The sperm produced in the testicles of a man, with their increased number, do not all meet the necessary standards. A spermogram can help determine how significant the pathology is and how it is determined. After identifying deviations and making corrections to male infertility, which is caused by low-quality male reproductive cells, the family will be able to add a baby.

Sperm quality assessment

Tests to identify the morphology of the spermogram are carried out in accordance with WHO and Kruger standards. The second method is tougher. It regulates that in the examined sperm the number of ideally healthy sperm is limited to only 4%, and normally their number should be more than 14%. Any deviations are abnormal, this makes it possible to more accurately determine a man’s fertility.

If according to Kruger spermatozoa are assessed only by shape and appearance, then WHO determines the compliance of the source material with the standard only by the head.

But in addition to this part, which constitutes 11% of its total size, the sperm also has a body, which is attached by a neck and ending in a tail. In this case, the tail accounts for about 75% of the total size. The head, with the nucleus located in it, has an acrosome. With her help sperm can dissolve the membrane in the egg and go inside. Translational movement creates a flagellum that performs rotational movements. Impaired activity will result in the inability of the sperm to pass through the resistance of the vaginal fluid and reach the cervix, and then the fertilized ovary.

Pathologies in the structure of sperm

Pathologies apply to all parts of the sperm. The following anomalies are distinguished:

The pathology may be one of the above types or have a different combination of them. Not taken into account sperm without flagella, however, their presence is indicated in the spermogram.

Diagnosis

A complete picture of the quality of sperm and its main component – ​​sperm – can be determined using a spermogram with Kruger morphology. Only this method makes it possible to determine the shape of the sperm, find out how they move, how active they are, and observe their forward movement. The mobility limit normally passes through a threshold of 32%.

In this case, the concentration of sperm is determined. The spermogram shows indicators of acidity and viscosity of ejaculate, its color, the volume of sperm released during a single ejaculation.

The spermogram is performed twice to prevent erroneous data; in some cases, the spermogram is repeated three times.

As a supplement to the Kruger spermogram, a MAR test is prescribed, which supplements the picture with information about the presence of antisperm antibodies, and the sperm is examined for compliance with WHO requirements. A positive result indicates that pathology is present.

During a Kruger spermogram, the morphology of sperm is determined using a scale developed by Kruger. This examination method is full sperm analysis, and is the first step towards the treatment and diagnosis of male infertility. Decoding the results is quite complicated, which is why it is performed only by a specialist - a reproductologist.

Preparation is required before analysis. It consists of abstaining from sex for several days. You also need to give up alcoholic drinks and going to the bathhouse. If you abstain from ejaculation for only one day, this will lead to the fact that the volume of sperm will be very small for analysis. If you abstain for more than 3 days, the sperm will lose motility and the analysis will be incorrect. That is why it is necessary to abstain for 2-3 days.

Test method: masturbation. After ejaculation, it is necessary to collect the sperm in a special container. Semen analysis is carried out only in the laboratory and implies identification of complete morphology. Then, when the analysis is completed and the transcript is in hand, the doctor carries out treatment. The main goal of treatment is to improve sperm quality, which is achieved by improving morphology.

Decoding the spermogram

Spermogram carefully studied using a microscope. The main emphasis is placed on the following sperm indicators:

• Sperm morphology. During the study of morphology, the structure and shape of the sperm itself is studied. Normal sperm should have slightly curled tails and oval heads.
• Mobility. When calculating this indicator, the number of sperm that move straight is determined. If mobility rates are found to be less than 32%, a disease such as asthenozoospermia can be considered.
• Quantity. Normally there should be more than 15 million sperm in 1 ml of semen. When there are fewer of them, this indicates that the man has a disease such as oligozoospermia. If sperm are completely absent, then this is azoospermia.

Spermatozoa that do not correspond to the norm are found in the sperm of any man. Some have more of them, others have less. But they have a major impact on reproductive functions. But during the presence of pathology in the male reproductive cell, it cannot fertilize a woman's egg. Also, when sperm with pathologies are present in very large quantities, a huge obstacle appears to the movement of healthy sperm. As a result, impossibility of fertilization.

Pathological and normal sperm in a man can be distinguished even visually. A healthy sperm has a short neck, a slightly curled tail and an oval head. In normal condition, the head index should correspond to 2.4 micrometers, the length coefficient should be 4-5 micrometers, and the neck coefficient should be the size of the head multiplied by 1.5.

