Gynaecology Centre-Nairobi

27/04/2025

26/04/2025

A myomectomy is a procedure that allows surgeons to remove uterine fibroids. There are different methods to the surgery. All methods leave your uterus in place so that you can get pregnant in the future.

Overview
What is a myomectomy surgery?
A myomectomy is a procedure to remove uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyomas) from your uterus. Fibroids are growths made up of connective tissue and muscle cells. They can appear inside or outside your uterus. They’re almost always not cancerous (benign). You can have one or many fibroids, and they can vary in size. During a myomectomy, your surgeon removes the fibroids but preserves the tissues in your uterus so that you can become pregnant in the future.

Myomectomy is an alternative to a hysterectomy, which removes your uterus, cervix and fibroids.

What does myomectomy treat?
Your healthcare provider may recommend myomectomy surgery if you have uterine fibroids that are causing:

Pelvic pain.
Irregular bleeding or bleeding between periods.
Heavy menstrual bleeding.
Not being able to fully empty your bladder.
Myomectomy surgery is a good option if you wish to become pregnant in the future and want to preserve your fertility.

What are my treatment options if I have fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are extremely common, and some don’t require any treatment. Your treatment depends on a few factors:

Your symptoms.
The size, location and number of fibroids.
Your preferences (desire to become pregnant in the future or have a menstrual period).
Surgery isn’t the only treatment option. Medication may also be an option for treating uterine fibroids. Taking medication may reduce the symptoms of fibroids and shrink their size. Other treatment options include uterine artery embolization or radiofrequency ablation. Your provider will recommend the best treatment option based on your health history and preferences.

What’s the difference between a myomectomy and a hysterectomy?
The main difference between the two procedures is that a myomectomy removes only the fibroids, leaving your uterus in place. Your menstrual period will return, and you can get pregnant in the future. A hysterectomy removes the fibroids and your uterus. People who undergo a hysterectomy can no longer become pregnant and won’t get their menstrual period.

Procedure Details
What can I expect before a myomectomy?
Your healthcare provider will inform you of any preparations you should make before surgery. This includes instructions on when to stop eating and drinking, or if you should stop taking certain medications.

Your provider will go over post-operative instructions, like how long you can expect to stay in the hospital or surgical center, and what types of modifications you should make to your lifestyle while you recover.

Ask your provider any questions you have before surgery so you know what to expect.

On the day of surgery, the following things may happen:

Your provider will insert an IV (intravenous line) into a vein in your arm or hand. This gives you fluids and medication during surgery. You also receive anesthesia through an IV so you don’t feel pain during the procedure.
Your provider will attach monitors to measure your heart rate and other vital signs during surgery.
Your provider may insert a catheter to empty your bladder during surgery.
Are there different types of myomectomy?
Yes, there are three main types of myomectomy:

Open myomectomy (or abdominal myomectomy).
Minimally invasive laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy.
The decision on what type of myomectomy to have is based on several factors, including:

Fibroid size.
The number of fibroids.
Where in your uterus the fibroids are located.
Open myomectomy
A surgeon performs an open myomectomy (abdominal myomectomy) through a cut (incision) in your belly (abdomen). The incision may go up and down (vertical) or across (horizontal). This type of procedure may be the best option for extremely large fibroids because the surgeon can see all your pelvic organs. Recovery after an open myomectomy is similar to any other major surgery. Recovery will include:

A few days in the hospital.
Up to six weeks at home before you feel 100%.
Minimally invasive laparoscopic myomectomy
There are several types of minimally-invasive options for a myomectomy. These surgeries generally have quicker recovery times and are easier on your body.

Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy: This procedure uses a small, lighted telescope that your surgeon inserts through your belly button. Then, your surgeon makes several other small incisions in your abdomen where they insert surgical tools to assist them in removing the fibroids. Then, they remove the fibroids through your va**na, or through the small openings in your abdomen. Some surgeons use a robot to control the movement of instruments during this type of surgery (robotic myomectomy).
Single port myomectomy: This surgery uses only one opening near your belly button for all the surgical instruments. This causes a slightly larger incision in your belly button, but no other incisions on your abdomen.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy: This procedure requires no incisions at all. When fibroids are in just the right place within your uterus, your surgeon can put a camera with a specialized attachment through your va**na and into your uterus to remove them. This type of surgery is quick compared to the others.
How long does myomectomy surgery take?
It depends on the type of surgery, location of the fibroids and how many fibroids your surgeon needs to remove. In most cases, you can expect the surgery to take between two and three hours. However, ask your provider what you can expect on the day of surgery to be sure.

Is a myomectomy painful?
Myomectomy can be painful. However, there are options for pain relief both during and after surgery. Talk to your surgeon about what you can expect after surgery and how you can manage your pain.

Risks / Benefits
What are the complications of fibroid treatments?
All surgeries have the potential for complications. Because of this, your provider may suggest nonsurgical treatment options first. Nonsurgical treatments may include:

Watchful waiting. You provider will evaluate you in six to 12 months, unless you develop symptoms.
Hormonal medications to suppress your ovaries. This reduces the amount of va**nal bleeding and can decrease the size of the fibroids.
What are some of the risks of myomectomy?
Possible complications of a myomectomy can include:

Bleeding.
Infection.
Blood clots.
Damage to nearby organs.
Allergic reactions to anesthesia.
Increased risk of needing a C-section delivery.
These complications are uncommon, and your healthcare team will make every effort to avoid these problems.

Recovery and Outlook
What is the recovery like after myomectomy?
Recovery depends on the type of procedure you have. It also depends on whether any problems arise. You can expect some pain for the first few days. Your provider will give you medication for pain. They’ll also encourage you to move your legs or take small walks after surgery to prevent blood clots.

With an open myomectomy, full recovery before getting back to your normal activities can take up to six weeks.

After a laparoscopic myomectomy, you may go home the same day. Recovery at home is about two to four weeks.

If the procedure is done hysteroscopically (through your va**na without incisions), full recovery can be just a matter of days.

Things to expect as you recover from myomectomy
Your surgeon will talk to you about when you can return to your normal activities. It’s important to follow these instructions to allow yourself to recover. How long you need to modify your activities depends on the type of surgery you had. You can expect to need more time to recover if you had an open abdominal myomectomy.

Some of the things you can expect include:

Vaginal bleeding and discharge for a few weeks.
Don’t lift anything heavier than 5 to 10 pounds for the first week after surgery. You may need to wait longer if you have an open abdominal surgery.
No s*xual in*******se for six weeks. Nothing should go inside your va**na during your recovery.
Gradually increase your activity level. Don’t abruptly jump back into your normal activities. Start slowly and monitor how you feel.
How many days of rest do I need after the procedure?
No matter what type of myomectomy you have, you can expect to need at least a few days of rest afterward. How much rest and recovery time you need depends on the type of surgery you have. If possible, arrange for someone to help you around the house for the first one to three days after surgery. Talk to your provider about when you can return to your normal activities and follow their recommendations.

Can fibroids come back after myomectomy?
New fibroids may grow after a myomectomy. Younger people (under age 40) with many fibroids are at greater risk of getting more fibroids in the future. People who are near menopause or have just a few fibroids have less of a chance of recurring fibroids.

Can you have a baby after a myomectomy?
Yes, you can still get pregnant after a myomectomy. Discuss your desire for pregnancy with your surgeon ahead of time so they’re aware of your goals. You may be at increased risk for a C-section due to the potential complications of a va**nal delivery.

What is your period like after myomectomy?
Most people experience a lighter and more regular period after myomectomy. Talk to your provider about what you can expect when your menstrual period returns after surgery.

Does your body change after myomectomy?
There shouldn’t be any noticeable changes to your body after myomectomy other than finding relief from the symptoms fibroids are causing. Since your uterus is still functioning normally, you won’t enter menopause and should resume your period shortly after .

