If the morphology of spermatozoa is disturbed, then a man may have serious problems with reproductive abilities, and his partner increases the risk of miscarriages, missed pregnancies, pregnancy with a fetus with chromosomal abnormalities.
What to do if the spermogram showed abnormalities in morphology, how to improve the quality of germ cells, increase the chances of conceiving and bearing a healthy child, we will tell in this material.
What it is?
The morphology of the sperm is the features of its structure. Male reproductive cells consist of the head, neck, middle part and flagellum, which is also called the tail. During the spermogram, the assessment of the morphological signs of sperm is included in the extended study.
In the laboratory, not only the appearance and the number of living and active cells that are theoretically suitable for fertilization are determined, but also their appearance. It is enough to quickly conceive a healthy baby only completely healthy, without sperm anomalies.
For conception, only one reference sperm is needed, healthy and active, which will be the first to get to the egg. However, if the percentage of such healthy and in all respects flawless cells is high enough in the sperm of a particular man, then the chances of conception are significantly increased.
The image of the reference is used for assessment - in medicine, the ideal sperm is described in sufficient detail:
- It has an oval and symmetrical head in the singular, all intracellular structures that carry important information are correctly represented in it;
- The dimensions of the head of such a sperm are 2.5-3.5 microns in width and 4-5.5 microns in length;
- The sperm neck must be at least 1 micron, flat, strong, and correctly fixed in relation to the head.
- 9/10 of the entire length of the sperm should be occupied by the flagellum. In the reference reproductive cell, it is even, without nodules and tubercles, without thickening, slightly thinning towards the end.
- The tail should be attached at right angles and be sufficiently straight, not kinked, not curled, not shortened. And, of course, it must be in a single copy.
Sperm cells are evaluated according to the strict Kruger criteria, this is the WHO recommendation. According to them, any spermatozoon that at least in some way does not correspond to the standard or its parameters are in the lower limit of the norm, is rejected.
A good spermogram result is considered to be at least 15% of morphologically correct cells. If their number decreases, the chances of fertilization also decrease.
The critical value is considered to be 4%. With such a low content of healthy cells from a morphological point of view, the chances of conception are negligible, a man is diagnosed with male infertility.
Reasons for violation
Pathological changes in the morphology of germ cells are called "teratozoospermia" in medicine. This includes various pathologies of the cell head, a change in its shape, structure, the presence of several heads in one cell:
- The cervix may be too thin to allow proper attachment of the flagellum.
- The tail itself can be curled, short or excessively long, due to which its mobility is reduced.
If the analysis indicators are disappointing, doctors will try to find the cause of teratozoospermia.
Inflammatory diseases that he has suffered often lead to a violation of the morphology of the sex cells of a man. Sexually transmitted infections are in the lead on this list. By the way, many of them are asymptomatic, and therefore a man may not even guess that he has ureaplasma, mycoplasma or chlamydia. Therefore, with a bad spermogram, a blood test for latent infections and sexually transmitted diseases is mandatory.
The morphological signs of sperm cells are disturbed under the influence of radiation, unfavorable ecology, toxins. If a man works in a hazardous industry, where such an effect takes place, teratozoospermia may not be the only pathological change in sperm.
Lifestyle also affects the structure of germ cells. It can mutate if a man works at night, sleeps little, gets nervous a lot, drinks a lot of alcohol, takes narcotic and psychotropic substances, and also chronically smokes a lot.
Mutations and abnormalities in sperm cells can occur against a background of hormonal disruption. Most often, the reason lies in the insufficient production of the male sex hormone testosterone. Sometimes thyroid hormones are the culprit.
Teratospermia is often observed in representatives of the stronger sex who play sports and use steroid hormones to achieve impressive sports results.
Changes in sperm morphology can be a complication of inflammatory and non-inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system - such as prostatitis, prostate adenoma, varicocele, ortitis, vesiculitis.
Often the quality of sperm deteriorates against the background of diseases such as diabetes, cancer. That is why it is important to find and eliminate the true cause so that the quality of the ejaculate returns.
Congenital causes of sperm mutation are rare and genetic in nature. In the body of a man, several stages of spermatogenesis are disturbed, while sex cells are most often produced inadequate.