A pathological sperm at the end of the head may have abnormal forms of chromatin and incorrect location of the acrosome. Sometimes during examination under a microscope it is clear that the acrosome is completely absent from the head, this indicates the presence of a disease such as globozoospermia.

Sometimes there may be a loose attachment of the tail to the head, which can lead to separation of the tail. In this case, when examined with a microscope, only the tails can be seen.

Establishing a correct diagnosis is possible only with a competent deciphering of all existing pathologies. That is why it is so important to contact only qualified specialists. Otherwise, some pathology will not be detected. Also, spermogram abnormalities allow calculate the abnormal sperm index.

Until recently, only one index of anomaly was determined - the number of sperm with deformation in the structure of the head. Today it has become possible to determine the anomaly index not only on the head, but also on the neck and tail. The index has numbers from 1 to 3. Index 1 corresponds to an anomaly only on the head. Index 3 – the presence of anomalies on all parts of the sperm.

Types of pathologies

An increased number of sperm with existing pathology, in contrast to the norm, is called teratozoospermia. Its result is complete or partial infertility. Progressive movement to the ovary and its fertilization by sperm with various disorders creates a high probability that the pregnancy will have complications, and the newborn will develop various defects. In the most severe cases, the disease threatens a frozen pregnancy or miscarriage.

Impaired spermatozoa during teratozoospermia must be more than 70%. As a rule, this disease is accompanied by oligozoospermia and asthenozoospermia - a low concentration of sperm in the seminal fluid. The latter pathology is explained by the fact that the forward movement of sperm is reduced, and it must be fast to get to the ovary. Only a small number of sperm are observed, which are actively moving.

During akinozoospermia, the movement of sperm approaches zero, but their static state is temporary. During the examination, a revival procedure is used. If translational movement does not resume, then sperm viability assessment.

Causes

When determining a disease, it is necessary to determine the reasons that caused it. They can be congenital or appear under the influence of external causes. Teratozoospermia is usually associated with constant exposure to elevated temperatures, high radioactive radiation, other external factors, and the accumulation of toxins in the body.

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, especially those affecting the testicles and their appendages, have a negative impact. Epididymitis, orchitis and their combination– orchiepididymitis – at the chronic stage cause significant harm to the quality of sperm. Infection occurs through blood or sexual contact.

Varicose veins of the testicle (varicocele) can lead to blood stagnation, which results in atrophy.

Men need to pay attention to their lifestyle and health. The reasons also include conflict and stressful situations.

Treatment

Before starting treatment, a man will need to undergo andrological comprehensive study, which includes:

• blood analysis;
• bacterioscopic analysis of sperm;
• Ultrasound of the scrotum and prostate.

The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate the causes and factors that resulted in the development of the pathology.

To improve the quality of ejaculate, it is necessary to eliminate stagnation in the pelvis. These phenomena can appear with a sedentary lifestyle. To restore spermatogenesis, it is necessary to lead a healthy and active lifestyle, eliminate bad addictions and habits. Activities such as race walking, swimming, and running are useful. One of the main factors of treatment is to normalize nutrition.

A man’s menu must include a large number of microelements and vitamins, which will improve the quality of the ejaculate. A man will have to forget about fatty foods. Typically, his diet will consist of seafood, fish, fresh fruits, legumes, grains and crops. In addition to vitamins, dietary supplements may also be prescribed.

Male infertility that has developed due to morphological abnormalities of sperm may require treatment using additional reproductive technologies. These technologies significantly increase a couple’s chances of conceiving a child, as well as giving birth to a healthy child.

If there are slight deviations, then the method of artificial insemination may be recommended. Before performing the procedure, sperm is taken from the man, which is subjected to special processing, ultimately in the sperm sperm quality improves.

When the sperm includes an unnecessarily increased number of abnormal sperm, then a more effective treatment option would be in vitro fertilization, which is carried out using auxiliary procedures. With these methods, it is possible to select only healthy and mature sperm from all the sperm, thereby reducing the risk of abnormal fetal development and miscarriage.

Modern methods of treatment in combination with an active and healthy lifestyle, as well as proper nutrition can save a man from infertility and improve the quality of sperm morphology. When a pathology in the structure of sperm is detected, it is very important not to panic, but to consult a doctor as quickly as possible, follow all his recommendations and certainly believe in yourself.

Spermatogenesis processes continuously occur in the ovaries of men, starting from puberty. A huge number of sperm are formed, some of which even normally contain certain defects and structural abnormalities. In the study form they are indicated as pathological forms of sperm. Let's look at the main characteristics and what can affect conception.

