Sperm Abnormalities Treatment In India

Different sperm abnormalities affect fertility in different ways. Some impact sperm count, while others affect sperm movement, shape, or viability.

• Oligospermia: Oligospermia refers to a lower-than-normal sperm concentration in the semen. According to accepted fertility guidelines, a sperm concentration below 15 million sperm per millilitre is generally considered low. Men with mild oligospermia may still achieve pregnancy naturally, but lower sperm counts can reduce the chances of sperm reaching and fertilising an egg.
  
  

• Asthenozoospermia: Asthenozoospermia occurs when sperm have poor motility which means a reduced movement or inability to swim efficiently towards the egg. Even if sperm count is normal, poor motility can make fertilisation difficult because the sperm may not successfully travel through the female reproductive tract.
  
  

• Teratozoospermia: It refers to abnormal sperm morphology which means a high percentage of sperm with abnormal shapes. These abnormalities may affect the head, midpiece, or tail of the sperm. Abnormally shaped sperm may have difficulty penetrating and fertilising the egg, reducing the chances of conception.
  
  

• Azoospermia: It is a condition characterised by absence of sperm in the semen sample. This happens when sperm production is hampered or there is a blockage which is preventing sperm from entering semen, which significantly harms fertility in men. Treatment options are available depending on the underlying cause.
  
  

• Necrozoospermia: It is a condition where sperm are present in the semen but are non-viable or dead. This is a comparatively uncommon condition and may be linked to infections, oxidative stress, prolonged exposure to heat, or other underlying health concerns.
  
  

• Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT Syndrome): OAT syndrome is a combination of three sperm abnormalities:

• Low sperm count
• Poor sperm motility
• Abnormal sperm morphology

Because multiple sperm parameters are affected at the same time, OAT syndrome can significantly reduce fertility potential.

• Hypospermia: It refers to a lower-than-normal volume of semen during ejaculation. A reduced semen volume may limit the number of sperm delivered during ejaculation and can sometimes indicate hormonal issues, ejaculatory disorders, or blockage within the reproductive tract.

Several factors can contribute to sperm abnormalities, including:

• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
• Hormonal imbalances
• Genetic disorders
• Undescended testicles
• Infections affecting the reproductive tract
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Obesity
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Drug abuse
• Exposure to environmental toxins
• Radiation or chemotherapy
• Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes
• Advanced age
• Long-term exposure to excessive heat

In many cases, more than one factor may contribute to abnormal sperm parameters.

For successful fertilisation to occur sperm must be present in sufficient quantity, must be capable of moving efficiently, have a normal shape and must be able to survive within the female reproductive tract. Negative impact on one or more of these criteria could compromise fertility.

For instance, a low sperm count means the number of sperm available to reach the egg is less. If sperm has poor motility then it can prevent its movement, while abnormal sperm shape (morphology) may affect its ability to penetrate and fertilise the egg.

Certain conditions, such assperm blockages or leukocytospermia ( a condition characterised by a high number of white cells in the semen that may damage its DNA and affect its motility), can further affect sperm function. The intensity of impact depends on the severity of the abnormality. 

Available treatment options are: 

1. Lifestyle Changes: Some of the simple lifestyle tips or changes that can support the treatment for sperm abnormalities and also help in maintaining overall reproductive health are:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption
• Exercising regularly
• Managing stress
• Avoiding excessive heat exposure to the testicles

2. Medicines and Hormone Therapy: If hormonal imbalances, infections, or certain medical conditions are causing sperm abnormalities, medicines may help improve sperm production and function. Treatment may include hormone therapy, antibiotics for infections, or other medicines based on the underlying cause.
3. Surgery: In case a physical issue is the reason behind sperm abnormalities, surgery can be suggested, depending on the underlying cause. For example, if varicocele is the root cause, varicocele repair surgery can restore blood flow around the testes. Surgery may also be used to retrieve sperm directly from the testes or remove blockages in the reproductive tract so that sperm can move freely. 
4. Nutritional Support: Oxidative stress can damage the sperm quality by impacting their movement, shape and DNA. In such cases, the doctor may suggest some specific antioxidant supplements and dietary modifications to support your overall sperm health. Do not take any supplements without your doctor’s recommendation. 
5. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): These are the advanced treatments that are suggested when sperm abnormalities have significantly cut down the chances of natural conception. IUI can help achieve pregnancy by directly placing sperm near the egg to support fertilisation. IVG with ICSI can help directly inject the best quality sperm into the egg in a laboratory setup.