Will I have a scar from myomectomy?
Yes, you’ll have a small scar from a myomectomy. The only time you wouldn’t have a scar is if you have a hysteroscopic myomectomy. If you have an open myomectomy, your scar will be below your underwear line. Scars from laparoscopic myomectomy will be smaller and closer to your belly button. They may be noticeable if you wear a two-piece bathing suit or short shirt. Most scars fade over time. Contact your provider if your scar is painful or feels sensitive.

When To Call the Doctor
When should I see my healthcare provider?
If you have a myomectomy to remove fibroids, contact your provider if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Heavy bleeding.
Fever, chills or other flu-like symptoms.
Pain that’s not manageable with medication.
Chest pains or trouble breathing.
Red, swollen legs or cramping in your legs.

A note from our Clinic
Your healthcare provider may recommend a myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids that are causing symptoms like irregular va**nal bleeding and pelvic pain. The type of myomectomy you’ll have depends on the size and location of the fibroids. It’s not the only way to treat fibroids, so be sure to talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of the procedure.

Care at our clinics
Uterine fibroids can disrupt your life. Our experts help create a treatment plan that works for you and fits into your busy life.

22/04/2025

Microvascular Angina
Microvascular angina is a type of angina (chest pain) that happens because of problems in the small blood vessels that bring oxygen-rich blood to your heart. A lack of oxygen can damage your heart muscle, which can start to die. You can treat microvascular angina with medicine and changes to your daily habits.

What is microvascular angina?
Microvascular angina is a type of angina (chest pain) that happens because of problems in the smallest blood vessels that branch off of your coronary arteries. These arteries bring a constant supply of oxygenated blood to your heart. The small vessels (coronary microvasculature) are a big part of your heart’s blood supply.

Like typical or classic angina, microvascular angina pain usually happens when you’re physically active or under stress. The discomfort lessens when you’re resting. But instead of issues with your heart’s large arteries, you have problems with your small blood vessels in microvascular angina. That’s why you may have pain even if testing shows that your large vessels are fine.

It can be frustrating to keep feeling chest pain after imaging doesn’t find a problem. But other tests can check how well your heart is working. This tells your provider about your smaller vessels, too.

What are the signs of microvascular angina?
Microvascular angina feels like heaviness, tightness, pressure or squeezing in your chest. This can last for at least 15 minutes.

Other signs of microvascular angina may include:

Sweating
Nausea and dizziness
Stomach pain
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Possible Causes
What causes this symptom?
Microvascular angina causes include:

Coronary microvascular disease
Other heart diseases (like cardiomyopathy)
Autoimmune diseases (like connective tissue disease)
Healthcare providers use the terms “primary” and “secondary” to describe microvascular angina. Primary microvascular angina comes from vessels that have spasms (tightening) or don’t widen as they should. Spasms can cause pain during rest. Coronary microvascular disease is a primary type.

Providers may use the term “secondary microvascular angina” for angina that happens because of other heart or autoimmune diseases.

Risk factors
There are risks you can’t prevent, like being female or having an autoimmune condition. But you can make choices that may reduce your angina risk, like changing habits as you would when treating this symptom.

Microvascular angina pain is more common in people who:

Are female and have been through menopause
Have diabetes
Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
Have high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia)
Use to***co products

Care and Treatment
How is microvascular angina treated?
Microvascular angina treatment includes making changes to daily habits at home and taking prescription medications. These are crucial for preventing complications.

Changes to daily habits include:

Not using to***co products
Eating healthy meals that include less fat and red meat and more fruits, vegetables and fiber
Getting enough physical activity
Reaching and staying at a weight that’s healthy for you
Getting enough sleep and managing stress
Managing other health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
The best medications for microvascular angina are:

Calcium channel blockers
Beta-blockers
Nitrates like nitroglycerin
Statins
ACE inhibitors

What are the possible complications or risks of not treating it?
Microvascular angina can be dangerous. It can sometimes cause myocardial ischemia, which means your heart doesn’t get enough oxygenated blood. If this happens often enough, your heart muscle begins to die. The lack of oxygen to your heart muscle can result in heart damage.

