Asthenospermia

Overview

Asthenospermia, also known commonly as low sperm motility, is a condition characterised by the impaired movement of sperm, which significantly affects male fertility. This condition can pose challenging hurdles for couples trying to conceive naturally, as it decreases the likelihood of the sperm successfully reaching and fertilising the egg.

Recognising the profound impact this can have on prospective parents, Dr. Supriya Puranik, a leading IVF specialist based in Pune, has dedicated a significant part of her career to the treatment of asthenospermia among other fertility issues. With her extensive knowledge and expertise in infertility treatments, she has been instrumental in offering hope and real solutions to couples facing fertility challenges.

Her tailored approach to treating asthenospermia not only revolves around improving sperm motility but also employs advanced assisted reproductive technologies (ART), ensuring the highest possible success rates for conception.

Symptoms of Asthenospermia

Asthenospermia often remains undetected until a couple faces difficulties in conceiving, as it typically does not present with overt symptoms. However, certain signs may hint at underlying issues with sperm motility:

• Difficulty in Conceiving: The most common indication of asthenospermia is a prolonged inability to achieve pregnancy despite regular, unprotected intercourse for a year or more.

• Issues with Sexual Function: While not directly related to sperm motility, problems such as erectile dysfunction or decreased sexual desire can also signal underlying reproductive health concerns.

• Pain, Swelling, or Lumps in the Testicle Area: Any noticeable changes in the testicles can sometimes be associated with conditions that might affect sperm quality, including motility.

• Abnormal Semen Analysis Results: If a man’s semen analysis reveals low sperm counts, poor morphology (shape), or reduced motility, it could point to an underlying issue with sperm health.

• Recurring Miscarriages: In cases where couples experience recurrent miscarriages, male partners may also need to undergo fertility testing, which could detect asthenospermia as a possible cause.

• A History of Certain Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hormonal imbalances or infections like chlamydia or gonorrhea, may contribute to sperm motility issues. Additionally, certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, can also impact sperm health.

• Advanced Age: As men age, their sperm quality and motility may decline, making it more difficult to conceive. This is due to natural changes in the body as well as potential exposure to environmental toxins over time.

The absence of conspicuous symptoms underscores the importance of consulting a fertility specialist if couples are experiencing challenges in conceiving.

A specialist, like Dr. Supriya Puranik, can conduct comprehensive evaluations, including semen analyses, to diagnose asthenospermia. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving the chances of successful conception, whether through natural means or assisted reproductive technologies.

Diagnosis of Asthenospermia

The primary method for diagnosing asthenospermia is through semen analysis, a detailed examination of a man’s ejaculate. This test assesses several parameters, including sperm count, morphology (shape), and critically, motility – the ability of sperm to move efficiently.

For a diagnosis of asthenospermia, the semen analysis typically reveals a lower percentage of motile sperm than the reference value established by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Depending on the findings of the initial semen analysis, further tests may be recommended to pinpoint the underlying cause of asthenospermia. These can include:

• Hormonal Tests: Evaluating levels of hormones such as testosterone, FSH, and LH, which play significant roles in sperm production and health.

• Ultrasound: Imaging tests like scrotal ultrasound can help identify varicoceles or other physical abnormalities affecting the testicles.

• Genetic Testing: To check for chromosomal anomalies or specific gene mutations that could impact fertility.

• Post-Ejaculation Urinalysis: This test checks for retrograde ejaculation, a condition where sperm enters the bladder instead of exiting through the urethra.

• Anti-Sperm Antibody Testing: To determine if the body’s immune system is attacking and damaging sperm cells.

• Testicular Biopsy: In rare cases, a small tissue sample from the testicles may be examined under a microscope to assess sperm production.

• Sperm Function Tests: These tests evaluate the ability of sperm to penetrate and fertilize an egg, providing insight into potential issues with sperm function.

Incorporating these diagnostic tools allows for a comprehensive assessment, facilitating a tailored approach to treatment based on the individual’s specific condition.

Treatment Options for Asthenospermia

Dr. Puranik offers a range of treatment options for asthenospermia, each tailored to the individual’s unique diagnosis and circumstances. Understanding these can help patients make informed decisions about their health and fertility.

• Lifestyle Modifications: Simple changes such as reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly impact sperm motility. Dr. Puranik emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, which can improve overall sperm quality.

• Medication: Depending on the underlying cause, medications may be prescribed to improve sperm motility. For instance, hormonal imbalances might be addressed with hormone replacement therapies. Antioxidants and vitamins are also commonly recommended to enhance sperm health.

• Surgery: Surgical interventions are considered if physical obstructions or varicoceles are identified as the cause of asthenospermia. These are minimally invasive procedures aimed at rectifying the issue, thus potentially improving sperm motion.

• Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART): In cases where lifestyle changes or medications do not lead to improvement, ART options like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) may be advised. These techniques directly involve handling sperm and eggs to facilitate fertilization, with Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) being a common procedure for severe asthenospermia, where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

Dr. Puranik is dedicated to providing a holistic approach, offering both medical and supportive treatments to address asthenospermia. His goal is to not only enhance fertility prospects but also to improve the overall wellbeing of his patients.

Benefits of Asthenospermia Treatment

Treating asthenospermia can lead to a significant improvement in sperm quality, which in turn increases the likelihood of natural conception. An enhanced sperm motility means that sperm are more capable of navigating the female reproductive tract, reaching, and successfully fertilizing an egg.

According to a study published in the Journal of Reproductive Infertility, couples undergoing treatments for asthenospermia observed a noticeable increase in conception rates, with some techniques yielding success rates as high as 60% post-treatment.

Furthermore, addressing asthenospermia through a combined approach of lifestyle modifications, medication, or surgery not only focuses on the symptomatic aspect of reduced sperm motility but also tends to improve overall sperm health.

This holistic improvement in sperm quality can significantly raise the couple’s chances of achieving pregnancy, either naturally or with the assistance of reproductive technologies.

It’s vital for patients to consult with the fertility specialist to understand the most suitable treatment plan based on their specific condition. Success rates can vary based on several factors, including the underlying cause of asthenospermia and the chosen method of treatment. However, the overarching goal remains to enhance fertility outcomes, offering hope to many couples striving for parenthood.

Contact Us

For individuals or couples who are facing challenges with fertility and suspect asthenospermia may be a contributing factor, a consultation with Dr. Puranik can be the first step towards understanding your options and enhancing your path to parenthood. Dr. Puranik and his team are committed to providing individualised care and the most advanced treatments available in reproductive medicine.

Don’t let uncertainty deter your journey to becoming parents. Contact us to schedule your consultation today and explore how we can assist you in overcoming fertility challenges.

Phone: +91 – 75025 19999

Email: drsupriya.social@gmail.copm

Your dreams of growing your family are important to us. Reach out, and take the first step towards realising those dreams.

About Doctor

Dr. Supriya Puranik

Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Often known as the last glimmer of hope for people who have lost all hope for conceiving a child, Dr. Supriya Puranik is a leading gynaecologist, high-risk obstetrician and Head of IVF & Gynaecology department at Ankura Hospital, Pune

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