Do's and don'ts before we go to the physician.

Resolved question:

Hello Doctor, I am Lily. Thank you for the reply you have given in my last query. I will surely consult my physician to find out the actual problem and the reason for its occurrence. But before that could you please guide me with the Do's and don'ts before we go to the physician. Also please list briefly the causes for this problem.

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Sexologist

Expert:  Dr. John Monheit replied 4 Days.

Hello, Good to hear that you are ready to meet the physician.

Firstly I would like to mention that just one report showing abnormal findings does not mean that there is certainly something wrong with your husband. If one report shows abnormal findings, the patient is asked and instructed to produce another specimen after a month or so. On an average if two or three reports give consistently abnormal findings, then we consider them.

You have not mentioned about your husband's health condition, his smoking and drinking habits or any drug addictions. Either ways any of the following could cause the abnormalities.

  • Infection in the testis and/or epididymis ( a structure within scrotum along with testes) .
  • Collection of fluid in the scrotum (called hydrocele), causes a rise in temperature which is fatal to sperms.
  • Any endocrine (hormonal) disorders.
  • Retrograde ejaculation in which the semen goes into the urine.
  • Substance abuse, like tobacco smoking or chewing, alcohol consumption
  • Frequent masturbation leading to sperm dilution.

These are the most common conditions which can cause low sperm count and motility problems.

As I said earlier another specimen must be produced next month or so, in the mean while he is advised to take

  • good nutritional diet
  • restrict smoking (if any)
  • decrease consumption of alcohol (if any)
  • Discard tight inner wear
  • Take cold or tepid water bath
  • Avoid masturbation

Only when three consecutive results show abnormality or oligospermia he should be proclaimed oligospermic. If so, further investigations should be done.

Hope this helps.

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