Today, quite often, when suspected of infertility, men are prescribed a spermogram. This study helps to get a complete picture of the male reproductive system. Often the results of this study indicate leukocytes in semen, which indicates the developing inflammation, which is the main cause of infertility in men.
When the presence of leukocytes is considered the norm
Leukocytes are present in the sperm consistently, but their numbers are minimal. When an inflammation or infection develops, the leukocyte level increases many times. The norm is considered when, when a microscopic examination, no more than 4-5 cells enter the field of view simultaneously, and the spermogram shows no more than 1 million leukocyte cells per ml of sperm. If these indicators are exceeded, then there is a suspicion of leukocytospermia, this is how specialists call the increased content of white blood cells in the seminal fluid.
Causes of leukocytospermia
Usually there are no reliable reasons why a man has leukocytes in his semen. Most often, this pathology is caused by various inflammations of the prostate, testicles or foreskin, as well as other pathological conditions of the male reproductive system of inflammatory-infectious genesis. According to observations, the increased content of leukocytes in the seminal fluid is the cause of infertility in 20% of cases.
Inflammatory processes promote the formation of oxygen radicals, which destroy spermatozoa, slowing them down and damaging the shell. If the number of such radicals is insignificant, then it does not affect the quality of the sperm, but if their concentration is high, then the spermatozoa begin to die, the ability to fertilize falls.
To provoke excess of leukocyte count in seminal fluid, pathological conditions like prostatitis, urethritis, vesiculitis and other infections of the genitourinary system can occur.
Leukocytespermia is dangerous
Leukocytes in sperm, when their content is exceeded, have an adverse effect on sperm motility, resulting in the development of a pathological state of asthenozoospermia, in other words, infertility. Among other things, the developing infectious-inflammatory process can promote scarring or fusion of the vas deferens. Usually the cause of such consequences of leukospermia are chlamydia or gonorrhea. Usually, the identification of the pathogen is not difficult: the release of a foamy character indicates trichomonas, and purulent mucus indicates gonococcal infection.
Elevated leukocytes not only lead to decreased mobility, reducing the chances of conception. Even if such a defective sperm can fertilize an egg, pregnancy will be under threat, since the infectious and inflammatory processes that provoked the growth of leukocytes can also damage the developing fetus.
Inflammatory-infectious processes can cause various prostate lesions, sperm mutations at the genetic level, and an increased level of prostaglandins.
How to treat high content of leukocyte sperm
Treatment of leukocytospermia is based on the elimination of the main factor that caused its development. The treatment is usually based on antimicrobial therapy aimed at the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms that caused inflammation. Such therapy usually lasts no more than a week.
Among drugs of antibiotic action, preference is given to those that are able to penetrate into the tissues of the testicles, prostate and testes.
If the inflammation has a viral etiology, then the duration of treatment will take longer, and the therapy itself is supplemented with preparations of immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory action. The use of such drugs is also a preventive measure of ovarian tissue damage. In addition, the intake of vitamins, antioxidants, as well as preparations for improving metabolic processes is prescribed. Usually a monthly intake of these medicines is shown, after which the man delivers the seminal fluid to the spermogram. If there is an increased leukocyte level, a second course of treatment is prescribed.
Sometimes, to improve the quality of sperm, experts recommend a special diet based mainly on products rich in immunostimulating and anti-inflammatory substances. Quite helpful in the treatment and food, generous in the content of zinc, like pumpkin seeds, bran bread, parsley and beef, coriander and beans, nuts of any kind. There are many biological additives that favorably affect the quality of seminal fluid.
How to avoid leukocytospermia
In fact, it is not so difficult to avoid increasing the leukocyte level in seminal fluid. Representatives of the strong half are recommended to exclude random and disorderly communications, especially without adequate protection. Also, men are advised to avoid local hypothermia, but tempering will only benefit. It is recommended to eat foods enriched with vitamin E and zinc, as they are considered antioxidants( dried fruits and nuts, parsley and celery, honey).
