Oligo Asthenospermia

Updated: July 19, 2024

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Background

Oligo Asthenospermia is an infertility condition with low sperm count (oligospermia) and poor sperm motility (asthenospermia). 

It is a leading cause of male infertility, that prevent chance of conception. 

Infertility causes emotional, psychological, relational issues, thus required timely intervention for well-being. Sperm count measures amount in semen and motility indicates efficiency. 

Low sperm count and poor motility in men decrease chances of fertilizing an egg, which creates difficulties in conception. 

This condition is different from male fertility issues such as azoospermia, teratozoospermia, and erectile dysfunction. 

Epidemiology

10% to 15% couples worldwide faces with infertility issue due to male factors contributed in 40% to 50% cases. 

It affects 1% to 2% of men but may be found in 50% infertility cases. The prevalence rate rises with age after 40 years old due to decreasing sperm quality. 

Prevalence rates differ as per region due to environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and healthcare facilities. 

Anatomy

Pathophysiology

Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for testicular dysfunction and low sperm count.  

Gene mutations in cystic fibrosis affect sperm production. Hypogonadism causes low testosterone levels to give poor sperm production. 

Hyperprolactinemia inhibits GnRH secretion to reduce testosterone production and spermatogenesis. 

Etiology

Genetic Factors as: 

Chromosomal Abnormalities 

Hormonal Imbalances as: 

Hypogonadism 

Hyperprolactinemia 

Environmental Factors as: 

Exposure to Toxins and Pollutants 

Radiation Exposure 

Lifestyle Factors as: 

Alcohol Consumption 

Smoking 

Obesity 

Genetics

Prognostic Factors

Low sperm count is linked to worse outcomes thus severe cases need aggressive treatment. 

Reduced sperm movement can impact fertilization. Motility level affects prognosis in conception. 

Abnormal sperm shape also impacts fertility while multiple abnormalities worsen prognosis. 

Clinical History

Oligo asthenospermia is diagnosed in men of reproductive age between 20 and 50 years old. 

Physical Examination

General Examination 

Endocrine Evaluation 

Genital Examination

Age group

Associated comorbidity

Associated activity

Acuity of presentation

Most men with oligo asthenospermia have gradual symptoms, it noticed when they try to conceive. 

Infertility diagnosed after one year of unprotected intercourse when conception is not successful. 

Infections with orchitis cause sudden scrotal pain, swelling, fever, and systemic symptoms. 

Differential Diagnoses

Hypogonadism 

Hyperprolactinemia 

Orchitis 

Varicocele 

Cryptorchidism

Laboratory Studies

Imaging Studies

Procedures

Histologic Findings

Staging

Treatment Paradigm

Genetic Disorders are managed with assisted reproductive technologies due to severe testicular dysfunction. 

Antibiotic therapy is used for the treatment of orchitis, epididymitis, or prostatitis. 

Gonadotropin therapy used to stimulate spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. 

Clomiphene citrate stimulates the release of gonadotropins and improves testosterone levels in men. 

Intrauterine insemination technique is used when sperm count and motility are present, but natural conception is not successful. 

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is also indicated by giving direct injection of a single sperm into an egg, suitable for severe cases as part of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) method. 

by Stage

by Modality

Chemotherapy

Radiation Therapy

Surgical Interventions

Hormone Therapy

Immunotherapy

Hyperthermia

Photodynamic Therapy

Stem Cell Transplant

Targeted Therapy

Palliative Care

use-of-non-pharmacological-approach-for-oligo-asthenospermia

Individual should avoid prolonged heat exposure to preserve sperm production. Wear loose-fitting underwear and cloths to reduce scrotal heat. 

Intake food like rich in omega-3 e.g., fish, flaxseed to support sperm membrane integrity. 

Obesity harms hormones and sperm, while physical exercise helps to reduce stress and improve fertility. 

Smoking harms sperm quality, while excessive alcohol consumption impairs sperm production. 

Individual should improve hormones with help of yoga and meditation practices. 

Proper education and awareness about asthenospermia should be provided and its related causes with management strategies. 

Appointments with a sexologist and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort. 

Use of Hormonal Therapy

Clomiphene Citrate: 

It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that stimulates the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. 

Use of Gonadotropins injection

Menotropins: 

FSH and LH these two pituitary gonadotropins that stimulate gonadal function with spermatogenesis and ovulation process. 

use-of-intervention-with-a-procedure-in-treating-oligo-asthenospermia

Varicocelectomy is performed to repair varicoceles and swollen scrotum veins.  

Vasectomy reversal surgery is a treatment option for male infertility those who desire to be father again. 

use-of-phases-in-managing-oligo-asthenospermia

In the initial diagnosis phase, evaluation of medical history, physical examination, semen analysis, and hormonal evaluation to confirm diagnosis. 

Pharmacologic therapy is very effective in the treatment phase as it includes use of hormonal therapy, gonadotropins injections and surgical intervention. 

