There is so much to know about your health and, most importantly, your sexual health. One such condition that you should be aware of is Pyospermia. What is Pyospermia and how does this relate to your fertility? Let us take you through this journey. Read patiently.

What is Pyospermia?

This is a condition in which the semen contains an unusually high number of white blood cells. This can affect the fertility of a man because it weakens the sperm and damages its genetic material. In healthy men, the white blood cells are about one million per milliliter.

Abnormal semen will therefore be the presence of more than one million per milliliter of semen in a sample. Pyospermia is common in a minute number of men with a fertility problem. So, when you have an unusually greater than 1 milllion per milliliter of white blood cells in your semen, you most likely have Pyospermia.

What are white blood cells?

White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, are responsible for defense, fighting, or destroying organisms that cause infection. They release substances which are known as reactive oxygen species (ROS) which help to fight infection and other diseases.

Leucocytes are part of the body’s immune system. It is normal for you to have a small number of white blood cells in your semen as a man.

What are the causes of Pyospermia?

Pyospermia can be caused by various conditions, such as:

• Infection (such as gonorrhea, herpes or chlamydia)
• Urogenital infection
• Infrequent ejaculation
• Autoimmune conditions
• Inflammation (swelling) of the urethra
• Inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis)
• DNA fragmentation
• Excessive intake of tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol
• Swollen veins in the scrotum (varicoceles)

Symptoms of Pyospermia

Pyospermia is usually asymptomatic (that is, having no symptom) and can only be detected during diagnosis for fertility treatment. In rare cases, some people have symptoms that may indicate Pyospermia. These symptoms may include:

• Yellowish colour of the semen
• Swollen scrotum
• Infections of the genitals
• Infection (such as gonorrhea, herpes or chlamydia)
• Urogenital infection
• Infrequent ejaculation
• Infertility issues

Male Infertility

The infertility of a male, that is, his inability to impregnate his partner, can be traced to the causes of Pyospermia listed above, such as inflammation of his genitals or urethra, urogenital infection, sexually transmitted infections, and so on. Most importantly, an excessive number of white blood cells in your semen can damage your sperm and a proper diagnosis is necessary.

Diagnosis and treatment

Book an appointment with your health professional if you notice any abnormality in your genitals.

Diagnosis of Pyospermia will involve a thorough analysis of your medical history, physical examination, sampling of your urine, and your habits.

Treatment of pyospermia could include surgery to correct varicocele, which can help reduce white blood cells in the semen and improve semen production.

Infections can also affect the female reproductive tract; therefore, men diagnosed with pyospermia should make use of condoms during sexual intercourse. This is because these infections can cause fertility problems in the female. If you have been diagnosed with pyospermia, ensure that your partner is tested and treated too.

SOURCE: Cleveland clinic

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