Asthenozoospermia is a pathological change in semen, characterized by a decrease in the number of motile spermatozoa in it. The reasons for the deterioration in the quality of ejaculate can be both genetic and chromosomal abnormalities, as well as somatic pathologies and the negative influence of external factors. According to statistics, asthenozoospermia leads to a decrease in fertility in 40% of couples, and therefore there are problems with conceiving a child.
Features of asthenozoospermia
A decrease in sperm motility is only a symptom indicating the development of a pathology of the reproductive system, therefore, treatment primarily involves searching for the true causes of the problem.
The diagnosis of asthenozoospermia is established on the basis of two or more spermograms. According to the spermogram indicators, it is possible to assess the fertilizing potential of the ejaculate, as well as to determine the likelihood of self-conception and the need to use assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Etiology of asthenozoospermia
A pathological change in the quality of the ejaculate is said if the number of progressively motile sperm in the semen does not exceed 32%. Reproductive specialists identify many factors that can negatively affect spermatogenesis and sperm characteristics, but the true causes of asthenozoospermia have not yet been established.
The following factors can provoke a deterioration in the quality of ejaculate:
- inflammation of the organs of the reproductive system;
- expansion of the veins of the spermatic canal or scrotum;
- congenital mutations and chromosomal pathologies;
- autoimmune disorders and diseases;
- stress and psycho-emotional overwork;
- high temperature and electromagnetic effects;
- toxic poisoning with drugs, pesticides, alcohol;
- sexually transmitted diseases (gonorrhea, syphilis);
- inflammatory processes in the prostate gland;
- hereditary morphological defects of spermatozoa.
Also, environmental factors can affect the decrease in the number of active sperm in the ejaculate. Prolonged bathing, smoking, work in hazardous industries negatively affect the state of the reproductive system, which can lead to impaired spermatogenesis and the development of asthenozoospermia.
Classifications of asthenozoospermia
According to the proposed WHO classification, sperm are divided into 4 types:
- Class A - fast progressive moving - moving in a straight path at high speed
- Class B - slow progressive-moving - moving in a straight path at low speed
- Class C - non-progressive-mobile - perform non-rectilinear movements, or move in place
- Class D - motionless - not moving
Is it possible to get pregnant with asthenozoospermia?
It should be understood that the probability of conception is at any degree of the disease, but this probability is rather low if the number of motile sperm does not exceed 32%. If a married couple cannot get pregnant for a year, provided they have regular intercourse, they are called infertile. Only a specialist can find out the cause of the problem after a thorough examination.
Treatment
The methods of therapy and improvement of the quality of ejaculate are determined by the cause of the development of pathology.
The following methods can be used to improve the quality of ejaculate:
- Drug therapy - aimed at restoring and stimulating spermatogenesis;
- Surgical intervention - used if the cause of the pathology is the expansion of the veins of the scrotum or spermatic cord;
In case of ineffectiveness of drug therapy or genetic disorders, reproductive specialists recommend the couple to use assisted reproductive technologies (artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, ICSI). The optimal method of artificial insemination is determined by the embryologist and andrologist on the basis of diagnostic data.
You can improve the effectiveness of treatment if you quit addictions, follow a diet and change your lifestyle. Moderate physical activity, balanced nutrition and the correct mode of work and rest have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the whole organism and, in particular, the reproductive system.
