Teratozoospermia Treatment in Delhi, India

Teratozoospermia is classified into three types depending on the severity of the condition.

• Normal Teratozoospermia: In this type, the normal sperm cell count is up to 14%.
• Moderate Teratozoospermia: In this type, approx 5% to 9% of sperm cells are of normal quality.
• Severe Teratozoospermia: In this type, only 4% of sperm cells are of normal quality.

Teratozoospermia negatively affects fertility and prevents the sperm from penetrating the egg. One major symptom of this infertility is difficulty in getting pregnant.

The causes of Teratozoospermia are not clearly defined. Psychological stress or depression can affect the morphology of the sperm. The other common causes of teratozoospermia can include the following:

• Inherited genetic traits
• Smoking and alcohol
• Chronic diseases (Crohn’s disease, Hodgkin’s disease, and coeliac disease)
• Major infections
• Obesity
• Unbalanced diet
• Semen infection
• Medical treatment such as chemotherapy or Radiation therapy
• Testicular trauma
• Ageing
• Varicocele or Meningitis
• Diabetes mellitus

Ageing is one of the major causes of abnormal sperm morphology as the body’s ability to produce good healthy sperm reduces.

Teratozoospermia can be diagnosed using a morphological test of sperm and evaluating the difference in shape.

A semen analysis or seminogram is used to diagnose the condition if the male suffers from infertility or has a problem with conceiving. The semen sample is examined in the laboratories for any defects or abnormalities. The sperm count quality and motility are also analysed.

There is no definite treatment for teratozoospermia; the doctor may recommend treatment on the basis of the severity of the condition. Depending on the extent, different types of treatment can be suggested to achieve pregnancy.

If teratozoospermia is inherited genetically or caused due to diseases, it is not curable. Chemotherapy or radiotherapy can cause defects in sperm morphology and so freezing sperm before treatment is recommended for future fertility.

Few methods can be implied to improve semen quality, as it is curable and reversible in a few cases. For example, if the cause is smoking or alcohol, obesity, or an unbalanced diet, then with healthier choices and lifestyle changes, sperm quality can be improved.

• Healthy diet: A healthy diet consisting of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants can help to improve sperm quality. Getting enough folic acid is necessary as the main deficiency in folic acid produces more abnormal sperm. Green leafy vegetables are a source of folic acid. Vitamin A in carrots, DHA, and Omega 3 fatty acids in fish like tuna, salmon, and sardines rich can help improve sperm quality. The doctor may also suggest garlic as it contains allicin which helps to improve blood supply to sexual organs. It contains vitamin B6 and selenium which control the secretion of sex hormones and can reduce sperm damage.

Other treatment options available for teratozoospermia include different fertility treatments such as IUI, ICSI, and IVF.

• IUI: In mild cases of teratozoospermia, Intrauterine Insemination treatment can be used as an option. However, the male must have normal sperm count and motility. The physical fitness of the female partner is equally important. Before the treatment, the woman needs to be evaluated for any hormonal imbalance or infections.
• ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection is a process in which the sperm cell is directly inserted into the ovum. This process eliminates the difficulty of the sperm reaching and penetrating the egg. It is done along with ovulation-stimulating drugs.
• IVF: IVF treatment option is also available. In vitro fertilisation is an assisted reproductive technology in which the sperm and eggs are fertilised in a laboratory, and when they are fertilised, the embryo is transferred to the woman’s uterus. The success rate for IVF is higher for young age groups.

Certain medications can also prove helpful in increasing sperm count and quality.

• Medications: Fertility experts recommend medications such as selenium and coenzyme Q10 to treat teratozoospermia

Teratozoospermia can result in one major complication of infertility and the inability to conceive. The male with this condition can pass genetics to his baby.

A few factors can increase the risk for teratozoospermia, such as unhealthy lifestyle choices, frequent smoking and drinking, testicular trauma, and high-power cancer treatments.

Teratozoospermia can be prevented by avoiding cigarette smoking, drinking, and consumption of unhealthy food. With a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and eating a nutritious and balanced diet, one can control many causes that lead to teratozoospermia. A healthier lifestyle and mental health can maintain or improve sperm quality.

Few cases of teratozoospermia are curable, while others are not. Lifestyle changes and other treatment options can be helpful.

Men with Teratozoospermia can have healthy babies with no birth defects. However, a patient with this disease may pass on the genetic condition to his boy child.