Cryptozoospermia: Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment & Pregnancy Chances | NU Hospitals Bangalore

What does “cryptozoospermia” mean? It sounds very intimidating. It does sound like something very alien. Take a breath; do not worry. Cryptozoospermia means a very low sperm count. Are you wondering if a man who has “almost zero” sperm still has chances of becoming a father?

Dear men, with the right care, you can still achieve your dream of fatherhood.

When you and your partner are facing infertility, life hits a pause, but it is not the end of your parenthood journey.

India saw a nearly 30% decline in sperm count and seminal quality over the last 37 years

Also, did you know that 50% of infertility cases are due to male reproductive diseases?

It is common to get frustrated, feel guilty or confused. But you are not alone in this journey. NU Hospitals, Bangalore, is here with you at every step of your parenthood journey.

Read on as we understand cryptozoospermia: the causes, diagnosis, treatment and pregnancy chances.

What Is Cryptozoospermia?

How can men have sperm and still struggle to impregnate their partner? This is the most common question most of our patients have. Let us understand cryptozoospermia.

Meaning of Very Low Sperm Count

Men with cryptozoospermia have sperm, but in very low numbers; they only show after the semen sample is concentrated. 

In simple words, it means sperm count is extremely low but not zero.

Difference Between Cryptozoospermia & Azoospermia

Azoospermia means no sperm, while cryptozoospermia means very little/few sperm.

The key differences between cryptozoospermia and azoospermia are:

 

How It Affects Male Fertility

There should be an adequate number of sperm present in the semen for natural conception. When this count is extremely low, it is difficult to get your partner pregnant.

With advanced techniques and modern fertility science at NU Hospitals, even a low sperm count can lead to pregnancy.

Causes of Cryptozoospermia

Why does cryptozoospermia occur? What is the major cause? Sometimes, there are no specific and clear reasons, and at times there are.

The major causes include:

Testicular & Hormonal Disorders

Certain conditions can affect sperm production, including:

• Varicocele

• Low testosterone levels

• Testicular failure

• History of undescended testis 

Blockages in the Reproductive Tract

In a few cases, sperm is produced normally but may not reach semen due to blockages in:

• Epididymis

• Vas deferens

• Ejaculatory ducts

Genetic & Chromosomal Factors

Few men carry genetic variations that reduce sperm production. 

Ex: Y-chromosome microdeletions

Lifestyle and Environmental Risks

A few lifestyle and environmental factors can increase your risk and drastically decrease sperm count, including:

• Heat exposure for long hours

• Smoking

• Alcohol consumption

• Obesity

• Stress

• Tight clothing

• Radiation exposure

• Harsh chemical exposure

• Long-term illness

Here is how these causes and risk factors affect sperm count

 

Symptoms and When to Get Checked

There are no specific or obvious symptoms of cryptozoospermia. But here are a few signs you can look out for:

Signs Linked to Low Sperm Production

• Reduced size of the testicles

• Sexual dysfunction

• Pain or swelling in the testicles

• Low energy

• Low libido

Indicators of Possible Male Infertility

• Unable to conceive after trying for about a year

• Trying for more than 6 months, over the age of 35

If you are experiencing any signs or have been trying for a long time without success, it is time to get tested.

How Cryptozoospermia Is Diagnosed at NU Hospitals, Bangalore

Diagnosis is where many labs go wrong. With our advanced diagnostic tools and international protocols, our andrology team offers better diagnosis and care.

Semen Analysis with Centrifugation

• The most accurate way to detect cryptozoospermia

• Semen is spun at high speed to concentrate the sperm

• Andrology experts find the sperm count after concentration

Hormone Testing & DNA Fragmentation Test

• Hormones depict fertility

• DNA fragmentation helps in understanding sperm quality

• Helps experts to guide appropriate treatment

Scrotal Ultrasound & Physical Examination

To detect:

• Varicocele

• Blockages

• Testicular changes

Best Treatment Options for Cryptozoospermia

The good news is that cryptozoospermia is treatable. The most common treatment options include:

Medications & Hormonal Therapy

For hormonal imbalance cases, targeted medicines help improve sperm count and quality.

A few common medicines are:

• Clomiphene Citrate

Helps to increase FSH and LH to stimulate sperm production

• Letrozole

To boost testosterone levels and reduce oestrogen

• hCG injections

To stimulate the testes

• FSH injections

To improve sperm production

• Aromatase inhibitors

To improve testosterone

• Antioxidants

Improve sperm motility and reduce DNA damage.

• Antibiotics

To control infection-related sperm suppression

Surgical Options for Blockages

• Varicocelectomy

To correct enlarged veins that reduce sperm production

• Vasovasostomy

To reconnect the vas deferencs after a previous vasectomy or blockage

• Vasoepididymostomy

To bypass blockages in the epididymis

• Transurethral resection of the ejaculatory ducts (TURED)

To clear the ejaculatory duct obstruction

• Surgical correction of congenital obstruction

Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ICSI, IVF)

• ICSI

Best for extremely low sperm counts

A single sperm is injected into one egg

• IVF

Eggs and sperm are combined in a lab.

• TESE/Micro-TESE

Sperm retrieval from testes

Sperm Freezing Options

If sperm is found during retrieval, it can be frozen for future use to avoid repeated procedures

Can You Get Pregnant with Cryptozoospermia?

A simple answer is yes, you can impregnate your partner with cryptozoospermia.

Success Rates with ICSI

A meta-analysis found that the retrieved testicular sperm in cryptozoospermia patients gave a higher implantation and pregnancy rate.

How NU Hospitals Helps Improve Outcomes

We are equipped with:

• Advanced embryology lab

• Expert fertility and andrology specialists

• Precise sperm retrieval and selection techniques

• State-of-the-art embryology lab

This significantly improves your pregnancy chances.

Sperm Retrieval Techniques at NU Hospitals

To collect sperm from semen, we offer advanced procedures like:

TESA, PESA & Micro-TESE

• Specialised procedures

• To gently extract sperm directly from the testis

• Micro-TESE has the highest success in complex cases

Advanced Cryopreservation Services

Once the sperm is retrieved, it is stored for IVF or ICSI procedures

Why Choose NU Hospitals Bangalore for Male Infertility Care?

Millions around the globe and in India trust NU hospitals for male infertility treatments. 

Leading Andrology & Fertility Specialists

• We are one of the top centres of excellence in Andrology and fertility.

• One-of-a-kind male infertility hospital in Bangalore with advanced equipment and procedures

• Success rates are on par with global standards

• Experts with decades of experience and global training

• Specialised micro-surgery, advanced sperm retrieval, and reproductive endocrinology

State-of-the-Art Reproductive Lab

Our expert embryologists:

• Use cutting-edge microscopes

• Follow strict quality control protocols

• Offer a precise temperature-controlled environment to protect sperm and embryos.