Macroscopic examination of sperm

The initial evaluation of sperm is carried out without the use of a microscope. This way you can evaluate:

1. Liquefaction of the ejaculate.

When semen is released from the urethra, it is liquid. The secretion of the seminal vesicles is added to it, which gives its consistency a certain thickness. The secretion of the prostate gland works in such a way that normally, after 10-30 minutes, the ejaculate is almost completely liquefied.

If after an hour the liquefaction of sperm has not occurred, this may indicate a pathology of the prostate gland, which does not produce enough enzymes. Such a viscous consistency of sperm reduces the mobility of sperm; they practically do not move and during sexual intercourse they will die in the vagina, never reaching the uterus and fallopian tubes.

Important! If the container with sperm is shaken for a long time, spontaneous liquefaction of the ejaculate may occur. This should be taken into account by men who are not tested in a laboratory. When transporting the container with ejaculate, do not shake it, otherwise the results may be incorrect.

1. Viscosity.

How to determine viscosity: a glass rod is dipped into the ejaculate and the length of the resulting thread is measured. In addition, viscosity can be determined with a wide-base pipette. The ejaculate is collected into a pipette and the length of the thread is measured as it passively flows out of the pipette hole. Normal viscosity is no more than 20 mm. Increased viscosity is when the length of the thread is more than the specified value.

Increased viscosity of sperm indicates that male reproductive cells cannot move normally in such sperm. They are immobile or inactive and, therefore, there is practically no chance of natural conception.

Important!Recent research indicates that increased viscosity may be associated with certain urogenital tract infections in men.

1. Volume.

A spermogram is taken after 3-5 days of sexual abstinence. Under such conditions, the volume of sperm obtained should be in the range of 3-6 ml.

A decrease in sperm count may indicate:

• blockage or narrowing of the vas deferens;
• inflammation of the prostate;
• testicular diseases;
• hormone imbalance, etc.

A decrease in sperm volume is called oligospermia, and its absence is called aspermia.

1. Blood in the ejaculate.

Blood (red blood cells) or its breakdown products give sperm a pink, brown or red hue. If the shade of semen changes and blood is suspected, the ejaculate is examined using special test strips.

These test strips contain a special reagent. Red blood cells or hemoglobin cause the test area to turn a certain shade, which makes it possible to detect blood in the semen.

When are there red blood cells in the ejaculate:

• benign and malignant neoplasms of this area;
• inflammation of the prostate and seminal vesicles;
• infections of the genitourinary system, etc.

Normally, there is no blood in semen. Its presence in the ejaculate is called hemospermia. It can be false (with microtraumas) and true (with inflammation and tumors).

Important! Blood in semen is an alarming symptom that requires additional research to determine the cause of the problem.

1. Leukocytes.

Normally, semen may contain single neutrophils. With any inflammatory process, their number progressively increases.

This can be diagnosed by applying ejaculate to a test strip with a certain reagent. Upon contact with neutrophils, the color of this strip changes.

1. In addition, the spermogram is checked for the acidity level (pH), the presence of bilirubin, and the color and smell are assessed. Some of these parameters do not have diagnostic value (smell, color) and are performed as a tribute to traditional sperm examination.

Microscopic analysis

Evaluation of sperm parameters under a microscope is carried out after its liquefaction. It is performed in several stages. For research, a device with special permission is required. This study evaluates the following ejaculate parameters:

1. Sperm motility.

Male reproductive cells, depending on their mobility, are divided into 4 classes. According to WHO criteria, the presence of more than 50% of class A and B sperm or more than 25% of class A is considered normal.

1. Agglutination.

This is the process of sperm gluing together in different areas (tails, heads, etc.). Normally this process should not occur. The appearance of agglutination is associated with immunological reasons.

1. Aggregation (pseudoagglutination).

This is an accumulation of immobile sperm along with mucus and other pathological inclusions. This and the previous indicator are calculated and recorded separately.

1. Presence of mucus.

There is normally no mucus in the spermogram. It appears during inflammatory processes in the testicles, seminal glands and ducts. Mucus prevents sperm from moving normally, which leads to decreased motility and infertility.

1. Amyloid and lipoid bodies.

With the secretion of the prostate, various bodies (grains) enter the sperm: amyloid, lipoid (lecithin) and spermine crystals.

(or lecithin grains) are small shiny grains that are normally found in large quantities in sperm. During inflammatory processes in the prostate, their number decreases or disappears altogether. Lecithin grains (lipoid bodies) are an indicator of normal prostate function.