When To Call the Doctor
When should this symptom be treated by a healthcare provider?
If you have any type of chest pain, you should contact your healthcare provider. This is true even if you don’t have a diagnosis.

A provider can diagnose microvascular angina pain with tests. This type of angina can be difficult to catch because your larger coronary arteries may look OK on imaging. But a stress test can show myocardial ischemia (lack of blood flow to heart muscle). Coronary flow reserve can tell if your heart can keep up with its demand for oxygen.

Your provider may order nuclear scans, MRIs or specific cardiac catheterization testing that looks for coronary microvascular dysfunction.

Additional Common Questions
Can you live a normal life with microvascular angina?
Generally, the outlook for someone with microvascular angina is very good, but you need to know you have it. Some people don’t get a correct diagnosis of microvascular angina.

For 1 in 5 people with this symptom, episodes get worse. They happen more often and last longer, leading to more than one hospital admission.

Researchers don’t have a firm answer about microvascular angina life expectancy. Some say the risk of death is like that of other people the same age who don’t have this symptom. Others disagree. But everyone is different. Medical conditions and daily habits factor into how healthy you are and how long you live.

22/04/2025

***mia

What is azoos***mia?
Azoos***mia is a condition where you have no measurable s***m in your ej*****te (semen).

Typically, testicles produce s***m. S***m travels through parts of your reproductive system and mixes with fluids to form semen. Semen is the fluid that your p***s releases during ej*******on. If you have azoos***mia, you may have semen — but there’s no s***m in it. Sometimes, azoos***mia is referred to as having “no s***m count.”

Some people are born with no s***m count while some develop it as a teenager or adult. Medication and surgery can help treat azoos***mia in certain situations. Just because you have the condition doesn’t mean you can’t have biological children.

There are three types of azoos***mia:

1.Post-testicular azoos***mia: This means that there’s a blockage or missing connection along your reproductive tract. You’re producing s***m but it’s getting blocked from exiting for whatever reason. This type is also called obstructive azoos***mia. It’s the most common type, affecting up to 40% of people with azoos***mia.
2.Testicular azoos***mia: This type of azoos***mia means you have poor or no s***m production due to a disorder in (or damage to) the structure or function of your testicles. This is sometimes called nonobstructive azoos***mia.
3.Pretesticular azoos***mia: Your testicles and reproductive tract appear normal but aren’t stimulated enough by hormones to make s***m. This can happen after chemotherapy or due to hormone imbalance. This is also considered a type of nonobstructive azoos***mia.
Azoos***mia affects about 1% of all men.

Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of azoos***mia?
You usually don’t realize you have the condition until you begin trying to conceive a child with your partner without success. Some people have symptoms related to the underlying cause. For example, you could have low libido due to hormonal imbalance or a lump on your testicles from an infection.

What are the causes of azoos***mia?
Causes of azoos***mia can be an obstruction or blockage (most common), or something else like genetics or hormone imbalances.

Post-testicular azoos***mia (obstructive azoos***mia)
Blockages occur most commonly in the epididymis (corkscrew-shaped duct where s***m matures), vas deferens and ejaculatory duct (tube that s***m goes through to mix with fluid and form semen). These obstructions essentially form a roadblock and don’t allow s***m to leave your testicles.

Problems that can cause blockages include:

Trauma or injury to your testicles.
Infections (such as epididymitis).
Inflammation.
Retrograde ej*******on.
Previous surgeries in your pelvic area.
Cysts or growths.
Vasectomy.
Cystic fibrosis gene mutation, which causes either your vas deferens not to form or causes a buildup of thick secretions in your vas deferens (which then blocks s***m).
Pretesticular and testicular azoos***mia (nonobstructive azoos***mia)
Nonobstructive causes of azoos***mia can include genetics or hormonal disorders. As the name implies, there’s no blockage or obstruction causing there to be no s***m.

