What to do if spermatozoa have low motility (how to speed up sluggish sperm). Sedentary spermatozoa: causes and treatment

The most significant indicators are the mobility and activity of spermatozoa. These characteristics are determined in the analysis of spermogram. To get a reliable result, you need to take several samples, since the ability of male germ cells to actively move is influenced by many factors.

What ensures sperm motility

The sperm cell is the smallest and most active cell. The speed of movement is 30 cm per hour, and given the microscopic size of the sperm, this is a very high indicator. This mobility of the spermatozoon is achieved due to the propulsive force (pushing forward), which is provided by the rotation of the tail-flagellum. It is this part that is responsible for bringing the genetic material to the egg.

But the tail does not move by itself. Nature provides for a special mechanism: the entire sperm flagellum is covered with Hv1 proton channels, which open when they enter the vagina in order to partially alkalize the environment. There is an effect of a punctured balloon: the channels open, protons fly out with great speed, forcing the spermatozoon to move with acceleration. The closer to the target, the more channels open due to a reaction to a substance called the endocannabinoid anandamide, which is abundant near the egg.

Spermatozoa know in advance the desired vector of the direction of movement - in the direction of lowering the acidity of the environment

Spermatozoa know in advance the desired vector of the direction of movement - in the direction of lowering the acidity of the environment. The male reproductive cell owes such a “sense” to a special apparatus - chemotaxis, which analyzes the chemical composition of the environment and gives a signal of a safe direction.

Proton channels have been discovered only recently, but the discovery of a direct dependence of the intensity of their stimulation on the pH level will help to influence the activity of spermatozoa in male infertility. Indeed, good cell mobility in this matter is very important, since they need not only to leave the acidic environment of the vagina as quickly as possible, constantly struggling with the oncoming flow, but also to overcome the mucous plug at the entrance to the uterus, and then make their way to the fallopian tube. In total, you need to walk about 20-25 cm.

Assessment of sperm motility

After receiving the results of the semen analysis, the results are decoded in accordance with the WHO standards established in 2010. The spermatozoa are divided into three groups according to the degree of activity (1999 classification in brackets):

The number of people moving forward at different speeds (A + B).
The total number of mobile cells: the first group, as well as weakly mobile, making circular or oscillatory movements (A + B + C).
Fixed (D).

In the first case, mobility fluctuations are caused by the following reasons:

seasonality: in the spring there is a lower activity of spermatozoa;
circadian rhythms: in the second half of the day, the mobility of germ cells increases;
frequency of ejaculations: the more often the sperm is renewed, the more active the spermatozoa.

All of the above does not have such a significant impact on the overall indicator as diseases:

Varicocele is the cause of decreased sperm motility in 25% of cases

varicocele (causes a decrease in sperm motility in 25% of cases), hydrocele;
acute and chronic urogenital infections, bacteriospermia. Many bacteria cause or linkage (eg E. coli E. coli);
blockage of the ducts of the seminal vesicles, the vas deferens leads to a decrease in pH. As a result, sperm motility drops significantly;
epididymitis. Spermatozoa acquire mobility, moving along the epididymis - the epididymis. Its epithelium produces a factor that ensures the longitudinal mobility of germ cells, so all inflammatory processes adversely affect the ability of spermatozoa to move fully. This also applies to mature germ cells stored in the caudal section (tail part) of the epididymis until ejaculation;
pathology of the structure and trauma of the organs of the reproductive system. Even a small bruise received a few years ago can trigger autoimmune processes when the production of antibodies against one's own germ cells begins;
endocrine disorders, metabolic disorder;
hyperprolactinemia, .

Low sperm motility or lack of activity can be caused by congenital genetic abnormalities (uncommon):

violations of the structure of germ cells, for example, the "9 + 0" syndrome, which refers to the absence of a central pair of microtubules in the sperm tail. With this disease, all the germ cells of a man are motionless;
syndrome of "fixed cilia" - the absence of special dynein handles in the flagellum of the spermatozoon, which ensure the connection of the tubules;
the presence of mutations at the level of mitochondria of sperm DNA;
Kartagener syndrome - mutations in the genes that are responsible for the formation of the ciliated epithelium (the mobility of the flagella of germ cells is directly related to its functioning).

Low sperm motility caused by diseases is reversible in most cases

Low sperm motility caused by diseases is reversible in most cases. It recovers completely or partially after surgical or conservative treatment.

An immobile spermatozoon is unsuitable for natural conception, but if there is no mobility due to genetic disorders or an incurable condition, then IVF by ICSI is used to fertilize the egg.

