Asthenozoospermia

Asthenozoospermia, also known as asthenospermia, is a condition characterized by reduced sperm motility or poor sperm movement. It is one of the common causes of male infertility. Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to move forward and swim effectively to reach and fertilize an egg.

In asthenozoospermia, the percentage of sperm with normal motility may be lower than the reference values, which can decrease the chances of successful fertilization. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines asthenozoospermia as having less than 32% of sperm with progressive motility or less than 40% with total motility.

Causes of Asthenozoospermia: Asthenozoospermia can have various underlying causes, including:

1. Genetic Factors: Genetic abnormalities or mutations can affect the structure and function of the sperm, leading to reduced motility.

2. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal disorders, such as deficiencies in testosterone or thyroid hormones, can impact sperm motility.

3. Testicular Factors: Testicular conditions like testicular atrophy, varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), or testicular infections can affect sperm production and quality.

4. Reproductive Tract Obstructions: Obstructions in the reproductive tract, such as ejaculatory duct obstruction or congenital abnormalities, can prevent sperm from reaching the semen or cause semen to flow backward into the bladder.

5. Infections and Inflammation: Infections in the reproductive system, including sexually transmitted infections, can affect sperm motility.

6. Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle factors like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, obesity, and exposure to environmental toxins can contribute to reduced sperm motility.

Treatment and Management: The treatment and management of asthenozoospermia depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Possible approaches include:

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and managing stress, can positively impact sperm motility.

2. Medications: Depending on the cause, hormonal treatments or medications may be prescribed to address underlying hormonal imbalances or infections.

3. Surgical Interventions: In cases where obstructive factors, such as varicocele or ejaculatory duct obstruction, are causing asthenozoospermia, surgical interventions may be considered to correct the issue.

4. Assisted Reproductive Techniques: In more severe cases or when other treatments are not successful, assisted reproductive techniques such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) may be recommended to bypass low sperm motility and increase the chances of fertilization.

If you or your partner are experiencing difficulties conceiving and suspect asthenozoospermia or any other fertility-related concerns, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional specializing in male reproductive health, such as a urologist or reproductive endocrinologist. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation, diagnose the underlying cause, and provide appropriate treatment options tailored to your specific situation.