Causes of pretesticular and testicular azoos***mia include:

Certain genetic conditions like Kallmann syndrome, Klinefelter’s syndrome or Y chromosome deletion.
Hormone imbalances and endocrine disorders like low testosterone, hyperprolactinemia and androgen.
Varicocele.
Reactions to certain medications that may harm s***m production.
Radiation treatments, chemotherapy or exposure to heavy metals or toxins.
Not having testicles or having undescended testicles.
Orchitis.
Lifestyle choices like misusing drugs or alcohol, and spending lots of time in saunas or hot tubs.

Diagnosis and Tests
How is azoos***mia diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose azoos***mia if, on two separate occasions, your semen analysis shows no s***m. A s***m analysis usually comes after a couple is trying to get pregnant without success.

To find the cause of azoos***mia, your healthcare provider will take your full medical history, including asking questions about:

Your previous fertility.
Injuries or surgeries to your pelvic area.
Infections like UTIs (urinary tract infections) or s*xually transmitted infections (STIs).
Your current and past medications.
Any alcohol, ma*****na or drug use.
Heat exposure or use of saunas.
Family history of birth disorders, cystic fibrosis or infertility.
Your healthcare provider will also conduct a thorough physical examination, paying close attention to the areas of your sc***um. It may also include a re**al exam.

What other tests diagnose azoos***mia?

Your healthcare provider may also order the following tests:
Blood tests to measure testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.

Genetic testing.
X-rays or ultrasound of your sc***um.
Brain MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) if they believe your hypothalamus or pituitary gland is playing a role.

Management and Treatment
How is azoos***mia treated?
Treatment of azoos***mia depends on the cause. Genetic testing and counseling are often an important part of understanding and treating azoos***mia.

Treatment approaches include:
Surgery to unblock tubes and ducts or reconstruct and connect ones that aren’t allowing s***m to flow through, if a blockage is the cause of your azoos***mia.
Prescription hormone treatments, if low hormone production is the main cause.
Retrieving s***m directly from your testicle with a needle. Getting s***m this way can help you achieve a pregnancy using assisted reproductive technology like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic s***m injection (ICSI).
If the cause of azoos***mia is thought to be something that could be passed on to children, your healthcare provider may recommend genetic counseling.

Will s***m come back after azoos***mia?
Yes, it can, but it depends on the type of azoos***mia. For example, if a blockage is causing you not to have any s***m, surgery to fix the blockage may result in having s***m in your semen.

Is there a cure for azoos***mia?
There may be a way to cure or reverse azoos***mia depending on what causes it. Some causes don’t have a cure.

Prevention

How can azoos***mia be prevented?
There’s no known way to prevent the genetic conditions that cause azoos***mia. If your azoos***mia isn’t a genetic problem, doing the following can help lessen the chance of azoos***mia:

Avoid activities that could injure your reproductive organs or wear protection (like a cup when playing baseball).
Avoid exposure to radiation when possible.
Know the risks and benefits of medications that could harm s***m production.
Avoid lengthy exposure of your te**es to hot temperatures.

Outlook / Prognosis
What is the outlook for those with azoos***mia?
Every cause of azoos***mia has a different prognosis. Many causes of azoos***mia can be reversed. You and your healthcare team will work together to determine the cause of your azoos***mia and treatment options. Hormonal problems and obstructive causes of azoos***mia are usually treatable, and fertility can potentially be restored. If testicular disorders are the cause, it’s still possible to retrieve live s***m to be used in assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.

Can I get pregnant naturally if my husband has azoos***mia?
Yes, you still may be able to get pregnant naturally. This depends on the type of azoos***mia your partner has and if it’s treatable. Your healthcare provider is the best person to discuss treatment and family planning with.

Is IVF the only option if my partner has azoos***mia?
It depends on the cause of azoos***mia. If the cause is testicular and requires surgical s***m retrieval, then IVF is the only option. If the azoos***mia is treatable, couples may be able to avoid IVF.

