Homeopathy for Oligospermia

Homeopathy for Oligospermia 

Oligospermia or Oligozoospermia means a condition of reduced number of sperm cells (spermatozoa) while Azoospermia, means no sperm in the ejaculate of the male. The normal range of sperm count is between 20 millions/ml to 200 millions/ml. The sperm count below 20 millions/ml indicates Oligospermia.Low concentration of sperms in the semen called as oligosperma and complete absence is azoospermia. It is a common finding in male infertility. Often this may also show significant abnormalities in sperm morphology and motility

Sterility in male is responsible for the infertility of approximately one half of all childless marriages. The cause is usually defective development of the germinal epithelium in the seminiferous tubules, with Oligospermia or Azoospermia but may follow hypogonadism due to antibodies to sperms. Klinefelter’s syndrome is almost invariably associated with Azoospermia. The additional X chromosome may be recognized by examination of buccal smear for Barr bodies, but confirmation requires a full karyotype analysis. (3)

In most Azoospermia patients where there is defective spermatogenesis due to primary testicular dysfunction FSH level will be high. If FSH level is normal it suggests possibility of obstruction. If semen has decreased fructose concentration, it suggests obstruction to fluid coming from seminal vesicles.

AETIOLOGY, PATHOGENESIS AND EVALUATION

Constitutional weakness, irregular sexual life, chronic illness, malnourishment and anaemia may cause slow liquefaction of semen, dead sperms with or without nocturnal seminal emission, impotency and premature ejaculation. (1)

There are four major causes for lack of sperm production viz. Hormonal problems, Testicular failure, Varicocele and Sperm delivery problems:-(2)

1. Hormonal problems: Spermatogenesis may be severely reduced or absent in absence of pituitary hormones required to stimulate testicles for it. Androgens (steroids) taken by men (oral or injectable) for bodybuilding suppresses the production of pituitary hormones required for spermatogenesis. If Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level is normal, it suggests obstruction while elevated FSH indicates decreased Spermatogenesis. Testosterone, Prolactin, Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) also indicate a man’s hormonal status.

2. Testicular failure: This is inability of germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules epithelium of the testicle to make adequate numbers of mature sperm. It may occur at any stage in sperm production due to genetic abnormality.

a. Sertoli Cell Syndrome-Testicle may lack the cells that divide to form sperm.

b. Maturation arrest-Inability of the sperm to complete their development.

Testicular biopsy can be performed if a primary testicular problem is suspected. Genetic testing is essential for specific genetic abnormalities on the male chromosomes.

3. Varicocele: Dilated veins in the scrotum due to inadequate drainage of blood leads to pooling of extra blood in scrotum resulting in reduced spermatogenesis. Varicocele can be directly visualized on physical examination, but Ultrasonography is confirmatory. Physical examination can also reveal a dilated epididymis indicating blockade, severely diminished size of the testicles indicating defective germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules and congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD).

4. Neurological damage: Surgery, diabetes, or spinal cord injury may prevent emission process in which sperms are deposited in urethra before real ejaculation. Urinalysis can rule out backward ejaculation of the sperm into the bladder that can be washed out during micturition after ejaculation.

5. Sperm delivery problems: Sperm delivery complications are due to problem with ductal system that carries the sperm or with ejaculation or congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD). Physical examination can reveal a dilated epididymis indicating block or blockade may be in muscular vas deferens. Severely diminished size of the testicles indicating defective germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules. Mechanical blockade during hernia or hydrocele repairs are also likely. A transrectal ultrasound can rule out blockade of the ejaculatory duct. Dilated seminal vesicles indicate non–emptying of semen.

  

Diagnosis

semen analysis performed on two occasions.
As per old diagnostic criteria sperm concentrations of less than 20 million sperm/ml were considered low or oligospermic
Recently, the WHO reassessed diagnostic criteria and it is less than 15 million sperm / ml, consistent with the 5th percentile for fertile men.
Sperm concentrations fluctuate and Oligospermia may be temporary or permanent.

Symptoms of Oligospermia

The following are some of the symptoms of Oligospermia: Pre-testicular causes

Inadequate support of the testes, poor hormonal support and poor general health including:
• Hypogonadism due to various causes
• Drugs, alcohol, smoking
• Strenuous riding (bicycle riding,[5] horseback riding)
• Medications, including androgens. Testicular factors

Factors where testes produce semen of poor quality despite adequate hormonal support and include:
• Age
• Genetic defects on the Y chromosome (microdeletions)
• Abnormal set of chromosomes (Klinefelter syndrome)
• Neoplasm, e.g. seminoma
• Cryptorchidism
• Varicocele
• Trauma
• Hydrocele
• Mumps
• Malaria
• Defects in USP26 Post-testicular causes

Conditions that affect the male genital system as well as problems in ejaculation:
• Vas deferens obstruction
• Lack of Vas deferens, often related to genetic markers for Cystic Fibrosis
• Infection, e.g. prostatitis
• Ejaculatory duct obstruction Idiopathic oligospermia

In about 30 % of infertile men no causative factor is found for their decrease in sperm & is termed "idiopathic" (unexplained).

