Asthenospermia – Signs, Triggers, and Treatment Methods

Our health depends on many factors. When we suffer from certain conditions, they give us certain signs that lead us directly to the doctor. Others, on the other hand, are silent and we only “encounter” them at certain times. One of the diseases in the latter category is asthenospermia or asthenozoospermia.

What is asthenospermia? It is a condition characteristic of men. Its definition is that of reduced sperm motility. It is only discovered at the moment we try to conceive a child, but pregnancy is delayed. That is why this is the moment when a couple starts asking certain questions and conducting various investigations.

As infertility is a sensitive topic for many families today, in this article we will address the topic of asthenospermia. More specifically, we will look at the symptoms, causes, and available treatment methods for men suffering from this condition. We will also focus on natural ways to stimulate sperm motility.

Asthenospermia – Definition and Triggering Causes

Many conditions remain hidden until certain moments, having no symptoms. This is also the case with the disease called asthenospermia, which affects younger and younger men. They do not realize they have a health problem until they try to have a child and realize that pregnancy is not occurring.

But what does asthenospermia mean? Its medical definition is reduced sperm motility. Because it is not painful and does not affect our quality of life, it is a disease we can live with for years. But why does it occur? There are several triggering factors. One of the most important is the current lifestyle.

Because the health of the male reproductive system is often neglected, we probably don’t know that there are various ways to take care of ourselves. One of the simplest is the balanced consumption of certain food supplements. Among them is Premium Prostate Formula, which supports the proper functioning of the prostate, urinary tract, and, of course, reproductive function.

[cta_produs style=”style_1″ product=”329821″ image=”https://aronia-charlottenburg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1.-Astenospermia-definitie-si-cauze-declansatoare.jpg”]

This supplement contains pumpkin seeds and saw palmetto, both known for supporting prostate health and reducing inflammation. It also helps maintain urinary function, especially in men over 45. Another element present in this formula is zinc, a mineral important for the correct performance of hormonal and reproductive system functions.

The formula can be used by men over 40 as well as younger men who wish to ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent asthenozoospermia, as well as other problems specific to the health of the male reproductive system.

Asthenospermia – What it Means and Who this Condition Affects

Putting aside the medical definition of the term asthenospermia, we need to understand what it means. This way, we will also know why it is important to find out when to see a doctor to treat it. This is a silent condition that has no classic symptoms, such as pain or discomfort.

Photo by Maximilianovich on Pixabay

Asthenozoospermia is not a debilitating disease, so we will function normally until diagnosis. Since sexual life also does not suffer from it, often when we face infertility as a couple, the woman is the one who undergoes most investigations. Currently, however, many young men are the ones experiencing problems.

Who does asthenospermia affect? It can manifest in both young and older men. The criterion for establishing a diagnosis is when, following investigations, less than 40% of sperm have normal motility. Thus, the condition can be of several types.

Types and Degrees of Asthenospermia

Depending on sperm motility, asthenozoospermia is of 4 types, as follows:

1. asthenospermia type A, in which sperm are mobile and have a straight-line movement;
2. asthenospermia type B, in which sperm motility is slightly reduced, but they maintain their straight trajectory;
3. asthenospermia type C, in which sperm have low and chaotic motility;
4. asthenospermia type D, in which sperm no longer move.

In addition to the type of sperm motility, the number of those with motility problems is very important.

From this point of view, asthenospermia can be of 3 kinds or can have 3 degrees of severity:

• mild asthenospermia, in which approximately 40-50% of sperm have normal motility;
• moderate asthenospermia, in which between 30% and 40% of sperm maintain motility;
• severe asthenospermia, in which less than 30% of sperm are still mobile.

Based on this information, it is very important to see a doctor at the first signs of infertility we experience as a couple.

What are the causes that can lead to asthenospermia? These are numerous and can be triggered by several factors.

Asthenospermia – Causes of the Disease

Each person has their own lifestyle, which is one of the main causes of infertility in both women and men. Thus, when we refer to asthenospermia, habits like smoking and alcohol consumption are among the most important triggering factors.

In addition to these, we can also list:

• environmental factors, so exposure to heavy metals, certain chemicals, and even heat can damage sperm quality;
• certain conditions, such as hormonal imbalances, varicocele, and some sexually transmitted infections;
• testicular cancer and its associated treatments such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy;
• prostate inflammation that can lead to reduced sperm quality and the onset of asthenospermia;
• anti-sperm antibodies and certain autoimmune diseases are other triggering factors for the disease;
• genetic factors can also trigger the onset of asthenospermia.

How do we know if we have asthenospermia? There is no way to self-diagnose, so it is best to see a doctor. However, routine check-ups are what can help us start the correct treatment. Thus, we can also prevent or reduce infertility problems.