Most often, the activity of spermatozoa is influenced by external factors, the impact of which can be controlled or completely eliminated. Electromagnetic fields, lead, salts of heavy metals, narcotic drugs, and the accumulation of cadmium in the ejaculate can reduce mobility. All this pathologically changes the structure of the sperm flagella. But there are also simpler reasons that lead to a deterioration in cell activity.

Temperature

Spermatozoa are sensitive to temperature changes, since the testicles are located outside the peritoneum and are subject to external influences. Overheating has a particularly negative effect. If a man likes to sit often and for a long time in a bath or a hot bath (more than once a week), then sperm activity will steadily decrease. The same effect is exerted by the heating of the car seats during long trips and similar devices. When the temperature rises above 39 degrees (for example, with influenza), complete immobility of spermatozoa occurs and even their death.

Another factor that affects mobility through impaired thermoregulation is inguinal hernia. If its size is large, and the protruding part of the intestine has already descended into the scrotum, then not only the loss of sperm activity is likely, but also complete atrophy of the testicle.

Smoking and alcohol have an extremely negative effect not only on mobility, but also on other spermogram parameters.

Alcohol and smoking

Smoking and alcohol are the causes of intoxication of the body. This is something that has an extremely negative effect not only on mobility, but also on other indicators of the spermogram. The breakdown product of alcohol penetrates into all cells, including the sex cells. Regular toxic exposure will unbalance the endocrine system, inhibiting the production of testosterone and other hormones.

Some believe that they do not harm their body, because they smoke only "natural drug" - marijuana. Studies have shown that the substances contained in marijuana disrupt the structure of the sperm flagellum, which completely immobilizes it.

Medications

If a man is forced to undergo therapy with cytostatics and steroid hormone blockers for a long time, then the percentage of active spermatozoa drops significantly. Anticonvulsant, psychotropic, antihypertensive drugs, antibacterial drugs, antibiotics have a negative effect.

Food

Sedentary spermatozoa are often the result of malnutrition. Harmful foods and drinks:

any fast food
canned food;
coffee in large quantities, cola, strong tea, including green;
spicy, salty dishes;
industrial lemonade;
fatty and fried foods.

Sedentary spermatozoa are often the result of malnutrition

1-2 months after the exclusion of these products and the transition to a balanced diet without the use of any additives, sperm activity increases significantly.

Supplements with L-cartinite are popular, such as PROfertil

Phytopreparations are used (Speman, Tribestan), decoctions of plantain seeds, elecampane roots, wild rose.

Even a frankly bad spermogram improves after a couple of months when taking bee products: bee bread, propolis, drone milk.

It is important to adjust the diet, giving preference to white meat, fish, cereals, vegetables and fruits. Useful greens, especially parsley and dill.

Physical activity should be regular but moderate. Overexertion in the gym will lead not only to a temporary decrease in sperm activity, but also to the development of varicocele and inguinal hernia.

If the inactivity is pronounced or accompanied by deviations of other indicators, then studies are prescribed to find out the reasons, for example:

blood test for hormones, antibodies;
bacterial culture of prostate juice and sperm;
TRUS, ultrasound of the testicles.

Based on the results obtained, a treatment regimen is determined. With the elimination of obstructions, bacterial foci and inflammation will occur after a while.

In clinics, it is not for nothing that a program is provided for preparing for the delivery of ejaculate:

abstinence from sexual intercourse for 3-4 days;
giving up alcohol for 2 weeks;
avoid stress, overheating, overwork;
dieting;
quit smoking if possible.

All these factors directly provoke poor mobility in spermatozoa. The cycle of spermatogenesis averages 72-75 days. In order to obtain the most reliable, maximum indicator of mobility for the body, it is advisable to follow the above rules for a given time.

Do you have serious problems with POTENTITY?

Have you already tried many remedies and nothing helped? These symptoms are familiar to you firsthand:

sluggish erection;
lack of desire;
sexual dysfunction.

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Have you been living with a girl for more than two years without protection, but still no pregnancy? Has your partner gone through a lot of examinations and claims to be healthy? So the man needs to be tested. Having passed the spermogram, a person can immediately find out what the problem is. If the cause of infertility is low sperm motility, a man who wants to become a father will have to completely change his lifestyle, take special drugs and vitamins for a long time.

Why does sperm motility decrease?

A pathology in which sperm activity decreases is called stenozoospermia by specialists. It is not isolated into a separate disease, it can be combined with teratozoospermia - the production of an excessive amount of atypical sperm. Lead to deterioration in sperm quality:

Infectious and inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system.
Injuries, bruises of the genital organs, surgical operations on the pelvic organs.
Congenital pathologies of the prostate, testes, vas deferens.
Genetic mutations in sperm.
Varicocele, stagnation of venous blood in the pelvic organs.
Violation of the temperature regime - hypothermia or severe overheating of the testicles.
Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the genitourinary system.

