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Understanding average and low sperm counts

Male fertility

Perhaps you’ve already had some fertility testing and want to understand what your sperm analysis results mean, or you’ve been trying to conceive without success. Either way, what’s considered a normal sperm count to get pregnant may be at the forefront of your mind.

It’s completely natural to feel uncertain or even anxious when faced with numbers and medical terms that are hard to interpret. Understanding your sperm count and how it affects fertility can be an important first step in taking control of your reproductive health and planning your next steps with clarity and confidence.

What is sperm count?

In simple terms, sperm count refers to the number of individual sperm cells present in a sample of semen. This can be measured in two ways:

  • Sperm concentration: The number of sperm per millilitre
  • Total sperm count: The total number of sperm in the entire ejaculate

Normal range of sperm count

According to the World Health Organisation reference values, the normal range for sperm concentration should be at least 16 million sperm per millilitre or a total sperm count of at least 39 million per ejaculate.

What is an average sperm count?

An average sperm count can be difficult to pinpoint, as it varies across different demographics. One study of 1300 men from various ethnic groups and aged between 23 and 64 found the average (geometric mean) sperm count to be 65 million per millilitre.

However, other research has found that Black men are significantly more likely to have a lower sperm count, with one study finding it to be nearly 50% lower for Black men compared to their White and Hispanic counterparts.

What is a low sperm count?

A sperm count below 16 million per millilitre is considered low and is known as oligospermia. There are different severities of oligospermia:

  • Mild oligospermia: 10 -15 million sperm per ml
  • Moderate oligospermia: 5-10 million sperm per ml
  • Severe oligospermia: 0-5 million sperm per ml

What is a high sperm count?

A high sperm count is generally considered to be over 200 million per millilitre. Polyzoospermia is a condition where there is an abnormally high number of sperm present in semen and is defined as a count greater than 250 million per millilitre. This condition is associated with reduced fertility and increased rates of spontaneous abortion.

What can cause a low sperm count?

There are a broad number of factors that can affect your sperm count. Some of these may be temporary and changeable, while others will have a longer-term or permanent impact. Causes of low sperm include:

  • Age: Although men remain fertile longer than women, age impacts male fertility, with one study finding a decline in sperm count of 3.3% per year.
  • Weight: Being overweight can result in hormonal imbalances that adversely impact sperm production.
  • Diet: A High-fat diet and nutritional deficiencies can impact sperm production and quality.
  • Stress: Psychological stress and mental health issues can impair sperm quality.
  • Physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to a lower sperm count, while increasing physical activity can increase sperm count
  • Hormone imbalance: Issues with hormones such as testosterone can affect sperm production.
  • Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia and gonorrhoea, and other infections like mumps, can lead to low sperm count.
  • Genetic conditions: Conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome can cause low sperm count.
  • Structural issues: Blockages in the tubes that carry sperm in the male reproductive system can reduce sperm count, as can conditions that affect blood flow to the testicles, such as varicoceles.
  • Medication and drug use: Some prescription medications and illegal drugs can affect sperm quality. Anabolic steroid abuse, for example, is known to affect sperm production.
  • Environmental exposure: Exposure to toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals can have a negative impact on sperm count, as can prolonged overheating of the testicles.

Signs of a low sperm count

When it comes to signs of a low sperm count, the main indicator is difficulty conceiving, especially if you have been having regular, unprotected sex for 12 months or longer. A low sperm count isn’t the only thing that may be preventing pregnancy, but it could be a contributor.

There may be no other signs of a low sperm count; however, there are other physical health issues that can lead to a decline in sperm count, which can cause symptoms.

Depending on the condition, symptoms may include:

  • Pain, swelling or a lump in the testicles
  • Low sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Decreased facial or body hair
  • Abnormal breast growth
  • Recurrent respiratory infections
  • Reduced sense of smell

Can you improve sperm count?

