Fertility problems are the order of the day, affecting up to 18% of the Spanish population. Consequently, many couples turn to assisted reproductive techniques to increase their chances of conceiving. Now, what is the cause of fertility problems? Several factors influence the quality of sperm and, consequently, can lead to different fertility problems. One of these is known as lazy sperm, which supposes a lack of mobility of the sperm, reducing the chances of fertilizing the ovum. In this FastlyHealarticle, we will not focus on explaining the causes and treatments for lazy sperm.
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Fertility problems
Infertility problems are a health problem that has experienced a progressive increase due to various factors that we will explain below. Internationally, its prevalence is estimated to reach 10-15% of couples. Within this percentage, 40 to 45% of the cases affect women; 35% to 40% affect men, and from 20% to 30% do both. Experts do not recommend tests to check the couple’s fertility until 12 months after trying without success. This is because it is estimated that 85% of couples will conceive a year after the start of regular unprotected sexual activity. Furthermore, this possibility increases to 92% after 24 months and 93% after three years.
Causes of lazy sperm
Lazy sperm is a lack of sperm motility. Sperm mobility is necessary for pregnancy to occur naturally since they have to travel a long way to the egg. This lack of sperm motility, or vague sperm, is called asthenozoospermia, defined as the alteration of the semen characterized by low sperm motility.
These are the causes that can lead to fertility problems, such as lazy sperm in men:
Age
Man can produce sperm throughout his life. However, over the years, there have been changes that affect the quality of the sperm, such as oxidation. The physiological aging of the male reproductive system is shown in different aspects:
- Reduction of seminal volume due to the aging of the seminal vesicles responsible for producing the fluid that carries the sperm produced in the testicle.
- Removal of the total number of spermatozoa that have maximum mobility.
Obesity and poor diet
Diet is one of the critical factors that can influence sperm quality. Thus, a high-fat diet can lead to poorer quality semen. Contrary to this, consuming fruits and vegetables contributes to the supply of antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, B-12 and E, selenium, arginine and carnitine. Several foods increase the amount of sperm.
Obesity is usually accompanied by an incorrect diet, in which fruits and vegetables are scarce, and fatty foods abound. The man will have a deficiency of vitamins essential for the quality of sperm.
Tobacco and alcohol
Tobacco contains harmful chemicals that affect our health. The marijuana is one of the substances that have a detrimental effect on the quality of sperm, reducing their mobility and concentration. If the man, in addition to drinking, also smokes, the result will be even more devastating. However, low alcohol consumption does not have to have a decisive influence, while its habitual consumption can have adverse effects.
Strict exercises and stress
Sports that involve rigorous workouts can damage sperm quality. This is due to tight clothing, constant pressure with the saddle in the case of cyclists, friction, and increased temperature can reduce the number of sperm.
On the other hand, stress is one of the worst enemies that affect male fertility. Studies have revealed that men who are regularly subjected to stress may be more likely to suffer alterations in the sperm, reducing mobility and concentration.
Diagnosis of vagus sperm
A man is considered to suffer from asthenozoospermia or lazy sperm when the number of sperm with normal mobility is less than 32%. The count of sperm with the ability to move in ejaculation is less than 40%. This lack of mobility can be diagnosed by a test that involves an analysis of the semen called a sinogram spirogram. The man must deposit a sample of his semen after not having ejaculated for 2 or 5 days. This sample is examined in the laboratory to check the mobility of the sperm. This evaluation consists of different parts: first, the total percentage of motile and immotile sperm is taken into account, and then the motile sperm are evaluated, focusing on their movement. This movement is analyzed based on progressivity, that is, its ability to move forward, the speed, and the amount of motile sperm contained in the ejaculation.
Normal values of mobility
In the analyzes that allow detecting lazy sperm, the reference values that indicate whether the man suffers from this pathology are taken into account :
- Class A or +++: excellent, their motility is fast, and the route is straight.
- Class B or ++: sperm with a moderate progressive speed and whose trajectory is straight.
- Class C or +: sperm with slow movements and slight displacement. Its path, at times, can be circular.
- Class D: sperm with no movement.
For the analyzed sample to be representative, it is necessary to concentrate 50% or more spermatozoa with fast and slow mobility, corresponding to type A + B.
Treatment of lazy sperm
Fertilization tests are performed after a year since the couple has had regular unprotected sex. After this period, it is advisable to go to a specialized center to carry out the necessary tests. After the specialist has been diagnosed, different treatments can be considered. These are usually from taking medications to hormonal therapy.
- In vitro fertilization is usually the option that offers higher success rates in patients with asthenozoospermia since it prevents sperm must move to fertilize the egg.
- Artificial insemination involves introducing sperm that have been previously trained in the woman’s uterus at the right time of ovulation. This treatment is usually used in moderate asthenozoospermia and is recommended in cases in which the woman is under 35 years of age.
Likewise, it is essential to accompany the treatment for lazy sperm with healthy lifestyle habits and other advice that the specialist may indicate.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Vagus sperm: causes and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Male reproductive system .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.