Sedentary work of a man has a negative effect on sperm motility. Also, the activity of spermatozoa in a person working in the chemical industry, in the oil refining industry, under radiation or radiation exposure is reduced.

A smoking man has a lower number of motile sperm than a man who has never taken cigarettes in his mouth. If a man abuses alcohol, his blood vessels are destroyed, the brain ages prematurely and the parts of the nervous system responsible for laying the genetic material die off.

A natural decline in sperm motility occurs with age. More precisely, a man over the age of 50 will naturally have only 25-30% of active livestock.

When a laboratory assistant conducts a sperm motility test, he counts the number of sperm that move actively in a straight line, takes into account those live ones that do not move at all or make a “run in place”. It is normal to have more than half of the motile sperm moving straight ahead. If there are less than 29% of such spermatozoa in the ejaculate, the man is shown treatment that will improve the quality of sperm.

Medical increase in sperm activity

Of course, if the reason for the decrease in sperm activity is in a certain disease, you need to start with its elimination. With infections of the genital organs, the urologist prescribes to the patient the intake of antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs.

If a man has diabetes, he needs to regulate the level of sugar in the blood, achieving a constant normal balance, otherwise the blood vessels crumbling due to sugar will not allow sperm to move normally.

But there are situations when a man is, in principle, absolutely healthy, and his sperm are inactive. In such cases, a special treatment for sperm motility is prescribed, which includes diet and medication.

Medications

Preparations for the normalization of spermatogenesis are prescribed in a complex manner. To improve blood circulation, vasotropic drugs, blood-thinning drugs, drugs to strengthen blood vessels are indicated. These include:

Trental. Stabilizes venous outflow, reduces capillary fragility, improves metabolism in the vascular wall.
Actovegin. A natural medicine based on the blood of calves. Improves blood composition, relieves thrombosis, normalizes cholesterol.

Long-term use of these drugs helps to improve the functioning of the prostate, increase the performance of the seminal vesicles.

To stimulate the production of zinc and improve the quality of sperm, men are prescribed:

Speroton.
SpermoPlant.
Tribestan.
Zincteral.

These medicines are taken to improve sperm motility. Basically, each drug consists of an optimal set of natural ingredients: an extract of argyrea roots, orchis, tribulation, velvet bean seeds, leptademia stems and others. In combination, they have a stimulating effect on the prostate gland, improving the production of a secret that helps sperm move normally.

In addition, with the help of these drugs, cellular metabolism is normalized, the permeability of the cell membrane improves, and immunity increases. For example, Tribestan is used to treat immunological infertility, normalize erection and eliminate asthenozoospermia.

How to Increase Sperm Motility Naturally

hormone therapy

Hormonal imbalance, increased production of female hormones, lack of testosterone also lead to a decrease in the mobility of livestock. In this case, a sexologist may recommend taking drugs for sperm motility that stimulate testosterone production:

. Helps restore testosterone production even in the presence of anatomical deficiencies that led to loss of fertility.
Proviron. Stimulates the production of male hormones, increases the functionality of the gonads, normalizes potency.

With a low level of gonadotropic hormones, the regulation of gonadal activity worsens, the production of secrets and nutrients necessary for sperm maturation is disrupted. Such problems are noted in men with a cystic formation on the pituitary gland or underdevelopment of this gland, as well as in patients who have had a head injury. Deficiency of chorionic gonadotropin leads to the fact that although sperm are produced, they have poor mobility or a violation of the trajectory of movement.

To normalize the hormonal background, the following gonadotropins are prescribed:

Menogol.
Pregnyl.
Profazi.

Before increasing sperm motility, you need to make sure that stimulating therapy for androgen deficiency is required. To do this, a man needs to donate blood for hormones and determine which elements are not enough for normal spermatogenesis.

vitamins

Every man with asthenozoospermia is prescribed vitamin E. It has a beneficial effect on the sex glands, stimulating the production of healthy active sperm. Vitamin E normalizes regeneration processes, helps to improve reproductive function.

Zinc in its pure form is essential for the production of testosterone. In addition, without zinc, germ cells will not be able to ripen. With the help of this substance, it is possible to achieve an increase in the volume of seminal fluid and improve its composition.
With a decrease in the activity of livestock, a man must definitely take vitamin C. It stabilizes the processes of thickening / liquefaction of sperm, which are necessary for the normal permeability of spermatozoa through the vaginal mucosa.
To normalize the production of germ cells, men are shown folic acid. Not only does sperm production decrease without this vitamin, but the risk of developing genetic material with mutations and genetic abnormalities increases.

