Male infertility is a fairly common problem. And often the cause of inability to fertilize is teratozoospermia. What is it and why does it appear? How can you diagnose this condition? Are there effective treatments?
Teratozoospermia - what is it?
Spermatogenesis processes take place continuously in the male testicles - it is here that spermatozoa form. Some of the germ cells may have deviations in the structure, and in such cases they are usually called pathological. Single defective sperm can be present in the sperm of a perfectly healthy man. But sometimes the number of pathological cells increases significantly, which, of course, reduces the likelihood of successful fertilization.
A condition in which a large number of defective sperm is found in a man’s sperm is called teratozoospermia. Most often, such a deviation leads to infertility.
The main forms of teratozoospermia
The diagnosis of teratozoospermia can only be made after a thorough microscopic examination of the patient's semen samples. In this case, various pathologies in the structure of sperm can be detected:
- In some cases, a head defect is observed - it may have an uncharacteristic shape or size. Sometimes cells with altered acrosome and even sperm with two heads are found.
- Changes in the neck and middle part of the sperm, in particular thickening or thinning of the walls, which can also affect male fertility.
- Quite often, tail defects are observed. Microscopic examination can detect sperm with excessively thick, thin or twisted tails.
It should be understood that there are many factors under the influence of which teratozoospermia develops. What is it, and what causes of infertility are considered the most common? Many men are interested in these issues.
Teratozoospermia and its causes
Most often, the cause of the appearance of defective sperm are viral infections that affect the genitourinary system. The most dangerous pathogens include the herpes virus.
On the other hand, almost any inflammation of the organs of the reproductive system is considered dangerous, since it can affect the formation of germ cells. The risk group includes men who have had orchitis, prostatitis, varicocele, epididymitis and other diseases.
It's no secret that spermatogenesis is controlled by hormones. Accordingly, hormonal disruptions can affect the qualitative characteristics of sperm. In particular, this often happens during treatment with hormonal drugs. Not only medications, but also biologically active substances that are used by athletes to build muscle are capable of disrupting the normal formation of sperm.
Of course, environmental influence is of great importance in this case. Unfavorable living conditions, the constant effect of toxins on the body, unhealthy diet, smoking and alcoholism - all this negatively affects the reproductive abilities of men.
Is teratozoospermia treated?
Many patients with this diagnosis are interested in questions about whether this form of infertility can be cured. With the results of the spermogram, you need to go to the urologist. Only a doctor can explain where teratozoospermia came from, what it is and what therapy will be most effective.
Of course, first of all, it is necessary to find out what caused the formation of defective sperm and prescribe treatment that will help eliminate the primary cause. In addition, almost all men are prescribed folic and succinic acids, Verona, selenium, L-carnitine, zinc, vitamin E. All these substances have a beneficial effect on spermatogenesis. Most often, teratozoospermia can be cured.