Teratozoospermia

Teratozoospermia is a condition characterized by the presence of sperm with abnormal morphology that exceeds the threshold of the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria in a semen analysis. It is one of the significant factors contributing to male infertility, affecting the ability of sperm to fertilize an egg.

Definition

According to the WHO, teratozoospermia is diagnosed when more than 96% of spermatozoa in a semen sample have abnormal shapes. These abnormalities can affect the head, midpiece, or tail of the sperm. The condition is quantified using the Kruger's strict criteria, a detailed scoring system that evaluates sperm morphology.

Causes

The exact cause of teratozoospermia is often unclear, but several factors have been associated with the development of this condition, including:

• Genetic disorders
• Environmental toxins
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
• Varicocele
• Infections of the reproductive tract
• Exposure to radiation and chemotherapy

Symptoms

Men with teratozoospermia are typically asymptomatic. The primary symptom is difficulty in achieving pregnancy with a partner.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of teratozoospermia is made through a semen analysis. This test evaluates several aspects of the semen, including volume, concentration, motility, and morphology. A detailed examination of sperm morphology using Kruger's strict criteria is essential for diagnosing this condition.

Treatment

Treatment for teratozoospermia varies depending on the underlying cause. Options may include:

• Lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake
• Surgical intervention for conditions like varicocele
• Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which can be particularly effective as it involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg

Prognosis

The prognosis for men with teratozoospermia depends on the severity of the sperm abnormalities and the underlying cause. With appropriate treatment, many couples can achieve pregnancy, either naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies.

See Also

• Semen analysis
• Male infertility
• In vitro fertilization
• Intracytoplasmic sperm injection