Homeopathic treatment for Oligospermia

Treatment takes place within the context of infertility management and needs female partner for the diagnosis as well

Medical or surgical intervention will be solely decided after the diagnosis of the causes.

idiopathic form requires : combination of many medical approaches like clomiphene citrate, tamoxifen, HMG, FSH, HCG, testosterone, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, anti-oxidants, carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine, zinc, high-protein diets.

Some useful Homeopathy medicine

TOTAL MEDICINES:

Agar, Agn, Alet, Ambr, Arg.m, Aur, Aurm, Aur.m.n, Bac.C, Bor, Bufo, Calad, Caul, Chin.s, Cis, Cobalt.nitr, Con, Cortico, Dam, Eup.pur, Ferr, FiI, Foll, Form, Gels, Goss, Graph, Gun.p, Hamam, Helon, lod, Lac d, Lapp, Lepr, Lyc. Med, Merc, Mill, Nat.c, Nat.m, Nat.p, Nep, Nit.ac, Phos, Phyt, Psor, Rauw.serp, RNA, Sabal, Selen., Sol.lyco, Still, Strych, Sul.ac, Sulfa, Syco, Thio, Ther, Thyr, Wies, X-ray.

Therapeutics:

Agnus castus: This remedy may be helpful if problems with impotence develop after a man has led a life of intense and frequent sexual activity for many years. A cold sensation felt in the genitals is a strong indication for Agnus castus. People who need this remedy are often very anxious about their health and loss of abilities, and may have problems with memory and concentration.

Argentum nitricum: This remedy may be helpful if a man’s erection fails when sexual intercourse is attempted, especially if thinking about the problem makes it worse. People who need this remedy are often nervous and imaginative. A person who needs Argentum nitricum is usually warm-blooded, with cravings for both sweets and salt.

Aurum Mur Natronatum:Psychogenic erectile dysfunction. It is useful when there is a decline of the
sexual powers, with periodic seminal emission and feeble erection or complete impotency. The erections are weak and inefficient, patients with hypochondria, melancholia and suicidal intent.

Bufo Rana: A remedy remembered for loss of erection due to involuntary emissions; discharge too
quick, spasms during coition.

Caladium: This remedy may be helpful to a man whose genitals are completely limp, despite having sexual interest. Nocturnal emissions can occur without an erection, even if dreams are not sex-related. A
person who needs this remedy often craves tobacco.

Causticum: This remedy may be indicated if physical pleasure during sex has diminished and sexual urges are reduced. The person feels tired and weak, and may experience memory loss, with a compulsive need to check things (to see that doors are locked, etc.) Prostate problems may be associated with impotence, and urine may be lost when the person coughs or sneezes.

Conium Maculatum: Impotence, insufficient erections, and absence of erections. Want of energy in coition. Erections imperfect, and of too short duration. Easy emission of semen, even without firm erections.
Dejection, after coition. Sometimes emission at mere presence of women.

Lycopodium: People who need this remedy may have problems with erections because of worry, and can also be troubled by memory loss. They often lack self-confidence (though some may overcompensate by acting
egotistically). People who need this remedy often have digestive problems with gas and bloating, and an energy slump in the late afternoon and evening.

Medorrhinum: Impotency after suppression of gonorrhoea. Emission during sleep. Semen watery, causing no
stiffness of the linen. Pain, burning along urethra when semen discharges.

Muira Puama: It is used as a tonic and aphrodisiac. Erectile dysfunction with weakness and depression are covered.

Onosmodium: It is useful in priapiasm (penis is continually erect) and in cases of Psychic Impotency.

Phosphoricum Acidum: A feeling of heaviness in glans especially when urinating. Absence of sexual desire. Neurasthenia after sexual intercourse. Weakness of sexual organs with onanism and little sexual desire.
Frequent and very debilitating pollutions. Onanism. Discharge of semen while straining at stool.

Sabal Serrulata: Discharge of prostatic fluid. Pain in back much aggravates after coitus. Drawing pains in spermatic cords ; shrunk testes. Penis shrunk and cold with urinary troubles. Hard erection, slight twisting chordee as if stretched from the root. Organs feel cold. Coitus painful at the time of emission. Sexual neurotics.

Selenium metallicum: This remedy is often helpful to men who have diminished sexual ability, especially if the problem starts after a fever or exhausting illness. The person feels weak and exhausted, but interest
is usually still present. Unusual hair-loss (body hair or eyebrows) can also suggest a need for Selenium.

Staphysagria: Gentle-natured, quiet men with deep emotions may respond to this remedy. Problems with impotence often occur from embarrassment or shyness. People who need this remedy often have a history of
emotional suppression and very sensitive feelings.

Turnera Aphrodisiaca (Damiana): An excellent remedy for impotency. Sexual debility from nervous prostration. Chronic prostatic discharge.

The above mentioned medicines are just a hint & should not be considered as final remedies. A constitutional remedy and the guidance of an experienced Homoeopath is always a better option & may help bring balance to a person’s system, both emotionally and physically.