Sperm pathologies

Sperm pathologies include abnormalities in the volume of ejaculate, the number, motility, and morphology of sperm, as well as the presence of leukocytes and erythrocytes in the seminal fluid. These disorders have a direct impact on the ability to conceive and can lead to male infertility. The diagnosis of this pathology is possible through a spermogram, an examination that allows for the determination of the quantitative and qualitative parameters of sperm.

Types of Disorders and Their Particularities

Often, a man only discovers a sperm pathology when he encounters difficulties in conceiving a child. In such cases, the reproductive specialist or urologist directs the patient to a spermogram. The ejaculate is obtained through masturbation, and its main characteristics are then evaluated in the laboratory: volume, acidity, morphology, and motility of sperm, as well as the presence of inflammatory cells or blood. Normospermia refers to a state in which all indicators are within normal limits.

Among the common types of anomalies, we can distinguish:

Azoospermia, characterized by the total absence of sperm in the ejaculate. The cause may be related to a disorder in sperm production or an obstruction of the spermatic pathways.

Asthenospermia: decreased motility of sperm. When the proportion of immobile cells exceeds 40%, the chances of conception decrease significantly.

Oligozoospermia, characterized by a low concentration of sperm (less than 20 million per ml), which significantly reduces the chances of fertilization.

Oligospermia: decreased volume of ejaculate, which also negatively affects fertility.

Teratzoospermia, in which sperm with abnormal structure predominates, making them unable to fertilize normally.

Leucospermia: presence of a high number of leukocytes, indicating a potential inflammatory process.

Hemospermia: presence of red blood cells in the sperm, which may be due to trauma, infections, or tumors.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

The Natuvitro clinic works with experienced reproductive doctors, urologists, and andrologists, specializing in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of male infertility. A thorough examination of the ejaculate is performed there: in addition to the basic spermogram, the patient can undergo the Mar-test to detect anti-sperm antibodies, an HBA test (the HBA test determines the ability of sperm to bind to hyaluronic acid, thus determining the percentage of sperm capable of fertilizing the egg) to assess sperm maturity, oxidative stress tests, and detection of (ROS) to identify changes in the oxidative state of cells.

Based on the diagnostic results, doctors select an individual treatment depending on the specific cause of the pathology. In some cases, it is enough to modify lifestyle, adjust diet, and prescribe vitamins and antioxidants; in others, medication or surgical treatment is necessary. If needed, assisted reproductive techniques are used.

If medication treatment does not yield results, methods such as intrauterine insemination, IVF, and ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection into the egg) are employed. In the most complex cases, such as severe azoospermia, it is possible to use donor material. In cases of obstructive infertility, microsurgical interventions are also performed to eliminate mechanical barriers preventing sperm from reaching the egg.

Thus, even in cases of severe sperm quality disorders, modern medicine offers a wide range of effective solutions. With early intervention and a comprehensive approach, the couple has a real chance of becoming parents.