Teratozoospermia

The causes of teratozoospermia are diverse and can include both genetic and external factors:

• Genetic anomalies: Some genetic disorders can affect the normal development and maturation of sperm, leading to abnormal shapes.
• Infections: Sexually transmitted infections or infections of the urinary and reproductive organs (e.g., prostatitis) can negatively affect sperm morphology.
• Toxins and environmental factors: Exposure to pollutants such as pesticides, heavy metals, radiation, or chemical substances can impair sperm formation. Smoking or the abuse of alcohol and drugs can also lead to abnormal sperm shapes.
• Hormonal disorders: Imbalances in sex hormones such as testosterone, LH, or FSH can disrupt sperm production and development.
• Oxidative stress: A lack of antioxidants can damage sperm and promote the formation of abnormal sperm.

• Teratozoospermia does not cause specific physical symptoms. The main finding is the inability to conceive a child naturally. This is because the abnormally shaped sperm are usually unable to fertilize the egg.
• In some cases, underlying conditions such as hormonal disorders or infections can cause additional symptoms, such as pain in the testicles, loss of libido, or problems with urination.

The diagnosis is usually made through a spermogram, in which the morphology of the sperm is analyzed. A normal proportion of morphologically healthy sperm should be at least 4% (according to WHO). Further examinations can help determine the underlying cause of teratozoospermia:

• Hormonal examinations: Blood tests to check hormone levels such as testosterone, LH, and FSH.
• Genetic tests: If genetic causes are suspected, special tests can be conducted to identify chromosomal anomalies or mutations.
• Ultrasound of the testes: To rule out structural problems such as a varicocele or tumors.

The treatment of teratozoospermia depends on the cause and severity of the disorder:

• Antioxidant therapy: Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and zinc can help reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm quality.
• Treatment of infections: If infections are the cause, antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed.
• Hormone therapy: In cases of hormonal disorders, hormone replacement therapy can be used to improve sperm production.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): In severe forms of teratozoospermia, in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can be used to enable fertilization. In ICSI, a single healthy sperm is directly injected into the egg.

A healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of teratozoospermia. This includes avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and contact with pollutants. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and regular physical activity can also contribute to maintaining sperm quality. Regular medical check-ups and early treatment of infections and hormonal disorders are also important.