Amyloid bodies- round formations, the appearance of which may indicate chronic inflammation of the prostate.

These bodies can be examined by performing a special staining of the sperm under a high-resolution microscope.

1. Bacteria and protozoa.

Under a microscope, you can see Trichomonas - these are round protozoa that cause trichomoniasis in humans.

Single cocci can normally be found in the spermogram. If their number increases and other microflora (pyogenic cocci and anaerobes) are found in the ejaculate, this is a sign of an inflammatory process.

1. Macrophages.

Macrophages are large round cells. Normally, macrophages are absent from sperm. Single and multiple macrophages can be found in the ejaculate of patients with acute and chronic infectious diseases of the reproductive organs. When a patient develops macrophages in the ejaculate, he is first examined for the presence of hidden genitourinary tract infections.

Sperm morphology

Male reproductive cells have a certain structure. The specialist knows how this or that area should look and what dimensions it should have. Any deviations from the norm are considered to be a pathological form of sperm. The following defects of male reproductive gametes are distinguished:

1. Head defects.

Pathology of the head can be different: abnormalities in the shape of the head (pear-shaped, conical, etc.), problems with the size of the head (large or small), double and multiple heads, heads with an abnormal location of the nucleus, heads with an acrosome abnormality, etc.

Male germ cells with pathology of the head according to WHO criteria and morphology according to Kruger are pathological forms that cannot fertilize an egg. Exceeding their quantity creates problems with conception and causes male infertility.

1. Cervical and body defects.

Incorrect attachment, size or shape - all this is a pathology.

1. Tail pathology.

Short, long, double, widened and other abnormalities of the tail prevent the sperm from moving normally and reaching the egg.

Questions for the doctor

Question: What are the “round cells” in ejaculate?

Answer: Blood, cocci, epithelium, macrophages and others. All cells except sperm cells are collectively called “round” cells.

Question: My husband’s spermogram revealed cocci. After treatment of prostate inflammation, analysis showed single cocci. This is fine?

Answer: Single cocci can be present in healthy sperm. If multiple cocci, anaerobes and other microflora are found in the ejaculate, this is a sign of inflammation.

Question: How to correctly lipoid bodies or lecithin grains

Answer: Lecithin grains are a synonym for the term lipoid bodies. These formations are contained in the prostate secretion in large quantities. A decrease in their level indicates inflammation of the prostate gland.

Normal sperm contains a certain amount of pathological forms of sperm, which can be detected after a spermogram. It is important that the number of these forms does not exceed the established parameters and that there are no “harmful” inclusions in the sperm. If a problem is detected, additional tests are performed and the cause of the disease is treated.

Pathological forms of sperm are determined using a spermogram. Today you will find out the reasons for the development of the abnormal structure of gametes and what is the likelihood of conceiving a child in a married couple.

Statistics now, unfortunately, show sad reproductive rates for the strong half of humanity.

Only 60% of men, after conservative treatment of various abnormalities associated with seminal fluid, can restore the ability to conceive.

The composition of live bait is influenced by many factors, among the main ones are poor ecology, poor lifestyle, bad habits and substances. Let's look at it in detail below.

Why does abnormal sperm development occur?

The fact that a man has poor seminal fluid with developmental abnormalities can only be revealed when planning a pregnancy and if a married couple is unable to conceive a child.
The defectiveness of gametes is determined using a spermogram.

It can be taken in all medical institutions specializing in pregnancy planning, or in independent laboratories.

A spermogram shows the pathology of sperm, their structure, structure, mobility and how likely it is to prevent infertility through conservative treatment. It is necessary to prepare for it so that the results of the analysis are not distorted.

How to take a spermogram correctly:

• Avoid sexual intercourse for 5 days, do not masturbate.
• The collection of ejaculate is carried out in specialized laboratories with special rooms where a man collects it through masturbation.
• You can collect the analysis at home, but provided that you have time to bring it within 1 hour in a special container (take it in advance).

It is with the help of analysis that the diagnosis and picture of sperm pathology will be determined. There are several types of the disease - aspermia, oligospermia, azoospermia, ostenozoospermia, teratozoospermia.

Deformed cells can occur for the following reasons:

1. Disruptions in the endocrine system and hormonal background of men.
2. Stress, prolonged depression, psychological shock.
3. Heredity and location at the genetic level.
4. Age-related changes. A man over 38 years of age has a risk of developing anomalies.
5. STIs, viral and bacterial infections can adversely affect the results.
6. Bad habits, alcoholism and drug addiction, as everyone knows, destroy the structure and structure of sperm.
7. Testicular injuries, inflammatory processes of the scrotum.
8. Varicocele, hydrocele, orchitis and even an inguinal hernia can affect the seminal fluid.
9. Working with harmful substances and chemicals.

