Overview
Asthenozoospermia is used to describe the condition where a man’s semen sample shows reduced sperm motility. This condition affects the man’s fertility as the sperms find it hard to reach and fertilize the egg. When the number of progressively motile sperm is lower than 50% and less than 25% of the sperms have a motile rectilinear speed of 25 micrometres, Asthenozoospermia is diagnosed. This is one of the most common problems that can cause male infertility.
Causes
While the cause of Asthenozoospermia is not known, it is speculated that the following factors may affect the motility of sperms.
- Teratozoospermia
- Seminal tract vesicle
- Varicocele
- Testicular problems
- Poor nutrition
- Anti-sperm antibodies
- Smoking
- Exposure to toxins
- Use of alcohol, tobacco and coffee
- Age
- Febrile episodes
- Cancer treatments
- Heat exposure like in sauna, automobiles
Diagnosis
Asthenozoospermia is diagnosed with a semen analysis. To diagnose the case as Asthenozoospermia, the number of progressively motile sperm must be lower than 50%, and less than 25% of the sperms should have a motile rectilinear speed of 25 micrometres.
Treatment
- Lifestyle changes
Some lifestyle changes can improve the motility of the sperms- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting the use of alcohol
- Reducing the use of cell phones
- Regular exercise
- Avoiding the use of tobacco
- Supplements
The fertility expert may prescribe supplements like selenium and vitamin E to improve sperm motility. - Artificial insemination, IVF and ICSI
Sperm sample may be used to create a pregnancy using ART methods like artificial insemination, IVF or ICSI.