Living With
How do I take care of myself?
Receiving an azoos***mia diagnosis can have physical and emotional side effects. It’s important to rely on your healthcare provider’s expertise and lean on your partner while you navigate the best treatment. Your provider may recommend tests to get to the root cause of why you have no s***m. In the meantime, talk to your partner, family or friends about how you’re feeling. It’s normal to feel upset about a setback like this, but don’t let hopelessness set in. Many people go on to have biological children.

When should I see my healthcare provider?
Let your healthcare provider know if you and your partner are unsuccessful at getting pregnant after 12 months of regular, unprotected in*******se, or if you have concerns regarding your fertility. This is often the first sign that a condition is affecting s***m production. Getting a s***m test to see how much s***m you have may be one of the first things your healthcare provider recommends.

A note from Our Clinic
Hearing that something is standing in the way of expanding your family can be disappointing. While you may feel lots of emotions when you hear you don’t have s***m, try to relax until your healthcare provider can get to the root cause of the problem. Having no s***m count doesn’t mean you won’t have children. Your provider may be able to retrieve s***m from your testicles to use for procedures like IVF. Be sure to discuss all your concerns and the possible treatment options with your provider.

Care at Our Clinic
Infertility can change your plans. Our Clinic’s experts can work with you to get to the bottom of male infertility and create a customized treatment plan.

***mia ***miatreatment

21/04/2025

***mia
You may not know you have a low s***m count until you’re trying to have a baby and aren’t succeeding. Healthcare providers will diagnose oligos***mia by collecting a semen sample and evaluating it in a lab. There are different causes for oligos***mia, and treatment exists for many of them.

What Is Oligos***mia?
Oligos***mia is the medical term for a low s***m count. A typical s***m count ranges from 15 million to over 200 million s***m per 1 milliliter of semen. If you have oligos***mia, you have fewer than 15 million s***m in 1 milliliter of semen.

A low s***m count can cause male infertility. Having a low s***m count doesn’t mean your partner can’t get pregnant. But it can take longer or be more challenging.

Another name for oligos***mia is oligozoos***mia . You may also hear healthcare providers use the term, “severe oligos***mia.” That means you have fewer than 5 million s***m in 1 milliliter of semen.

Symptoms and Causes
What are signs of low s***m count?
In most cases, you probably won’t realize you have oligos***mia because it doesn’t usually have any signs. The main symptom of a low s***m count is the inability to conceive with a partner after one year of repeated s*xual in*******se without birth control.

Some males may have low s***m count signs that relate to the cause. These may include:

Decreased body hair and facial hair
Erectile dysfunction
Low s*x drive (libido)
Swelling, pain or a noticeable lump on your testicle
Oligos***mia causes
Many different situations may cause you to experience oligos***mia or other s***m disorders. These may include:

Certain conditions
Environmental toxins
Heat
Lifestyle factors
Medications and drugs
Diseases and conditions
Some diseases and conditions that can cause oligos***mia include:

1. Bacterial and viral infections, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) like gonorrhea and HIV

2.Blockages in your reproductive system that stop s***m from leaving your body

3.Conditions that affect your hormones, like hypogonadism
Genetic disorders, such as Klinefelter syndrome and cystic fibrosis

4.Environmental toxins
Environmental toxins can affect any part of your body, including your s***m. These may include:
Heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury
Industrial chemicals like insecticides and pesticides

5.Heat
Your testicles work best at a particular temperature, which is slightly lower than your body temperature. Heat-related situations that can affect your s***m production include:

6.Undescended testicles, which get too hot if they’re up near your groin

7.Swollen veins in your sc***um (varicoceles)
Spending a long time in very hot environments, like a hot tub

8.Lifestyle factors
Lifestyle factors that may contribute to oligos***mia include:

9.Drinking a lot of alcohol over long periods
10.Having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 25 (having overweight/obesity)
11.Smoking or using other to***co products
12.Stress
13.Using certain recreational drugs, such as ma*****na and co***ne