Asthenospermia and its Treatment

Most often, an infertility diagnosis is what makes us consult a doctor specializing in this pathology. Thus, several investigations can be done before reaching a diagnosis of asthenospermia. In most cases, the tests for this condition are also the last ones performed after other options have been considered.

Another scenario is that of older men who also have certain prostate problems. As a result of specific tests, asthenospermia can also be diagnosed. In addition, individuals suffering from testicular cancer may experience the disease as a result of specific treatments.

Photo by Andrea Picquadio on Unsplash

Often, asthenozoospermia alone is targeted as a result of infertility within a couple. At this stage, specific tests are performed to determine if it is mild, moderate, or severe. It is also important to establish its type.

Asthenospermia – Necessary Investigations to Discover it

The main analysis performed to diagnose asthenospermia is that of the seminal fluid. More precisely, the semen analysis of the suspected man will be performed. This allows for the determination of parameters such as:

• sperm viability or pH;
• sperm concentration;
• sperm morphology;
• sperm motility;
• semen volume.

Reduced sperm motility is what indicates whether the man has asthenospermia or not. If the result is positive, the degree of asthenospermia can be determined.

If the analysis is inconclusive or further investigations are desired, the specialist doctor may also recommend other tests, including:

• sex hormone levels;
• detection of anti-sperm antibodies;
• bacteriological analyses, in case certain diseases are suspected;
• determination of the fragmentation level of the genetic material in sperm.

Once asthenospermia is diagnosed and it is determined whether it is mild, moderate, or severe, a treatment plan can be drawn up. This is personalized and may consist of both medication and lifestyle changes.

Asthenospermia and Available Treatments

The treatment of asthenospermia largely depends on the triggering factors. Thus, the doctor may prescribe medication and also make recommendations for lifestyle changes.

Regarding medications, antibiotics may be prescribed when asthenospermia is caused by an infection. After the treatment is completed, tests will be performed to monitor the disease’s progress. The same measures will be taken in the case of varicocele. It involves the dilation of testicular veins and can be treated with medication.

Genetic Causes and Options

The only situation where asthenospermia cannot be improved with treatment or a balanced diet and lifestyle is when it has genetic causes. In these situations, in vitro fertilization or artificial insemination are recommended.

If asthenozoospermia was not caused by diseases, infections, or genetic factors, the doctor will directly recommend changes in lifestyle and diet.

The Role of a Balanced Lifestyle in Asthenospermia

A diagnosis of asthenospermia can be quite difficult to accept, especially for men who wish to become fathers. However, when it is mild or moderate, the treatment is not difficult. To begin with, changes in daily habits and diet are the first methods recommended by doctors specializing in fertility problems.

What does a balanced lifestyle entail for a patient with asthenospermia?

Changes such as:

• quitting smoking, in the case of men who have this habit;
• reducing or even abstaining from alcohol consumption;
• practicing a sport or exercising regularly;
• walking instead of using the car when possible;
• replacing very tight clothing with loose clothing.

Also, eliminating stressors contributes to the well-being of people suffering from asthenospermia.

All these measures aim to help men not only in treating mild and moderate asthenospermia but also in improving their overall health. And to succeed, a proper diet is also needed.

Diet in Asthenospermia

As we learned at the beginning of the article, there are supplements that help support the male reproductive system. Even if we don’t start using them from a young age, any positive change we make to our diet will yield results. This is also the case with asthenospermia.

What foods can be consumed for this condition? Those that help stimulate fertility. Specifically:

• foods high in vitamin E, such as nuts, olive oil, avocado, and fish;
• whole grains;
• fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.

All of these should be incorporated into a diet adapted to the lifestyle.

In addition to these, it is recommended to avoid fried and processed foods, which have no nutritional value.

A diagnosis of asthenospermia can be a shock for a man, but in most cases, it is treatable. Thus, when we wish to become parents, we can undergo all the necessary investigations and follow the treatment or measures that help us achieve a natural pregnancy.

In conclusion, what is asthenospermia? It is a condition of sperm motility that affects men of all ages. Because it is a disease that gives no signs, it can be diagnosed quite late. Therefore, many men only discover it when they want to have children and pregnancy is delayed. Its treatment can be medicinal or can involve changes in daily habits, as well as dietary ones. Regardless of the situation, however, it is good to know that asthenospermia is treatable, and most affected men can have children naturally.

References:

https://www.spandidos-publications.com/10.3892/etm.2024.12434

www.invitra.com/en/asthenozoospermia/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/asthenospermia

https://mjmr.journals.ekb.eg/article_221792.html

Photo by Online Marketing on Unsplash