You have been trying for months, maybe even years, to conceive a child. Tests come back, conversations get heavier, and suddenly you are staring at a medical term that you have never heard before: asthenoteratozoospermia. It sounds intimidating, and if you are feeling confused, worried, or overwhelmed right now, trust us, you are not alone. In fact, as per reports, the male is solely responsible for around 20% of infertility cases, and is a contributing factor in another 30-40% of all infertility incidents. (Source) So, in case you are also diagnosed with asthenoteratozoospermia and are struggling with male infertility in Delhi, let’s slow down and talk about it.
What Exactly Is Asthenoteratozoospermia?
Primarily, asthenoteratozoospermia is a male fertility condition where sperm face two main issues at the same time:
- Astheno: Poor sperm movement (low motility)
- Terato: abnormal sperm shape (poor morphology)
In simpler terms, the sperm may not swim well and may not look the way they need to in order to fertilize an egg effectively. After all, fertility isn’t just about the sperm count; it’s also about how well those sperm move and function.
Why Does This Happen? (Common Causes)
This condition rarely has just one cause, and asthenoteratozoospermia usually is caused by a mix of lifestyle, health, and sometimes genetics. Some of the most common contributors to this issue include:
- Oxidative stress– caused by smoking, pollution, or poor diet
- Varicocele– enlarged veins in the scrotum
- Hormonal imbalance
- Infections of the reproductive tract
- Heat exposure due to frequent sauna use, tight clothing, and laptops on laps.
- Chronic conditions like diabetes or obesity.
- Genetic factors in some cases
In fact, here’s a quick table to make things clearer for you:
| Factor | How it affects sperm |
| Smoking and alcohol | Damages sperm DNA and movement |
| Varicocele | Raises testicular temperature |
| Poor nutrition | Reduces sperm quality |
| Infections | Impair sperm texture |
| Stress | Disrupts hormone balance |
Symptoms: Why It Often Goes Unnoticed
Here’s the tricky part- most men feel completely normal, even when they have asthenoteratozoospermia. The condition doesn’t cause any kind of pain, discomfort, or visible signs, and often, the only “symptom” is difficulty in conceiving. That’s why semen analysis becomes such a crucial diagnostic tool when pregnancy doesn’t happen as expected.
Treatment Options: What Can Be Done?
Yes, there are treatment options for those who have asthenoteratozoospermia, and many couples go on to conceive successfully after the treatment:
1. Lifestyle Changes
Even tiny changes like the following can make a huge difference:
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol
- Improve your diet and include more antioxidant-rich foods.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce heat exposure
2. Medical Treatment
Depending on the cause, doctors may recommend:
- Hormonal therapy
- Antibiotics (if infection is present)
- Antioxidant supplements
3. Surgical Options
In cases like varicocele, minor surgery can significantly improve sperm quality.
4. Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
When natural conception is difficult, the following treatments can help:
- IUI or Intrauterine Insemination
- IVF or In-Vitro Fertilization
- ICSI or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to bypass sperm movement and shape issues effectively
The Takeaway
Read this twice: Asthenoteratozoospermia is not the end of the road. It’s a diagnosis, not a destiny. With the right medical guidance, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional support, many couples overcome this hurdle. So, if you are holding this diagnosis right now, remember: understanding it is your first step forward, and you have already taken that step by being here. You are not behind; you are just getting started.
Looking for a male fertility clinic in Delhi because you are diagnosed with asthenoteratozoospermia or are struggling to conceive after repeated attempts? Reach out to our team at Dr. Arushi Sethi’s Golden IVF today, and schedule a consultation with the leading fertility experts in Delhi!