Therefore, it is necessary to take care of your health at any age in order to avoid infertility or the birth of a long-awaited child with severe disabilities.

Teratozoospermia

One of the causes of infertility in men is head and tail defects, which means “ugly sperm” and the percentage of such specimens in the ejaculate should be no more than 15-20%.

This pathology can be either temporary or fraught with the risk that a man will remain infertile forever. Therefore, the help of a qualified doctor is necessary when planning a pregnancy.

With this anomaly, sperm in large numbers have a defective morphology, i.e. irregular shape of the head and tail. At what time does the anomaly appear?

Sperm abnormalities occur regardless of age-related changes (although this is also an important factor); many reasons influence the development of sperm in the ejaculate.

Above we described the main ones. With teratozoospermia, the conception of a child is reduced to zero; often with this pathology, IVF (artificial insemination) is offered if conservative treatment does not help.

With this method, the healthiest and most active are selected, there is no risk of conceiving a baby with pathologies. This type of abnormal development is difficult to treat. The prognosis is bleak; according to statistics, 10% of couples remain infertile.

Tests and diagnostics

The norm of living creatures per 2 ml of ejaculate is only 40 million. Of these, there are a large number of defective, inactive and dead ones. When the ejaculate decreases, there is a possibility of infertility.

To do this, a spermogram is prescribed in several stages to exclude the presence of problems with reproductive function in a man, as well as other additional tests. You need to contact an andrologist for advice.

What to take?

1. Ultrasound of the testicles and genitourinary system.
2. Blood for hormones.
3. STIs, HIV, syphilis.
4. Analysis of genetics and heredity, for the presence/absence of extra chromosomes.

Decoding the norm of sperm in the ejaculate

Table of sperm norms in ejaculate

Indicators	Norm
Volume	2 or more ml
Color	Grey, white-gray
Smell	Specific (raw chestnut)
pH (hydrogen value)	7-8
Liquefaction	Up to 1 hour
Structure of ejaculate (viscosity)	Up to 0.5 cm
Density	Per 1 ml/120 million
Total sperm count	40-600 million (Density P x Volume V)
Sperm motility	Category A - normal sperm (>50%); Category B - slow sperm (up to 20%); Category C - lazy sperm with oscillatory movements (up to 20%); Category D - immotile sperm (up to 20%).
Morphologically normal sperm	Capable of fertilization, according to scientists, should be at least 50%
Live (motile) sperm	>50%
Immature sperm	No more than 5%
Sperm agglutination	Sperm glued together should not appear in the spermogram at all.
Leukocytes	Up to 4 in sight
Red blood cells	No
Amyloid bodies	No
Lecithin grains	No
Slime	No

It is quite important that the spermogram is read by a qualified laboratory assistant-spermiologist; the diagnosis and prescription of treatment depend on the correct interpretation. Therefore, if you have been diagnosed with infertility, do not despair; retake it in another independent laboratory.

Treatment

Treatment of a disease in which abnormal sperm develops requires a professional and conservative approach. First of all, the technique is aimed at preventing the occurrence of deformation and death of sperm in the ejaculate.

Quite common when interpreting a spermogram is the following dynamics of frequently identified sperm pathologies:

• inactive – up to 80% of detected deviations;
• dead – 40%;
• sluggish – 40-50%;
• deformed – up to 20%.

For severe infertility in men, artificial methods are offered (IVF PIXI and ICSI).

Types of therapy:

• Surgical intervention (for example, for varicocele).
• Stimulating sperm production with the help of medications - “Spematon”, “Spermaktin”, “Speman”, “Tribestan”, “Verona”, “Viardo”.
• Micro-TESE testicular biopsy to obtain sperm using an invasive method.
• Vitamin therapy.

In many cases, when the underlying disease is eliminated, the number and quality of cells returns to normal.

In parallel with treatment, it is necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits and, if possible, prevent working with chemicals and radioactive substances. Subscribe to our website. Learn a lot of new information. Be healthy!

The morphology of sperm is determined using spermogram analysis. This test is one of the first to be prescribed if a couple cannot become pregnant for a long time. Based on the results of the analysis, the doctor determines the reason why it is impossible to conceive a child. There can be quite a few reasons. For example, a man’s ejaculate may simply contain few sperm, or they may have various structural defects. Depending on the problem, the doctor gives recommendations and prescribes treatment.

