Infertility has been a problem accompanying humanity since forever. Compared to other animals, our fertility rate is naturally quite low. And with problems that can happen to both men and women, the chances of success decrease even further. The good news is that, nowadays, various treatments exist thanks to recent advances in medicine, which allow many couples to fulfill the dream of having a child, even if it requires some effort. One of the problems that can occur in men is asthenozoospermia and, if you’re not exactly sure what this term means, read the text and find out how this problem can be solved.
What is Asthenozoospermia?
Asthenozoospermia is simply the term used for a male condition that refers to the motility of his sperm1. In summary, it’s when a man’s reproductive cells do not have sufficient motility, meaning, they have difficulty ‘swimming’ and reaching the woman’s egg for fertilization. This condition is considered a type of male infertility because, as the sperm have trouble moving, the chances of fertilizing the egg are practically nil.
Causes of Asthenozoospermia
The causes of male infertility can vary greatly, even though, often, asthenozoospermia is related to infections in the testicular region. However, there are several other causes that may also be linked to asthenozoospermia, such as:
- Long periods without ejaculation
- Advanced age
- Defects in sperm production
- Excessive use of drugs and alcohol
- Obstructions caused by a vasectomy
- Poor eating habits
What causes asthenozoospermia is not always under the man’s control, but many of these factors can be managed so a man has a better chance of being fertile.
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
The diagnosis of asthenozoospermia is quite simple and can be done through a semen analysis2. After the man ejaculates into an appropriate container, his semen is taken for laboratory analysis, where the sperm count is done, and their motility and lifespan are also assessed. It is a very simple test that can reveal various problems. If the result is negative, the man may have to undergo other tests such as testicular aspiration, for example, which examines sperm taken directly from the testes and checks if the problem is in their production or the path out of the body.
Is It Possible to Get Pregnant When There Is Asthenozoospermia?
When a man has asthenozoospermia, the chances of him getting his partner pregnant are practically nil. It is not completely impossible, but a doctor will likely advise that, if you really want to have a child, it is best to consider alternative fertilization methods3. Intrauterine insemination is one of the possible methods to make this happen. The method basically consists of placing the sperm directly into the woman’s uterus by artificial means. If the man’s problem is only with sperm motility, it can be resolved with this procedure. Another method that can also be an alternative is in vitro fertilization, which, although not the cheapest, is quite effective. 
Treatments for Asthenozoospermia
Treatment for asthenozoospermia will greatly depend on the severity of the condition. It is usually treated with antibiotics that act directly on the infection to try to reverse the situation. If the infection is milder, the man has a better chance of being cured, but there are still no guarantees. If this first option is not successful, it is necessary to turn to the alternative methods we’ve already mentioned here.
Myths About Asthenozoospermia
One could say that asthenozoospermia is one of those problems surrounded by myths, like many issues involving both male and female fertility. However, it’s important to clarify that this problem has no connection to erectile dysfunction or loss of libido, as many claim. As we’ve discussed here, asthenozoospermia is much more related to infections or the presence of antibodies in the testicular region, and the treatment is based on that finding. Therefore, the biggest tip for dealing with this type of problem is to talk directly to a doctor about this condition and not to cling to myths you hear from others or to unreliable texts on the internet. This is extremely important, and applies to any health issue, since the doctor is the one who can advise if there is any serious problem or not. Asthenozoospermia is a problem that many people are unaware of, but it can be a real obstacle for a couple’s fertility. Fortunately, nowadays it can be identified, alternative methods for fertilization can be adopted, and it even might be reversed, depending on the situation. Still, it is necessary to always be attentive to any problem that may arise, because the sooner they are detected, the easier the treatment will be. Always remember to see a doctor before taking any action like taking medication on your own, since this could end up making things worse. Asthenozoospermia is something reversible, so treat it with care. See Also: Artificial Insemination Photo: Gerald
