An Asthenospermia Definition
Written by Ben Bunting: BA(Hons), PGCert.
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Asthenospermia is condition causes reduced motility of sperm. You will learn the causes of this condition, treatment options, and symptoms. This article also offers tips for managing this condition. It is recommended that you visit a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Reduced sperm motility
Reduced sperm motility is one of the signs of asthenospermia, a condition where sperm are unmotile. This condition is caused by ultrastructural defects in the midpiece or tail of the sperm. It is also known as Kartagener's syndrome.
Although the cause of asthenospermia is unknown, it is believed that it is caused by a mutation in the gene that regulates sperm motility as this mutation is associated with the reduced sperm motility in asthenozoospermic men.
Men who are affected by reduced sperm motility should seek medical attention. A physician can determine the cause and prescribe a treatment plan. Often, lifestyle changes can help improve sperm quality.
Causes
Asthenosperia is a condition in which sperm does not properly move through the ovaries. This condition is caused by mutations in the CATSPER1 or CATSPER2 gene. In addition to causing decreased motility, these mutations have been linked to asthenozoospermic men.
Asthenozoospermia reduces their ability to penetrate cervical mucus and travel to the female uterus. In addition to reducing sperm motility, men with kidney diseases, cystic fibrosis, and genetic conditions can also experience this condition. Other factors that affect sperm motility include inflammatory diseases and low sperm count.
Typically, it is diagnosed with a semen analysis test that measures the concentration, morphology, and motility of sperm. Treatment for asthenosperia may involve changing lifestyle habits such as incorporating more exercise in to your routine, eating a diet rich in nutrients or (as a last resort) using assisted reproductive technology.
Treatments
Asthenosperia is a disease characterized by a low sperm count and infertility. Various treatments are available to help men with this disorder conceive. Some treatments include taking dietary supplements that may help improve sperm count. The sperm count may be affected by the length of time between ejaculations and may not be sufficient to fertilize the egg. Treatments for asthenosperia also include artificial insemination and assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF. The sperm count and quality of the sperm are evaluated before and after treatment.
The disease is considered to be among the leading causes of low sperm count, and is often accompanied by oligospermia. Additionally, sperm DNA fragmentation is common among asthenosperia patients. In addition to reducing male fertility, asthenozoospermial patients also experience a decreased ability to reach the egg, resulting in the inability to fertilize an egg.
Male infertility
Motility is one of the most important parameters in reproduction, because it determines sperms' ability to reach and fertilize an egg. Many factors can affect motility, including inflammation of the reproductive organs or the environment. The presence of microorganisms can also impair sperms' ability to move. Some infectious diseases may also affect sperms' motility.
In men, asthenospermia is one of the most common causes of infertility. It affects approximately 15 percent of couples trying to conceive. Genetic studies have identified several genes associated with asthenozoospermia in humans, but no definitive treatments have been found. However, changes in microRNA expression patterns and epigenetic factors have shed light on the pathophysiology of AZS.
Conclusion
In cases of asthenozoospermia, sperm motility is reduced. If the sperm are not motile at all, the odds of fertilization are greatly reduced. The reduced motility of sperm is a major cause of male infertility. Lifestyle changes may be able to help with sperm production and overall health. 