14.Medications and drugs
Many categories of prescribed medications and nonprescription substances can cause a low s***m count. These may include:

Clomipramine (Anafranil®)
Finasteride (Proscar®)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal®, Subvenite®)
Methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®)
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex®, Trexall®)
Nitrofurantoin (Macrobid®, Macrodantin®, Urotoin®)
Paroxetine (Paxil®, Pexeva®)
Prednisone (Deltasone®, Predone®, Sterapred®)
Sirolimus (Rapamune®)

15.Testosterone
There are many other medications that may affect your s***m count. Check with a healthcare provider if you think your medications may be causing oligos***mia. Don’t stop taking prescribed medications without first discussing it with a provider.

What is the main cause of oligos***mia?
Varicoceles are one of the most common causes of oligos***mia. About 4 out of 10 males with low s***m counts have a swollen vein in their sc***ums.

How to lower your risk
If you have oligos***mia or are at risk of a lower s***m count, a healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes such as:

Cutting back on drinking alcohol
Maintaining a weight that’s healthy for you through regular physical activity and healthy eating patterns
Quitting ma*****na, co***ne and other substances
Quitting smoking

Diagnosis and Tests
How doctors diagnose oligos***mia
Healthcare providers will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. If they think you have a low s***m count, they’ll recommend a semen analysis. They may also recommend other tests to help determine oligos***mia’s cause, including:

Genetic testing
Imaging tests of your reproductive organs, including transre**al and testicular ultrasounds
Tests of your endocrine system to measure your hormone levels
Urinalysis

Management and Treatment
Can oligos***mia be corrected?
It depends on the cause. In some cases, you may increase your s***m count by stopping medications or behaviors that contribute to low s***m levels.

Other causes may need treatments. Treatments may include:

Antibiotics
Counseling to treat issues like erectile dysfunction
Hormone supplements
Surgery to treat an enlarged scrotal vein or blockage
There are cases when you won’t be able to increase your s***m count. If you’re trying to have a biological child, a healthcare provider may suggest other options, like in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Can vitamins increase my s***m count?
Malnutrition may affect your s***m health and contribute to a low s***m count. Vitamins, minerals or herbal supplements may help, including:
Coenzyme Q10
L-carnitine
Vitamin C

Talk to a healthcare provider before you try any of these remedies.

Outlook / Prognosis
What can I expect if I have oligos***mia?
Each oligos***mia cause has a different prognosis. But many causes are treatable. If a healthcare provider diagnoses you with oligos***mia, you’ll work together to determine the cause and your treatment options

Is pregnancy possible with oligos***mia?
It depends on the cause and whether it’s treatable. Pregnancy may still be possible through unprotected s*xual in*******se. You can also explore assisted reproductive techniques, like IVF. A healthcare provider can explain treatment options and family planning with you.

Additional Common Questions

What drink can increase s***m?

Juices that contain 100% juice — no added sugar — have lots of vitamins and minerals that help promote s***m health and may increase your s***m count. These include:

Citrus fruits, including oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes
Goji berries
Pomegranates
Tomatoes
What is the difference between oligos***mia and azoos***mia?
Oligos***mia means that you have a measurable amount of s***m in your semen. But the numbers are lower than expected. If you have azoos***mia, it means there are no s***m in your semen.

A note from Our Clinic
You likely won’t know that you have oligos***mia until you’re trying to conceive. It’s not something you can feel or tell without lab testing. But you may begin to wonder if you and your partner can’t conceive after a year of regular unprotected s*xual in*******se.

A low s***m count doesn’t affect your quality as a person, and it doesn’t mean you can’t be a parent. Many causes are reversible, and assisted reproductive technologies can also help you achieve pregnancy. If you have any questions, healthcare providers are here to help.

Care at Our Clinic
Infertility can change your plans. Our Clinic’s experts can work with you to get to the bottom of male infertility and create a customized treatment plan.