Male fertility
Oligospermia, also called oligozoospermia, means the sperm concentration or total count is below the reference range. It ranges from mild to severe, and causes include varicocele, hormone problems, infection, testicular injury, heat, some medicines and anabolic steroid or testosterone use. Many men with reduced counts still conceive, and treatments range from correcting the cause to IUI, IVF or ICSI.
Also known as: oligozoospermia, low sperm count
Related South Africa guides
Sources
- WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen
Last reviewed: 8 September 2026. Written by the Antega Editorial Team. General information only — always follow the advice of your own clinic, doctor or pharmacist.