In many cases, yes, as sperm count isn’t fixed and certain lifestyle changes can make a real difference. As sperm take around 2–3 months to develop, small adjustments you make today can show results within a few months.

While not every cause of low sperm count can be reversed, optimising your general health and habits can often help improve fertility.

Some evidence-based ways to support a healthier sperm count include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight: Obesity can lower testosterone and sperm production.
  • Exercising regularly: Moderate activity boosts circulation and promotes hormone balance.
  • Reducing alcohol intake and avoiding smoking or recreational drugs: These can impair sperm quality.
  • Managing stress: High stress levels can disrupt hormones involved in sperm production.
  • Eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet: Foods high in zinc, selenium, vitamin C, and antioxidants can support sperm health.
  • Avoiding excess heat: Prolonged exposure to saunas, hot tubs, or tight clothing can affect sperm production.

How does sperm count affect pregnancy?

A man’s sperm count plays a crucial role in his ability to conceive, as it determines how many sperm are available to reach and fertilise an egg. A low sperm count reduces the likelihood that any one sperm will successfully make this journey, which can make conception more difficult or take longer to achieve.

Other sperm factors that impact pregnancy

Sperm count is just one part of the fertility picture, with other sperm parameters also influencing your ability to conceive.

  • Sperm motility: Sperm must be able to move effectively to reach an egg. You can read more about this parameter in our sperm motility guide.
  • Sperm morphology: If sperm are abnormally shaped, this can affect their ability to move and fertilise an egg.
  • DNA fragmentation: Damaged sperm DNA can increase the risk of genetic abnormalities, implantation failure, or early pregnancy loss.

While a low count can feel discouraging, it doesn’t necessarily mean pregnancy is impossible. Many men with reduced sperm counts go on to conceive naturally or with the help of fertility treatments.

Treatments for low sperm count

Aside from lifestyle changes, there are medical and assisted reproductive options that can help improve sperm count or work around the challenges it creates when trying to conceive.

The right approach depends on the underlying cause of low sperm count, your overall health, and your fertility goals. Understanding your options can make the process feel less daunting and more hopeful.

Surgery

If a physical blockage or varicocele is affecting sperm production or delivery, surgical treatment may help. Procedures can sometimes restore normal sperm flow or improve testicular function.

Medication and supplements

Certain hormonal imbalances or infections can reduce sperm production. In these cases, medications such as hormone therapy or antibiotics may help restore healthy sperm levels.

Nutritional supplements, particularly those containing zinc, selenium, folic acid, or antioxidants, can also support sperm health, although results tend to vary between individuals.

It’s best to seek guidance from your GP or a fertility specialist before starting any over-the-counter supplements to check they’re appropriate and safe for your situation and medical history.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)

For men with very low sperm counts or poor sperm motility, ICSI can be a powerful option. This technique involves injecting a single healthy sperm directly into an egg during IVF, bypassing many of the natural barriers to fertilisation. Even when sperm numbers are extremely low, ICSI can enable conception using the male partner’s sperm.

IUI or IVF with donor sperm

If your sperm count is extremely low or other treatments haven’t worked, using donor sperm can be an alternative route to parenthood. Intrauterine insemination (IUI) with donor sperm or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) with donor sperm offers high success rates when the female partner’s fertility is good, and offers a family planning pathway when natural conception isn’t possible.

It can be an emotional decision, but with professional support and counselling, many people find it a positive and empowering step toward building their family.

Learning that you have a low sperm count can feel daunting, but it doesn’t define your chances of becoming a parent. With the right medical guidance, lifestyle changes, or fertility treatments, many men with low sperm counts go on to conceive and build the families they’ve always hoped for.

At London Sperm Bank, we’ve seen firsthand how science, compassion, and choice can come together to make parenthood possible. Many families have been formed with the help of our wonderful donors, each of whom undergoes a comprehensive screening process, including genetic, infectious, and medical testing, to ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.

If you’re considering donor conception, support is available every step of the way. For more information, read about how to find a donor.

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