Such cases of medical correction, unfortunately, are not subject to, and the fertilization of a woman with donor sperm can save the family.
Treatment of teratozoospermia
There are many ways to improve sperm quality while increasing sperm count. But any treatment always begins with an additional examination, since it depends solely on what kind of reason has become the key in the violation of the morphology of the spermogram.
Infections and sexually transmitted diseases are treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. A specific drug is prescribed according to the results of bacterial culture, bacteriological examination of sperm, blood tests for infections.
If, in addition to poor morphology, the spermogram results show the presence of leukocytes, macrophages, then a urological examination is prescribed, the purpose of which is to identify pathologies of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles. In this case, treatment depends on the specific diagnosis.
If a blood test for hormones shows certain abnormalities, a man needs an endocrinologist's consultation and treatment with hormonal drugsand, improving and normalizing hormonal levels. This is usually enough to improve sperm quality.
If inflammation, infections and hormonal disruptions are not detected, a man may be prescribed a so-called MAP test and a study of ejaculate with DNA fragmentation.
The first analysis makes it possible to establish the immune factor of infertility, in which the human body produces antibodies to sperm, and completely healthy and morphologically normal cells die under their destructive influence. DNA fragmentation makes it possible to assess the genetic makeup of the ejaculate.
Whatever the true cause of the violation of the morphology of the germ cells, a man is recommended to change his lifestyle, give up alcohol, nicotine, overeating habits.
In order to improve reproductive performance, men should sleep at least 8-9 hours a day, and therefore they are strongly advised to give up work at night and change their work schedule.
Getting pregnant with poor spermogram readings is quite problematic, but if pregnancy occurs, then there is a high probability of miscarriage or miscarriage, and therefore, during the treatment of teratospermia, it is recommended to take care of contraceptive measures until recovery.
It is not recommended for a man to overheat, go to the bathhouse, sauna, sunbathe and go to the solarium, use car seat heating, and wear tight underwear. It is better for him to spend his free time for active rest - go in for swimming, do light jogging, ride a bike, go skiing.
The diet also requires revision. A special diet is not needed, it will be quite enough if the menu includes foods rich in animal proteins, for example, meat, fish, milk, cottage cheese. Vitamins necessary for reproductive health of the stronger sex can be found in fresh herbs, wheat grains, spinach, oranges, currants, lemons.
Men who want to improve spermogram indices should, in consultation with their doctor, if there are indications for that, take vitamin complexes designed specifically to increase fertility, as well as drugs to improve sperm quality. We have prepared a small overview of these tools.
Preparations for improving sperm quality
"SpermaPlant"
This herbal preparation has a positive effect on the production of germ cells and the amount of semen. The tool belongs to the category of biologically active additives (BAA) and is often used to improve sperm motility.
The agent cannot influence cells with impaired morphology, but it promotes the formation of healthier cells at the next stage of spermatogenesis. The course of treatment is 1 month.
The herbs included in the composition are not addictive, and therefore, if necessary, treatment can be continued on the recommendation of a doctor.
"Vitaprost"
This medicine will help if problems with sperm morphology are caused by diseases of the prostate gland. The drug on a natural basis is available in the form of suppositories for rectal use, tablets. Suppositories are used to relieve inflammation in the prostate, reduce it in size and normalize the blood supply to the gland. To improve spermatogenesis, pills are taken.
Medicine should not be taken without a doctor's permission, since it contains antibacterial components. The remedy is often combined with vitamin preparations in a single treatment regimen. The dosage and duration of admission is determined by the doctor.
"Speroton"
This is a combination product specially formulated to enhance male fertility. The remedy is prescribed precisely for morphological pathologies in the spermogram, however, in addition to improving the quality of cells, it increases the volume of ejaculate, stimulates the mobility of germ cells.
The preparation contains only the most necessary for the reproductive health of men, more precisely, the minimum set: L-carnitine, vitamin E, folic acid, selenium and zinc in large doses.
The product is available in the form of a powder for dissolution. A drink is prepared from it, which is taken after meals. The drug is allowed to be taken for three months, then a short break is required.
"Speman"
This is an Ayurvedic preparation that combines medicinal herbs and minerals necessary for men's health according to the principles of Ayurveda. The drug has an anti-inflammatory effect, stimulates the production of germ cells.
