Asthenozoospermia, also known as low sperm motility, is a condition in which less than 32% of sperm move forward progressively. It is one of the primary causes of male infertility, and it is the reason behind 80% of male infertility. This makes natural conception very challenging, but complete immobility is rare.
What is asthenozoospermia
Asthenozoospermia is a condition of the male reproductive system that is characterized by low sperm motility. Sperm motility is a very important factor in the process of conception, as it allows the sperm to reach the egg and fertilize it. Sperm motility is categorized into two main types: progressive motility (in which sperm move forward progressively and in circles) and non-progressive motility (in which sperm move in different patterns). In the case of asthenozoospermia, both types of motility are decreased significantly. Asthenozoospermia is caused by many factors, such as genetic factors, hormonal imbalance, varicocele, infections, lifestyle factors, and medications and treatments.
In Ayurveda, asthenozoospermia is known as ksheena shukra or shukra dushti, which means reduced reproductive tissue. It is a Vatta-pitta dominant disorder, and it is treated by Ayurvedic therapies, herbal medication, and lifestyle changes.
Diagnosis of asthenozoospermia
Diagnosis of asthenozoospermia involves semen analysis, in which the semen is analyzed to check various parameters, and sperm motility is one of them. Semen is analyzed under a microscope to see the amount of progressively motile sperm and overall sperm motility.
Treatment of asthenozoospermia
Treatment of asthenozoospermia in Ayurveda involves different Ayurvedic therapies, herbal medication, and diet and lifestyle changes. In modern medicine, treatment involves hormone therapies, surgeries, ART, and medications.
Treatment in Ayurveda
Ayurveda treats every disease from its root cause and follows natural treatment methods. Treatment involves-
Shodhana chikitsa
It is a detoxification therapy that is used to cleanse Ama (toxins) from the body so the herbs can be administered and absorbed by the body properly. It includes-
- Deepana and Pachana- In this method, appetizers like Hingvashtak churna and Aampachak vati are used to normalize digestive fire (Agni).
- Snehapana- It is an internal oleation with the use of medicated ghee to remove deeply accumulated toxins.
- Virechana- It is a therapeutic purgation used to eliminate excess pitta and kapha, improving semen viscosity and liquefaction time.
- Basti- It is a medicated enema and intra-urethral therapy that acts on the reproductive tract and improves sperm viability.
Shamana and Vajikarna chikitsa
After detoxification therapies, the patient is given sperm purifying and sperm producing herbs and formulations.
- Ashwagandha- It acts as an adaptogen that reduces oxidative stress. A study suggests that regular use of ashwagandha can improve sperm motility by 50%.
- Shatavari- It helps regulate body heat and maintains an optimal temperature and microenvironment for spermatogenesis.
Diet and lifestyle changes
Incorporating pure cow ghee, warm milk with herbs like ashwagandha, fruits and nuts, and whole grains is recommended, and avoiding spicy, salty, bitter, deep-fried, and processed junk is recommended because these foods can disrupt reproductive function.
Daily exercise and yoga are recommended, which help in improving blood circulation and reducing stress. Abhyanga massage (self-massage) with medicated oils is recommended to relax the body.
FAQs
Can people with asthenozoospermia conceive naturally?
If asthenozoospermia is mild or moderate, there are still chances of natural conception, but if it is severe, the only way to conceive is through ART methods or getting asthenozoospermia treated.
What is the success rate of asthenozoospermia treatments?
Mild cases of asthenozoospermia can improve in 3-6 months, and some lifestyle changes can increase the sperm motility in men by 20-30%. Ayurveda suggests that sperm motility can improve by 50-70% if the patient follows the therapeutic protocol for 3-6 months.
Is asthenozoospermia serious?
Asthenozoospermia is not a life-threatening condition, but it can be serious if you are trying to conceive. Due to this, sperm cannot meet the egg and fertilize it, but it can be treated, and you can still become a parent
