Leukocytospermia is a condition where there are over one million white blood cells in one millilitre of ejaculate. White blood cells or leukocytes protect the body from infectious diseases. A rise in the leukocytes can be a sign that there is inflammation in the body due to infection.

Cause

Leukocytospermia can be caused due to infection in the prostate gland, genitourinary tract, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands or testicles. The infection can be sexually transmitted or due to autoimmune conditions, systemic illnesses, varicoceles, urethral strictures or use of marijuana, tobacco and alcohol. Leukocytospermia can also cause idiopathic, which means that the source of the leukocytes cannot be pointed out.

Symptoms

There are usually no symptoms that can be noticed with Leukocytospermia. But if they are due to infections, the symptom of the infections may be apparent.

Effect of Leukocytospermia

Leukocytes in the semen can weaken the sperm and reduce its health. They can increase DNA fragmentation of the sperm, making it harder for the partner to become pregnant.

Diagnosis

A fertility expert makes the diagnosis of Leukocytospermia with a semen analysis. A urine or semen culture also may be done to check the presence of bacteria to try and find the source of infection.

Treatment

There is no one way of treating Leukocytospermia. If the harmful habits are contributing to the inflammation, they are to be avoided. Inflammation can also be treated with medications depending on the source. Intrauterine insemination and other ART treatments have found to be of great success in the conception of a baby.