In supportive care and management phase, patients should receive required attention such as lifestyle modification and rehabilitation. 

The regular follow-up visits with the sexologist are schedule to check the improvement of patients along with treatment response. 

Medication

 

idebenone / l-arginine / zinc sulphate/selenium/proanthocyanidin 

Take one capsule three times a day for ninety days to complete the course, or follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider



 
 

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Oligo Asthenospermia

Updated : July 19, 2024

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



Oligo Asthenospermia is an infertility condition with low sperm count (oligospermia) and poor sperm motility (asthenospermia). 

It is a leading cause of male infertility, that prevent chance of conception. 

Infertility causes emotional, psychological, relational issues, thus required timely intervention for well-being. Sperm count measures amount in semen and motility indicates efficiency. 

Low sperm count and poor motility in men decrease chances of fertilizing an egg, which creates difficulties in conception. 

This condition is different from male fertility issues such as azoospermia, teratozoospermia, and erectile dysfunction. 

10% to 15% couples worldwide faces with infertility issue due to male factors contributed in 40% to 50% cases. 

It affects 1% to 2% of men but may be found in 50% infertility cases. The prevalence rate rises with age after 40 years old due to decreasing sperm quality. 

Prevalence rates differ as per region due to environmental exposures, lifestyle factors, and healthcare facilities. 

Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for testicular dysfunction and low sperm count.  

Gene mutations in cystic fibrosis affect sperm production. Hypogonadism causes low testosterone levels to give poor sperm production. 

Hyperprolactinemia inhibits GnRH secretion to reduce testosterone production and spermatogenesis. 

Genetic Factors as: 

Chromosomal Abnormalities 

Hormonal Imbalances as: 

Hypogonadism 

Hyperprolactinemia 

Environmental Factors as: 

Exposure to Toxins and Pollutants 

Radiation Exposure 

Lifestyle Factors as: 

Alcohol Consumption 

Smoking 

Obesity 

Low sperm count is linked to worse outcomes thus severe cases need aggressive treatment. 

Reduced sperm movement can impact fertilization. Motility level affects prognosis in conception. 

Abnormal sperm shape also impacts fertility while multiple abnormalities worsen prognosis. 

Oligo asthenospermia is diagnosed in men of reproductive age between 20 and 50 years old. 

General Examination 

Endocrine Evaluation 

Genital Examination

Most men with oligo asthenospermia have gradual symptoms, it noticed when they try to conceive. 

Infertility diagnosed after one year of unprotected intercourse when conception is not successful. 

Infections with orchitis cause sudden scrotal pain, swelling, fever, and systemic symptoms. 

Hypogonadism 

Hyperprolactinemia 

Orchitis 

Varicocele 

Cryptorchidism

Genetic Disorders are managed with assisted reproductive technologies due to severe testicular dysfunction. 

Antibiotic therapy is used for the treatment of orchitis, epididymitis, or prostatitis. 

Gonadotropin therapy used to stimulate spermatogenesis in men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. 

Clomiphene citrate stimulates the release of gonadotropins and improves testosterone levels in men. 

Intrauterine insemination technique is used when sperm count and motility are present, but natural conception is not successful. 

Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is also indicated by giving direct injection of a single sperm into an egg, suitable for severe cases as part of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) method. 

Urology

Individual should avoid prolonged heat exposure to preserve sperm production. Wear loose-fitting underwear and cloths to reduce scrotal heat. 

Intake food like rich in omega-3 e.g., fish, flaxseed to support sperm membrane integrity. 

Obesity harms hormones and sperm, while physical exercise helps to reduce stress and improve fertility. 

Smoking harms sperm quality, while excessive alcohol consumption impairs sperm production. 

Individual should improve hormones with help of yoga and meditation practices. 

Proper education and awareness about asthenospermia should be provided and its related causes with management strategies. 

Appointments with a sexologist and preventing recurrence of disorder is an ongoing life-long effort. 

Urology

Clomiphene Citrate: 

It is a selective estrogen receptor modulator that stimulates the release of gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. 

Urology

Menotropins: 

FSH and LH these two pituitary gonadotropins that stimulate gonadal function with spermatogenesis and ovulation process. 

Urology

Varicocelectomy is performed to repair varicoceles and swollen scrotum veins.  

Vasectomy reversal surgery is a treatment option for male infertility those who desire to be father again. 

Urology

In the initial diagnosis phase, evaluation of medical history, physical examination, semen analysis, and hormonal evaluation to confirm diagnosis. 

Pharmacologic therapy is very effective in the treatment phase as it includes use of hormonal therapy, gonadotropins injections and surgical intervention. 

In supportive care and management phase, patients should receive required attention such as lifestyle modification and rehabilitation. 

The regular follow-up visits with the sexologist are schedule to check the improvement of patients along with treatment response. 

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