as lean meats, poultry, eggs, fish, shellfish, and soy products.Additionally, incorporate foods containing sex hormones. Examples include lamb kidneys, pork kidneys, and chicken liver. These foods promote the division and maturation of spermatogonia, significantly benefiting spermatogenesis.
Grains and Nuts for Vitamin E Supplementation
Vitamins provide essential building blocks for sperm, stimulate sperm production, and protect reproductive organs from damage.Among these, vitamin E is most closely linked to the reproductive system, preventing aging of sexual organs and enhancing sperm vitality. Therefore, incorporate vitamin E-rich foods into your diet, such as grains, wheat germ oil, cottonseed oil, leafy greens, egg yolks, nuts, meat, and dairy products, all of which are abundant in this nutrient.
Important Reminder: Quitting Smoking and Drinking is Non-Negotiable
Studies reveal that smokers have an average sperm concentration of 25 million/ml in semen, significantly lower than the 63 million/ml concentration observed in non-smokers. Sperm motility is also markedly reduced.Alcohol directly affects the gonads, slowing testosterone production and increasing estrogen levels. This not only causes erectile dysfunction but also impairs sperm production. Therefore, men with oligospermia should abstain from tobacco and alcohol.