In addition, manufacturers claim that the drug in pills has a positive effect on erectile function, and also helps with premature ejaculation.
The dosage and duration of administration should be discussed with your doctor. The agent practically has no side effects and contraindications, except for an individual allergic reaction to the herbal remedies included in it.
In addition, a man may be prescribed funds such as "Afala", "Lespeflan", "Prostagerb", "Prostanorm", "Samprost", "Tentenks", "Uroprost". All these funds are usually not independent therapeutic, they are included in complex treatment.
Vitamins and dietary supplements
"Alphabet for Men"
This vitamin complex contains 9 minerals and 13 vitamins necessary for a man's health, including his reproductive abilities. In addition, the preparation includes Siberian ginseng, a recognized means of improving sperm quality.
The manufacturers made sure that the components of the complex are better absorbed and bring maximum benefit - minerals are taken separately from vitamins, they are simply included in tablets of different colors.
Viardot and Viardot Forte
These funds are well-known and widely popular dietary supplements. The release form is capsules, but Viardo Forte is much more practical to use, since one capsule of the drug can replace 3 Viardo capsules.
The course of treatment can take up to a month, the continuation of the course is discussed with the treating doctor. If he sees no contraindications, then taking the capsules can be continued.
"Duovit for men"
The combined vitamin complex contains 11 vitamins and 7 minerals. Beneficial substances are divided for better absorption into different tablets, some are taken in the morning, and others in the evening.
You can continue taking it for up to three weeks, after which you should definitely take a short, about ten-day break.
"SpermActive"
This is a famous food supplement made in Germany. Manufacturers indicate that, in addition to improving the quality and quantity of semen, the drug has a beneficial effect on the morphology of the germ cells, and also improves libido, erection and improves the quality of intercourse. This remedy is quite deservedly popular among men after 40 years.
"Spermastrong"
This dietary supplement contains not only herbal ingredients that have a positive effect on the prostate and spermatogenesis, but also essential vitamins and minerals.
The course of treatment is usually three weeks. But addiction to the drug was not noticed, therefore, after a short break, taking the capsules is allowed to continue. All vitamin complexes and dietary supplements should be prescribed by a doctor... Unauthorized and uncontrolled reception can only harm.
It is advisable to repeat the spermogram a month after the start of treatment to make sure that the treatment is helping and the semen readings are getting better.
Folk remedies
Alternative medicine offers a wide variety of recipes for improving sperm quality. People love the drink from the root of nine-strength, for which a spoonful of chopped grass is brewed with a glass of hot water.
For the treatment of pathologies revealed by spermogram, rose hips are often used. They can be given to a man in its natural form, cook a decoction from them and take it half a glass three times a day.
At home, you can make a nutritious and very healthy mixture of dried fruits, nuts, figs and honey. All the ingredients are passed through a meat grinder and given to the husband a tablespoon 2-3 times a day.
The real "healer" of the stronger sex is the most common nettle. It is crushed, brewed with boiling water and drunk as green tea several times a day. Herbal teas with a high content of oregano and sage are also useful. They can be purchased at a pharmacy or made yourself from plant materials.
It should be understood that male infertility cannot be cured with folk home remedies alone, therefore do not give up the medications prescribed by your doctor in tablets, suppositories and injections in favor of decoctions and infusions.
It is advisable to discuss all plans to use traditional medicine with your doctor, because even seemingly harmless medicinal plants can have strong side effects.
There is no need to remind that during home treatment one should beware of the advice "to steam the husband in a bathhouse", to make him a hot bath with a decoction of medicinal plants - overheating of the genitals with deviations from normal values in the spermogram is unacceptable.
You should also avoid the uncontrolled use of medicinal plants after taking antibiotics and antidepressants, which enhance the effect of many biologically active substances
Reviews
The largest number of positive reviews in the treatment of acquired male infertility - in complex biologically active preparations that combine vitamins and medicinal plants, for example, in "Spermastong" and "Spermaktiv".
Among folk remedies, beekeeping products have positive reviews - honey, molasses, bee bread, royal jelly.
For information on how to improve the morphology of the spermogram, see the next video.
