Asthenozoospermia

Asthenozoospermia can be triggered by various factors that have both internal and external causes. The most common include:

• Varicocele: A varicose vein in the testicle that impairs blood flow and leads to overheating, which can reduce sperm motility.
• Infections: Inflammations or infections of the reproductive organs, such as prostatitis or epididymitis, can negatively affect sperm.
• Hormonal disorders: An imbalance of hormones such as testosterone can impair sperm motility.
• Genetic causes: Certain genetic anomalies can disrupt sperm motility.
• Toxins and environmental factors: Smoking, alcohol abuse, excessive exposure to environmental toxins, radiation, or heat can impair sperm motility.
• Antioxidative damage: A lack of antioxidants can lead to oxidative stress, which damages sperm and restricts their motility.

Asthenozoospermia usually does not cause direct physical symptoms. The main feature is the inability to conceive children naturally, as the motility of the sperm is too low to reach the egg. In some cases, underlying issues such as testicular discomfort, infections, or hormonal imbalances may cause additional symptoms.

The diagnosis of asthenozoospermia is usually made through a sperm analysis, which examines the motility of the sperm. Further diagnostic tests may include:

• Hormone tests: Blood tests to check testosterone and FSH levels to rule out hormonal disorders.
• Ultrasound of the testes: To detect problems such as a varicocele or other structural abnormalities.
• Genetic tests: If genetic causes are suspected, special tests can be conducted to detect anomalies.

The treatment of asthenozoospermia depends on the underlying cause:

• Surgical procedures: A varicocele can be corrected through surgery to improve blood circulation in the testicle and enhance sperm quality.
• Antioxidant therapy: Supplements with antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, or zinc can help reduce oxidative damage and improve sperm motility.
• Medications: If infections are the cause, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications are prescribed.
• Hormone therapy: In cases of hormonal disorders, hormone therapy can be used to improve sperm production and motility.
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): If the treatment of asthenozoospermia is not successful, procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can help enable fertilization.

To minimize the risk of asthenozoospermia, lifestyle changes can be helpful: avoiding smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, avoiding heat exposure to the testicles (e.g., hot baths), and protection from environmental toxins. A balanced diet rich in antioxidants and regular medical check-ups can help maintain sperm quality.