What diseases do sperm pathologies lead to?

The sperm of a healthy man should contain no more than 50% of sperm with poor morphology. Some experts admit the possibility of natural fertilization even in the presence of 80% of abnormal sperm in the semen. So a bad spermogram is a very relative concept. Much depends on the properties of the ejaculate as a whole, for example, the ratio of the number of sperm with pathology to the total volume of sperm. If a man has too much or dead sperm that seriously predominates over sperm with normal morphology, natural conception may not occur. Much depends on how the various parameters are determined and the analysis is deciphered. Only a qualified specialist is able to establish the reasons due to which each existing pathology appeared, and then prescribe treatment.

If a man’s sperm contains a large number of sperm with a certain pathology, this can lead to the development of the following disorders.

Akinospermia. In men with this pathology, the semen does not contain motile sperm. If sperm is immobile, natural conception is impossible. The main reasons why immobile sperm appear in male sperm are as follows:

• work that is harmful to health, for example, in which a man is regularly exposed to various types of radiation;
• alcoholism, smoking and drug addiction;
• autoimmune and hormonal disorders.

When taking an analysis, sperm must be placed in a clean and specially designed container. If you donate sperm into a dirty container or condom, or if it gets too cold or too hot before the test, the test results will definitely be distorted. Therefore, in order to confirm pathology, the analysis must be taken according to all the rules and preferably in several places.

With asthenozoospermia, the ejaculate contains too many sperm with low speed and mobility. There may be varying degrees of sperm immobility. Most often, abnormal and immobile sperm appear due to hormonal problems, inflammatory, infectious and viral diseases, exposure to high temperatures and radiation, the production of antibodies that attack sperm, alcohol abuse, etc. Quite often, the reasons why the male body produces abnormal sperm remain unknown.

If there are a large number of non-viable sperm in the ejaculate, necrospermia is diagnosed. It can be irreversible and reversible, false and partial. In cases of irreversible necrospermia, the couple is most often recommended adoption or insemination with donor sperm. If it is reversible, treatment is prescribed.

With teratozoospermia, the semen contains many spermatozoa with a structural disorder. Many factors can lead to this. First of all, these are bad habits and various infectious and inflammatory processes. Most defective sperm are unable to reach the egg. If just such a sperm penetrates into her, the fetus will most likely begin to develop incorrectly, and the woman will have a miscarriage.

Various abnormalities in sperm morphology can develop if antibodies are present in the ejaculate. Such antibodies can block the process of spermatogenesis, interfere with the normal movement of sperm, disrupt cleavage and lead to many other problems. Antisperm antibodies bind to the surface of sperm and prevent them from performing their function. The production of antibodies can begin spontaneously, but in most cases it is provoked by trauma to the genital organs, viral and bacterial diseases.

What structural damage may occur?

If sperm morphology is disrupted, the following defects may be observed:

• irregular head shape;
• incorrect tail length;
• thickening and bending of the tail;
• absence of a chromosome;
• presence of vacuole cells in the head.

It is important to remember that a relatively small number of abnormal sperm is not a disorder. When taking the analysis, you can rely on the data provided on the form. However, only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis.

The main causes of violations

Most often, the appearance of sperm with abnormal morphology is associated with the insufficient ability of the male testicles to produce high-quality sperm. Surgeries and injuries, radiation, inguinal hernia, and chemotherapy can lead to a decrease in their function.

The development of pathologies can be observed against the background of dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord and varicocele. Currently, the effect of varicocele on the process of spermatogenesis has not been fully studied, however, cases of decreased sperm morphology in men with this disease are observed quite often.

Disturbances can appear against the background of inflammation of the genitourinary system, which includes prostatitis. A variety of viruses and sexually transmitted diseases lead to the development of pathologies.

Endocrine system disorders are sometimes an indirect cause of such deviations. Against this background, its quality may decline and deteriorate.

Possibility of natural fertilization

In many cases, deterioration in sperm morphology is not an indicator of infertility, but any abnormalities have a negative impact on pregnancy. The more sperm with poor morphology in the ejaculate, the lower the likelihood of natural fertilization and a full pregnancy.

Problems with fertilization occur due to the fact that sperm with an abnormal structure cannot fertilize the egg normally. For example, if the structure of the tail is abnormal, the motility of the sperm is significantly reduced, which makes it difficult for it to “travel” to the egg. With pathology of the head, the consequences can be even more serious. Such sperm are not able to penetrate the egg. If the sperm succeeds, then, as a rule, the development of the fetus occurs with anomalies, and the woman has a miscarriage in the early stages.

