Introduction
One of the crucial aspects for a couple to conceive is the sperm health of the male partner. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility affects about 15% of couples globally, with male factors contributing to nearly 40–50% of cases. Some of the important criteria required for healthy sperm contain good volume, shape, motility, zona pellucida binding, nuclear decondensation, acrosome reaction, and the capability to pass through the cervical mucus and make it to the egg.
There is also a requirement for sperm to have the correct number of chromosomes for a successful pregnancy. When a condition arises of a breakdown in any of the mentioned criteria, there can be chances of overcoming male-factor infertility.
In this section, we will try to keep your mind towards one of the important aspects needed for male-factor fertility, known as sperm mobility or asthenospermia. It is defined as a situation in which a man contains less than 40 percent of sperm motility or fewer than 32 percent with progressive motility. Various kinds of sperm motility problems are found in men, like non-progressive motility, which can be identified as anything less than five micrometers per second, slow or sluggish progressive motility, and no mobility.
Asthenospermia or asthenozoospermia stands for a common cause of human male infertility characterized by reduced motility of sperm. One of the chief conditions for successful fertilization is sperm motility, that gets regulated by cyclic AMP-activated protein kinase-A.
Some studies have identified that sperm proteins accountable for metabolism and energy are expressed at superior levels in those patients who suffer from conditions like asthenozoospermia, while samples linked to normozoospermic had an increased level of expression of proteins engaged in protein turnover, stress response, folding, movement, and organization.
Sperm motility is essential for natural fertilization. Poor motility means sperm may not reach the egg efficiently, reducing the chances of natural pregnancy. The number of motile sperm after ejaculation should ideally exceed 70%. If motility is found below 40%, fertility experts typically diagnose asthenospermia.
* Different kinds of causes exist to uplift the standards of asthenospermia, like internal secretion problems.
* If there is a presence of an elevated amount of estrogen hormone in serum, it affects sperm motility.
* When irregular liquefaction of seminal fluid or no liquefaction is found, it may result in male infertility.
* Some men may have a presence of genetic cause, while others may have an undiagnosed medical condition.
* Environmental and lifestyle factors are also known to be some of the factors to play a big role in the motility of sperm.
* People need to understand that smoking is one of the causes of reduced sperm motility, particularly applied to those who smoke around ten cigarettes per day.
* There is a condition known as varicocele that takes place when veins inside the scrotum become enlarged, which has also been connected to reduced sperm motility.
* There can also be a presence of low sperm motility due to a disorder in the male accessory sex gland secretion, which leads to the glands emptying more slowly.
One of the measures by which sperm motility can be tested is through semen analysis. Here, the doctor will ask for a sample of semen, which will be taken to test the health of the male genital tract, accessory organs, and ejaculation. In the process of semen analysis, the person will be provided a private space where he can ejaculate through masturbation.
According to some religious beliefs, not all such things are supposed to be valid. That’s why the doctor, in some cases, may prefer to collect the samples with the help of a condom during sexual intercourse. If someone wants to collect the sample from home, they need to keep it at room temperature and must not stretch the time of taking it to the doctor’s clinic.
Prevention
Treatment of asthenospermia depends on the underlying cause and severity. Some of the common approaches include:
When natural conception is difficult, ART procedures may be recommended:
Adopting healthier lifestyle choices can significantly improve sperm motility over time:
While not all causes of asthenospermia are preventable, men can take proactive steps to reduce risk and improve sperm health:
Achieving successful fertilization is a shared journey that relies on optimal health and functioning in both partners. There is a requirement for the correct functioning in both men and women. Especially when the thing is regarding men, they need to have a presence of healthy sperm, and its motility must be in good condition. For men, the presence of healthy and well-motile sperm is especially crucial—without it, couples are more likely to encounter challenges when trying to conceive. That’s why make sure to indulge in some good habits which promote the health of sperm and eliminate those habits which can make a negative impact.
Making these mindful choices not only safeguards male fertility but also brings couples closer to their dreams of parenthood. If you are struggling with the asame, contact Aveya IVF Centre today!!