Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions.
Asthenospermia: Understanding the condition and Exploring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) options
0%+
Normal sperm morphology threshold
50-60%
ICSI success rate per cycle
0M/mL
Minimum normal sperm count
0%
Infertility cases involving male factor
Advanced andrology and sperm science
Male factor
40% of infertility
ICSI success
50-60% per cycle
Normal count
≥15 million/mL
Best suited for: Men with low sperm count, poor motility, abnormal morphology, azoospermia, varicocele, high DNA fragmentation, or previous vasectomy reversal failure.
Asthenospermia, also known as poor sperm motility, is a condition where a man’s sperm has reduced or impaired movement. This can significantly impact fertility and increase the risk of infertility. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of asthenospermia, exploring the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, including Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) like IUI, ICSI, and others.
What is asthenospermia?
Asthenospermia is a condition characterized by low sperm motility, which can be classified into three categories:
- Mild asthenospermia: 30-50% of sperm with progressive motility.
- Moderate asthenospermia: 10-30% of sperm with progressive motility.
- Severe asthenospermia: Less than 10% of sperm with progressive motility.
Causes of asthenospermia
Asthenospermia can be caused by a range of factors, including:
5 ART Options for Asthenospermia
- Genetic factors: Inherited conditions, such as Kartagener syndrome.
- Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), prostatitis, or epididymitis.
- Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone or thyroid hormone imbalances.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or obesity.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins, pesticides, or heavy metals
Diagnosis of asthenospermia
Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive semen analysis, which assesses sperm count, motility, morphology, and other parameters.
Several ART options are available to help couples overcome asthenospermia:
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): Washed sperm is inserted directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix and increasing the chances of fertilization.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Eggs are retrieved and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory, and the resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus.
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): A single healthy sperm is injected directly into an egg, increasing the chances of fertilization.
- Magnetic-Activated Cell Sorting (MACS): Sperm is sorted and selected based on their motility and DNA integrity, increasing the chances of fertilization.
- Physiological Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (PICSI): A specialized ICSI technique that selects the healthiest sperm for injection.
Which option works best and why?
The best ART option for asthenospermia depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here’s a brief overview:
| ART option | Indications | Success rates |
|---|---|---|
| IUI | Mild asthenospermia, cervical mucus issues. | 10-20% per cycle. |
| IVF | Moderate asthenospermia, multiple failed IUI cycles. | 40-50% per cycle. |
| ICSI | Severe asthenospermia, previous IVF failures. | 50-70% per cycle. |
| MACS | Poor sperm motility, DNA fragmentation. | 50-70% per cycle. |
| PICSI | Poor sperm quality, previous ICSI failures. | 50-70% per cycle. |
Conclusion
Asthenospermia can be a challenging condition, but with the right ART option, many couples can achieve their dream of parenthood. Consult a fertility specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific situation.
At Bavishi Fertility Institute, our expert team is dedicated to providing personalized care and guidance throughout your fertility journey. Contact us to learn more about our ART services and schedule a consultation.
| Aspect | Detail | ART Option |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Poor sperm motility | — |
| Normal | ≥40% progressive | Below = asthenospermia |
| Mild | Slightly low motility | IUI possible |
| Moderate-severe | Few moving sperm | ICSI |
| Improve | Antioxidants, lifestyle | Plus ART if needed |
Key Takeaways
What is asthenospermia?
Causes of asthenospermia
Diagnosis of asthenospermia
Which option works best and why?
Conclusion
For personalised advice tailored to your test results and diagnosis, book a consultation with our specialists at Bavishi Fertility Institute.
Have Questions About Asthenospermia Understanding condi…?
Book a free consultation with our fertility specialists at Bavishi Fertility Institute — 14 centres across India.
About the Author
Dr. Parth Bavishi
MBBS, MD (Obstetrics & Gynaecology)
Co-director & IVF Specialist
Dr. Parth Bavishi holds an MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and brings over 12 years of specialist experience as Co-director and IVF Specialist at Bavishi Fertility Institute — a group of fertility centres across India committed to helping couples realise their dream of parenthood.
His clinical focus is on complex and challenging cases: male-factor infertility, poor sperm quality, high sperm DNA fragmentation, and repeated IVF failure. He has received specialised infertility training at three internationally recognised institutions — Bavishi Fertility Institute, the Diamond Institute (USA), and the HART Institute (Japan) — giving him a uniquely broad perspective on the latest global advances in reproductive medicine.