In many cases, for natural conception it is necessary to use various assisted reproductive technologies.

Treatment Options

Before starting any actions aimed at improving sperm morphology, it is necessary to undergo a comprehensive andrological examination. It includes the following activities:

• ultrasound examination of the prostate and scrotal organs with Doppler;
• bacterioscopic analysis of sperm;
• blood test for hormone levels;
• detailed spermogram.

Having the results of all these tests in hand, the doctor will be able to determine the causes of the development of existing pathologies and draw up a treatment program.

Treatment will primarily be aimed at eliminating the causes that led to the development of pathological processes. Most often, the causes are a variety of diseases of the male genitourinary system: infections, inflammation, prostatitis, varicocele, etc.

It is very important not to neglect and treat all diseases in a timely manner, so as not to deal with their complications in the future.

In treatment aimed at, it is important to exclude congestion in the pelvis. Stagnation occurs in men who lead a sedentary lifestyle. To restore the normal formation of spermatogenesis, a man needs to be active and eliminate bad habits from his life. You need to eat right. The diet should be rich in vitamins and microelements that help improve sperm quality (zinc, selenium, etc.). It is important to exercise. Swimming, running and race walking have the most beneficial effect. It is necessary to exclude fatty foods. The diet should primarily consist of fresh fruits and vegetables, seafood, legumes, honey, and grains. The doctor may prescribe a variety of vitamin complexes and dietary supplements (speman, spemactin, folic acid, etc.). You can start taking any medications only as prescribed by your doctor, adhering to the prescribed dosages.

Quite often, treatment of male infertility, which has developed against the background of various pathologies of sperm morphology, is carried out using assisted reproductive technologies. They increase the likelihood of successful conception and normal pregnancy.

For minor deviations, the method of artificial insemination may be recommended. Before the procedure, the ejaculate undergoes special treatment, which helps to increase the quality of the seminal fluid and increases the likelihood of a successful pregnancy.

If the ejaculate contains too many pathological sperm, the use of in vitro fertilization and a number of auxiliary procedures is considered more effective and justified. Such techniques allow you to select the most mature and morphologically correct sperm from the entire ejaculate. By carefully selecting healthy sperm, the likelihood of abnormal fetal development and miscarriage is reduced.

Modern methods make it possible to effectively combat male infertility, and assisted reproductive technologies increase the likelihood of a successful pregnancy. However, even with such methods, it is highly recommended for a man to improve the quality of his sperm. Particular attention should be paid to proper, regular and balanced nutrition with a sufficient amount of essential microelements and vitamins.

Every man should undergo regular preventive medical examinations. Timely detection of the problem and treatment can prevent the development of many complications that can harm men’s health.

Boys in childhood should be shown to a surgeon. During such examinations, various abnormalities (phimosis, undescended testicle, etc.) will be excluded or promptly eliminated.

After unprotected sexual intercourse with an untested partner, if you suspect various infections, inflammations, etc., you must consult a doctor, get tested and, if necessary, undergo a full course of treatment. You should stop drinking alcohol, smoking and taking drugs.

Therefore, if your partner does not become pregnant after a year of unprotected sex, you both need to see a doctor. At the same time, you need to eliminate all bad habits and stressful situations. Maintaining a normal weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting enough (not excessive) physical activity are also very important for good sperm quality.

Follow all doctor's recommendations. Be prepared for the fact that infertility treatment is a very lengthy process. However, modern medicine has extensive experience and a rich arsenal for solving this problem, so in most cases you can count on a positive result. Be healthy!

The sperm produced in a man’s testicles, despite their huge quantity, do not all correspond to accepted standards. A spermogram helps to determine how severe the pathology is and how it is expressed. After identifying abnormalities and making adjustments, male infertility caused by low-quality male reproductive cells can be treated, which means the family will be replenished with a baby.

Spermatozoa: structural form of normal and pathological

Analyzes to determine sperm morphology are carried out in accordance with WHO and Kruger requirements. The latter method is more stringent. It regulates that in the studied sperm the number of ideal spermatozoa is limited to 4 percent, and normally their content should exceed 14%. The slightest deviations are considered abnormal, which makes it possible to more accurately determine a man’s fertility.
While according to Kruger spermatozoa are assessed by their appearance and shape, WHO identifies the compliance of the studied material with the norm only by the head.
However, in addition to this part, which makes up 10% of its total length, the sperm also has a body, attached by a neck and ending in a long tail. It accounts for 80% of the total size of 50-60 microns. The head, with the nucleus located in it, is equipped with an acrosome. Thanks to it, the sperm dissolves the membrane in the egg and penetrates it. Translational advancement is provided by the flagellum, which performs rotational movements in a clockwise direction. Violation of activity entails the inability of the male reproductive cell to overcome the resistance of the vaginal fluid and reach the cervix, and then the fertilized egg.