With a lack of selenium, testosterone production decreases. In this case, the man's fertility worsens. It is necessary to drink selenium for those who want not only to increase the number of active sperm, but also to avoid the appearance of underdeveloped, atypical gums.

Vitamins for sperm motility can be taken individually or in special complexes. Men with asthenozoospermia are prescribed:

Gerimaks with ginseng.
Magne B6 + Selenium + Zinc.
Verona.

If a man wants, he can not only drink vitamins, but also completely change his diet, adhering to a vitamin diet that helps to increase the mobility of livestock.

Of course, it is possible to improve the quality of seminal fluid by using herbs to improve sperm motility. But we must remember that alternative treatment only complements the traditional one. Most popular recipes:

Before you increase sperm motility with products containing bee products, you need to find out if a man is allergic to honey.

IT'S IMPORTANT TO KNOW!

Weak potency, a flaccid penis, the absence of a long-term erection is not a sentence for a man's sexual life, but a signal that the body needs help and male strength is weakening. There are a large number of drugs that help a man get a stable erection for sex, but they all have their drawbacks and contraindications, especially if the man is already 30-40 years old. Capsules not only help to get an erection HERE AND NOW, but act as a prevention and accumulation of male power, allowing a man to remain sexually active for many years!

How to increase the activity of livestock with nutrition

It is believed that it is better to get vitamins from food, and not from synthetic drugs. To replenish vitamin C and restore normal spermatogenesis, a man can eat:

Peas normalize the pH of seminal fluid, which helps to increase sperm motility. Asparagus, beans, and other legumes have the same effect.

Men need to constantly eat natural dairy products. It is not in vain that they offer to feed the husband with sour cream in order to achieve the appearance of offspring. Dairy products and meat contain L-carnitine. According to recent studies, this vitamin helps increase sperm activity by 4 times.

To improve blood circulation in the pelvic organs, you need to eat food rich in omega-3 acids. These are shrimps, mussels, oysters, crabs, seaweed and other seafood, nuts and seeds.

If low sperm motility is caused by a lack of zinc, a man needs to add the following foods to his diet:

Spinach.
Eggs.
Oatmeal.
Red meat (especially beef and turkey).
Sprouted wheat, rye.
Liver.
Corn.

To compensate for the lack of folic acid, a man needs to eat cabbage, green apples, cucumbers, avocados, greens. You can build your diet so that each dish will include onions, onions or greens.

Lifestyle change

It is clear to every person that if a man smokes, moves a little, still visits a hot bath or bathes in a hot bath, he may never restore sperm motility, which corresponds to the norm. If a couple is seriously concerned about the appearance of offspring, a man will have to completely reconsider his lifestyle. To improve reproductive function, it is necessary to play sports:

In order not to expose the scrotum to temperature tests, it is necessary to wear underpants made of natural fabrics, to abandon tight synthetic underwear. In winter, wear tights under trousers.

Increased irritability;
Lack of desire;
flaccid erection;
sexual dysfunction.

The only way is surgery? Wait, and don't act radically. It is POSSIBLE to increase the potency! and find out how experts recommend treating...

Sedentary spermatozoa and insufficient sperm motility are one of the main causes of male infertility. The low activity of spermatozoa and the minimum speed of their advance make successful fertilization unlikely. What are the reasons for the low mobility and speed of sperm? What to do in such a case and what treatment is required for patients who are faced with this kind of problem?

What is low activity associated with?

What causes affect the speed of the spermatozoon and sperm motility in the representatives of the stronger sex? According to experts, sedentary sperm can be formed for reasons such as improper, unbalanced nutrition and deficiency of folic acid, as well as vitamins of group C in the male body. Another common reason for sperm inactivity is exposure to high temperatures.

The fact is that the speed of spermatozoa and sperm motility largely depend on external factors, in particular on temperature conditions. When spermatozoa are affected by elevated temperatures, the speed of spermatozoa becomes low, and the spermatozoon itself is sluggish, weak, and begins to move much more slowly than normal.

The reasons for this phenomenon may be:

Frequent hot baths.
Abuse of baths and saunas.
The expansion of the veins of the spermatic cord - varicocele.

Another reason for the appearance of sedentary sperm and sperm immobility is infectious diseases that contribute to atrophic lesions of the testicles. Such pathologies may be due to the low speed of movement of spermatozoa, as well as their insufficient mobility. In such cases, the patient needs competent treatment, and the sooner it is started, the better.

