What Is Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia?

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia is a condition characterized by low sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal morphology, and is a common cause of male infertility. It is defined as a triple abnormality involving sperm count (oligozoospermia), motility (asthenozoospermia), and morphology (teratozoospermia). Men with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia produce sperm with low fertilization potential and reduced chances of achieving pregnancy. This diagnosis is made when sperm count ranges between 5 million/ml and 15 million/ml. The underlying causes may include genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle habits, infections, and exposure to toxic substances.

What Is Severe Oligoteratoasthenozoospermia (Low Sperm Count)?

Severe oligo-terato-asthenozoospermia (SOAT) is a serious condition involving low sperm count, poor motility, and abnormal morphology, which negatively affects male fertility. These three factors are among the main causes of male infertility. Severe SOAT significantly reduces a couple’s chances of conceiving naturally and usually requires the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). This diagnosis is made when sperm count is below 5 million/ml.

What Are the Causes of Low Sperm Count?

There are many factors that can lead to a decrease in sperm count. Here are some possible causes of low sperm count:

Hormonal imbalances: Imbalances in testosterone and other hormones can affect sperm production and lead to a decrease in sperm count.

Disruption of testicular temperature balance: The testes require an optimal temperature level to function properly. Exposure to high temperatures and wearing tight underwear can increase testicular temperature and reduce sperm production.

Varicocele: Varicocele is the enlargement of veins within the scrotum, which can raise testicular temperature and negatively affect sperm production.

Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (such as chlamydia and gonorrhea) and urinary tract infections can negatively affect sperm production.

Tobacco and alcohol use: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a decrease in sperm count and reduced motility.

Medication use: Certain medications, especially chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment and anabolic steroids, can negatively affect sperm production.

Exposure to radiation and chemicals: Exposure to radiation and certain chemicals can reduce sperm production and damage sperm DNA.

Chronic stress: Stress can disrupt hormonal balance and reduce sperm production.

Poor nutrition: Inadequate and unbalanced nutrition can lead to vitamin and mineral deficiencies that affect sperm production.

Genetic factors: Chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders can reduce or inhibit sperm production. The causes of low sperm count may vary from person to person, and in some cases, multiple factors may be involved. To identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment options, please contact us.

How Is Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Treated?

Treatment for low sperm count varies depending on the severity of the condition and its underlying causes. Under the supervision of an andrologist, the following methods may be applied:

Lifestyle changes: Quitting smoking and alcohol, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help improve sperm parameters.

Medication treatment: Low sperm count caused by hormonal imbalances, infections, or conditions like varicocele may be treated with medication. These medications may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, hormone therapy, and antioxidants.

Varicocele surgery: In cases of reduced semen volume due to varicocele, varicocelectomy (varicocele surgery) may help improve sperm parameters. However, it should be noted that it does not produce miraculous results.

Assisted reproductive techniques: When sperm parameters reduce the chances of natural conception, assisted reproductive techniques should be considered. Methods such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) can increase a couple's chances of having a child.

Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE) – Testicular Sperm Aspiration (TESA): In cases where sperm production is very low or absent, sperm can be surgically retrieved from the testes and used for ICSI.

How Is Low Sperm Count Diagnosed

Low sperm count is a condition that can lead to infertility problems in men and often presents no symptoms. To detect low sperm count, a series of tests and evaluations are required.

Here are the steps required to diagnose low sperm count:

Semen analysis (Sperm analysis): To accurately diagnose low sperm count, a semen analysis is required. This test evaluates a man’s semen in terms of sperm count, motility, and morphology. Normally, the semen sample is provided after 4–5 days of sexual abstinence. A low sperm count in the test results may indicate oligospermia.

Physical examination: A physical exam performed by a urologist can help detect varicocele or other physical abnormalities. These conditions may be among the factors that lead to low sperm count.

Hormone tests: Levels of hormones such as testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are related to sperm production. Hormone tests can help determine whether low sperm count is caused by hormonal imbalances.

Genetic tests: Chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders can reduce or prevent sperm production. Genetic testing can help determine whether low sperm count is related to genetic factors.

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and IVF Treatment

Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, which refers to low sperm count (severe when sperm count is below 5 million/ml), can prevent couples from conceiving naturally. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a commonly used method in cases of male factor infertility such as oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. During IVF treatment for oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, a technique called intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is often used. The ICSI method involves injecting the healthiest and most motile sperm directly into the egg to increase the chances of fertilization. This technique offers higher success rates in male infertility cases. For more information about oligoasthenoteratozoospermia and IVF treatment, you can fill out the contact form and get in touch with us.