Normal structure of sperm (description)

Deviations in sperm shapes

The abnormalities affect all parts of the sperm. The following pathologies are distinguished:
Asymmetrical location of the acrosome and the junction of the middle part with the head;
Absence of acrosome;
The presence of two or more heads or tails;
Micro- and macrocephaly – excessively small and large heads, respectively;
Defective head shapes - instead of ellipsoidal ones there are spherical, pear-shaped, conical and other varieties;
The cytoplasmic drop exceeds 0.33 of the volume of the head or is absent;
The angle between the middle part and the head exceeds 90 degrees;
The middle part or tail has varying thickness throughout;
Harnesses with insufficient length, inclined or kinked, partially or completely twisted. In the latter, the forward movement is slow;
Presence of vacuoles in the head;
Violation of the ratio of the sizes of sperm parts.
Pathology can exist in one of the listed types or be any combination of them. Spermatozoa without flagella are not taken into account, but their presence is specified in the spermogram.

Types of violations

An excess in the number of sperm with pathology above the norm is called teratozoospermia. Its consequences are partial or complete infertility. The forward movement towards the egg and its fertilization by a sperm with a deviation creates a high probability that the pregnancy will proceed with complications, and the born child will have defects. In the most severe cases, the disease threatens miscarriage or frozen pregnancy.
Abnormal sperm in teratozoospermia are 70% or more. It is usually accompanied by asthenozoospermia and oligozoospermia - a reduced concentration of sperm in the seminal fluid. The first pathology is due to the fact that the forward movement of sperm slows down, but it must be fast in order to reach the egg in time. There are only a small number of sperm that are actively moving.
With akinozoospermia, the movement of sperm approaches the zero mark, but their static state is temporary. During the study, a revival procedure is used. If forward movement does not resume, then the viability of the sperm is assessed.

Causes

When identifying a disease, it is necessary to establish the causes that caused it. They can be congenital, such as genetic abnormalities, or caused by external factors. Teratozoospermia is associated with constant presence in an area of ​​increased radioactive radiation, high temperatures, other external factors, and the accumulation of toxins in the body.
Inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genitourinary system, especially those affecting the testicles and their appendages, have a negative impact. Orchitis, epididymitis, as well as their combination - orchiepididymitis - in chronic form cause serious harm to the quality of sperm. Infection occurs sexually or through blood.
Varicose veins of the testicle (varicocele) lead to blood stagnation, which can result in atrophy.
A man should pay attention to his general health and lifestyle. There should be no place for tobacco and alcohol; sports activities are a worthy alternative. Among the reasons are stressful and conflict situations.

Diagnostics

It is possible to get a complete picture of the quality of sperm and its main component – ​​spermatozoa – based on the Kruger spermogram. Only it allows you to see the shape of sperm, evaluate how they move, whether they behave actively, and observe their forward linear movement. The limit of normal mobility passes through the mark of 32%.
At the same time, the concentration of sperm is determined, the number of which in 1 ml must be at least 15 million. The spermogram reflects the viscosity and acidity of the ejaculate, its color, and the amount of sperm released during one ejaculation.
The spermogram is performed twice to avoid obtaining erroneous data; sometimes the analysis is repeated three times.
In addition to the Kruger spermogram, sperm is examined for compliance with WHO standards and a MAR test is prescribed, which supplements the existing picture with information about the presence of antisperm antibodies. A positive result indicates that there is a pathology.

Treatment

Therapeutic measures are aimed primarily at eliminating the causes that caused abnormal shapes and similar movement of sperm. Treatment is carried out in the direction where there are problems. Restore hormonal balance, get rid of PPP and infectious diseases.
Surgical intervention is used for varicocele, which increases the forward movement of sperm, makes it faster, stimulates their activity, and ensures fullness.
Along with the main course of treatment, medications containing folic acid, zinc, selenium and to strengthen the immune system are prescribed.
With advanced forms of the disease, a couple still has the opportunity to conceive a child. For this purpose, there are artificial inseminations and in vitro fertilization. The options are win-win, because only one normal sperm can cope with fertilizing the egg.