A couple eagerly began their journey to parenthood, filled with hope and excitement. However, repeated disappointments left them searching for answers. Their concerns deepened when test results revealed asthenoteratozoospermia. Could this be the reason for their struggles?
Natural pregnancy is hard due to this condition, as it impacts the movement and structure of sperm. Weakened motility and structure of the sperm can substantially decrease the chances of getting pregnant, as healthy sperm is needed for the process of fertilisation.
At our fertility clinic, we recognise these challenges and provide advanced treatments to enhance the fertility of males. Do not let infertility deter you from having a baby; book your consultation today!
Different Types of Asthenoteratozoospermia
There are many levels of asthenoteratozoospermia, which affect sperm motility and shape in the ways listed below:
Mild Asthenoteratozoospermia:
Slightly below normal sperm movement and structure. Natural conception is possible but may take longer.
Moderate Asthenoteratozoospermia:
A visible fall in motility and morphology, usually necessitating medical intervention such as IUI or alteration in lifestyle.
Severe Asthenoteratozoospermia:
Most sperm are immotile with abnormal shapes, making natural conception unlikely. Advanced treatments like ICSI are usually recommended.
Causes of Asthenoteratozoospermia
There are a number of causes of asthenoteratozoospermia, often involving multiple issues.
- Genetic Issues: Sperm can be affected and weakened due to an imbalance of free radicals in the body.
- Oxidative Stress: Sperm may be damaged and less potent as a result of an imbalance of free radicals within the body.
- Infections and Inflammation: Infections like prostatitis or orchitis can damage sperm quality.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle: Pollution, smoking, poor food, and excessive consumption of alcohol can all influence sperm health.
- Varicocele: Increased scrotal venous temperature through swollen scrotal veins could affect sperm development.
- Heat Exposure: Sperm is damaged through the regular usage of saunas, hot showers, or constrictive garments.
- Medications & Treatments: Some drugs used for medical prescriptions, radiation, and chemotherapy are capable of damaging sperm permanently or temporarily.
- Hormonal changes: Spermatogenesis can be suppressed by reduced levels of testosterone or by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) malfunction.
We perform an exhaustive assessment of every patient to establish the underlying causes that are affecting their fertility to provide personalised and effective treatment modalities.
Symptoms of Asthenoteratozoospermia
Difficulty in conceiving after numerous attempts can be the earliest symptom of asthenoteratozoospermia. Other symptoms of asthenozoospermia also involve:
- Extremely few sperm that are capable of movement
- Enlarged or inflamed veins in the scrotum
- Fluid accumulation in the vicinity of the testicles (hydrocele or pyocele)
- Hormonal disturbances
- Pelvic or urination pain
The major sign is infertility. To overcome this infertility issue, you need quick medical assistance. Here, we provide a semen analysis that can assist you in determining if asthenoteratozoospermia or some other issue is damaging your reproductive health.
Diagnosis of Asthenoteratozoospermia
A complete evaluation of the semen is the starting point for the diagnosis of asthenoteratozoospermia. Three crucial parameters are assessed at our clinic as follows:
- Sperm count (the number of sperm)
- Sperm motility, or whether they can move
- Morphology of the sperm (shape and size)
Additional tests might be done to identify possible causes of the disease.
Hormonal Testing:
The levels of hormones such as FSH, LH, and testosterone have to be checked using a blood test that influences sperm production.
Genetic Testing:
Discovers any inherited issues that could be related to the condition.
Scrotal Ultrasound:
Helps detect anatomical complications like varicocele or dilated scrotal veins.
Pre - Medical History:
Our physician will examine your prior medical conditions, infections, injuries, and lifestyle factors that may affect fertility.
How Do We Treat Asthenoteratozoospermia?
The severity of asthenoteratozoospermia and the underlying reason decide the treatment course. Common types of treatment include:
1. Changes in Lifestyle
Better quality of sperm begins with healthier lifestyles. We recommend:
✔ Quitting smoking and alcohol
✔ Antioxidant-dense diet consisting of nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
✔ Engaging in regular physical activity and keeping a healthy body weight
✔ Avoidance of hot tubs and saunas and the employment of relaxation techniques to control stress
2. Health Care
Sperm structure and motility may be improved by employing certain drugs and supplements:
✔ Hormonal therapy to correct abnormalities affecting sperm production
✔ Antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress that injures sperm
✔ Antibiotics to cure infections that affect sperm quality
3. Surgical Treatments
A small procedure may be beneficial in enhancing the quantity and movement of sperm if varicocele (enlarged veins of the scrotum) is the cause.
4. Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
More sophisticated fertility treatments could be useful if conception through normal means is difficult:
✔ Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): For a better chance at fertilisation, healthy sperm are prepared and inserted directly into the uterus.
✔ Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): IVF is addressed through sperm motility issues by the direct injection of one healthy sperm into an egg.
Preventing Asthenotrophozoospermia
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk, although some causes, including genetic causes, cannot be avoided. To encourage better sperm health:
- Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption.
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and nutrients.
- Protect against environmental toxins and excessive heat exposure.
To detect issues such as varicocele or hormonal imbalances early, have regular checkups.
Proactive reproductive care is what we believe in. Our goal to promote fertility includes educating patients about early interventions and lifestyle changes.
Even though it is treatable, asthenoteratozoospermia is a challenging disease. Most men are still able to become fathers with the right diagnosis, tailored treatment, and advances in fertility science.
Consult & Book an Appointment
The first step to a successful treatment for asthenoteratozoospermia is seeking professional advice if you or your spouse are experiencing difficulties.
Dr. Nivedhita, the top fertility specialist and gynaecologist in Chennai with over 10 years of expertise and more than 1,000 successful pregnancies, provides cutting-edge, individualised treatments for male infertility.
We are dedicated to providing you with patient-centered, empathetic treatment so you can confidently face parenting.
📞 Make an appointment with Dr. Nivedhita right now! Make the initial move towards realising your ambition of establishing a family by giving +91 7299924214 a call.
