Risk factors of low sperm count

Diseases and Conditions
Low sperm count

Risk factors
A number of risk factors are linked to low sperm count and other problems that can cause low sperm count. They include:
•Smoking tobacco
•Drinking alcohol
•Using certain illicit drugs
•Being overweight
•Having certain past or present infections
•Being exposed to toxins
•Overheating the testicles
•Having experienced trauma to the testicles
•Being born with a fertility disorder or having a blood relative with a fertility disorder
•Having certain medical conditions, including tumors and chronic illnesses
•Undergoing cancer treatments, such as radiation
•Taking certain medications
•Having a prior vasectomy or major abdominal or pelvic surgery
•Having a history of undescended testicles