Asthenozoospermia: Low Sperm Motility Causes, Signs and Management

Have you been wishing for a pregnancy but nothing is working out? You tried at the right timing, with the right frequency, even checked for uterus health but kept failing to conceive. If that sounds familiar, you need to look for sperm morphology and motility. Yes, you might not be aware, but reduced sperm motility, also known as asthenozoospermia, could be a potential culprit behind unsuccessful fertilisation.

 Are you wondering about its causes and management? Don’t worry, read on to get better insights followed by a visit to the best male fertility clinic in Delhi. 

What is Asthenozoospermia?

Does this term sound complicated and less familiar? Let’s break it down together for better understanding. Asthenozoospermia, also known as asthenospermia, is a reproductive abnormality characterised by reduced sperm motility, ranging from mild to severe. 

Think of it as a male sperm lacking the ability to swim towards the female ovum, making it difficult to fertilise. So, if you are having difficulty in conception, get your semen analysis done to check whether the sperm movement is alright.

Causes Behind Low Sperm Motility 

In a population study, asthenozoospermia was found to be the most prevalent anomaly(17.9%) leading to male infertility(source). Shocking isn’t it? But what are the causes behind such a common abnormality? Let’s see!

• Undescended Testicles: It increases the chances of reduced sperm motility. 
• Nutritional Deficiencies: A diet lacking essential nutrients like DHA and vitamin E can affect the sperm membrane and, hence, motility. 
• Tumours or Cancers: Cancerous or non-cancerous tumours can affect sperm health.
• Anti-Sperm Antibodies: Sometimes, the immune system may identify sperm as foreign bodies and interfere with their movement. 
• Alcohol and Drugs: Consumption of alcohol, smoking, tobacco or drugs can severely impact sperm motility. 

Decoding the Signs of Asthenozoospermia

Asthenozoospermia often presents very less physically noticeable signs. Being mostly asymptomatic, it’s important to be alert for the following health conditions:

• Despite regular unprotected intercourse, there is difficulty in conception
• Unexplained male-factor infertility 
• Sperm count might be normal but movement is hampered
• Recurrent failed assisted reproductive treatments 
• Pain or swelling in reproductive organs
• Infections or hormonal changes.

Management: Let’s Cure the Low Sperm Motility 

If you have been diagnosed with asthenozoospermia, it is very important to visit the best male fertility clinic in Delhi for personalised treatment. However, the following ways of management will also guide you regarding the same:

• Find out the underlying causes and treat them like an infection or hormonal changes
• Lifestyle modifications play a very critical role. Avoid alcohol, smoking, drugs, stress and maintain a healthy weight
• Check your diet and optimise it. Also include antioxidants like zinc, selenium, vitamin C and E
• Treat genital infections 
• Assisted reproductive techniques like IUI in case of mild asthenozoospermia and IVF or ICSI in moderate to severe cases can help you conceive. 

Wrapping Up 

Asthenozoospermia is a common cause behind reduced male fertility in Delhi and other cities. So, being conscious about our reproductive wellness is the first way of management. Also, adopting a healthy lifestyle with optimum nutrients and antioxidants improves sperm motility and morphology.

Rather than being hopeless about it, let’s chase assisted reproductive techniques to live your parenthood dreams. Visit Nandi IVF and get the right treatment with utmost care and responsibility.