Tobacco and nicotine contribute to the appearance of sedentary sperm and negatively affect the speed and motility of sperm, also reducing their quantitative indicators in seminal fluid. This is why smoking is one of the most common reasons that cause low sperm motility, and therefore problems with natural conception. Sedentary sperm is a common occurrence in the representatives of the stronger sex in the age category over 50 years. Age-related changes are a fairly common reason for a decrease in sperm speed and motility.

Bad habits contribute to the appearance of sedentary spermatozoa.

Low sperm motility is a problem characteristic of the stronger sex who suffer from obesity. An excess amount of body fat causes blockage of the glands and a decrease in patency in the area of the seminiferous tract, and this, in turn, can adversely affect the speed and motility of sperm. In this case, sedentary sperm is the reason for the man to undergo appropriate treatment from an endocrinologist.

What diseases affect the speed of movement

According to experts, sedentary sperm can appear in the stronger sex, who suffer from a number of certain diseases that require treatment:

Arterial hypertension is the cause of circulatory disorders, as well as insufficient oxygen supply to male organs, as a result of which the speed and motility of spermatozoa become low.
Diabetes mellitus with concomitant insulin deficiency is the reason for the slow flow of spermatozoa recovery processes. As a result, the patient's seminal fluid contains a large number of sedentary spermatozoa, and the speed of their advancement is low - significantly below the norm.
Sexually transmitted diseases affect the male reproductive system, negatively affecting the processes of its functioning. In connection with this reason, the mobility and speed of spermatozoa becomes low.
Pathologies of the male reproductive organs, which are congenital or acquired, are another common cause of the formation of sedentary sperm.

All of the above diseases can cause impaired sperm motility and speed, as well as the appearance of a large number of sedentary germ cells. In most cases, competent adequate treatment of the underlying disease helps to solve related problems. Treatment is selected by the attending physician on an individual basis after a preliminary comprehensive diagnosis!

Problems with sperm motility can appear in men with diabetes.

Influence on the processes of conception

Sedentary sperm is one of the main causes of problems with natural conception. In order for conception to occur, the sperm must be mobile. Since the female egg retains the ability to fertilize only for a short time (1-2 days), the high speed and motility of spermatozoa is a necessary condition for a successful pregnancy. Normally, the number of motile sperm in the male ejaculate should be at least 50 percent. Otherwise, a man needs to consult a specialist and prescribe a course of treatment.

Methods of drug therapy

How to treat sedentary sperm with medication? In order for the treatment to be effective and adequate, the first thing to do is to establish the causes of the low speed and mobility of male germ cells. Treatment of sedentary germ cells includes vitamin and mineral complexes and drugs containing zinc, folic acid, lycopenes, vitamins of group C. In addition, drug treatment may include special preparations that activate slow germ cells. Among them, the following tools are especially popular:

Verona - treatment with this drug activates the natural processes of testosterone production, having a positive effect on the quantitative and qualitative indicators of seminal fluid.
Sperman - reduces the number of sedentary germ cells in the ejaculate.
Tribestan - treatment does not cause the development of unwanted reactions, increasing the lifespan of active germ cells.

In the treatment, drugs are used that activate slow sex cells.

Effective treatment for sedentary spermatozoa also involves a special diet, which includes foods enriched with vitamins and microelements, with a minimum content of fatty, heavy foods. In order for the treatment of sedentary germ cells to be extremely effective and efficient, medical experts advise patients to follow the following recommendations:

Refrain from smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages.
Regularly give the body feasible physical activity.
Avoid overwork and psycho-emotional shocks.
Avoid hypothermia and exposure to high temperatures.
Avoid hot baths and saunas.
Wear loose underwear made from natural fabrics.

Surgical methods

In the event that low sperm motility is due to a disease such as varicocele, the patient may need surgical treatment. Surgical treatment by modern specialists is carried out mainly by minimally invasive methods. After an operation aimed at eliminating the tightness of tissue structures, the patency of the vas deferens is normalized, which helps to increase the low speed of sperm movement and significantly reduces the number of sedentary germ cells.

Sedentary sperm is a serious problem that can become an obstacle to parental happiness.

The right lifestyle, competent and individually selected treatment will help reduce the number of sedentary spermatozoa and significantly increase the chances of such a desired successful natural conception!

The study of male sperm is an integral part of the general examination of a man if there are suspicions of a decrease in his ability to fertilize. In this case, the physical, chemical and morphophysiological criteria of the ejaculate are determined, after which the andrologist makes a preliminary diagnosis.

One of the diagnoses that men face is the concept of “sedentary spermatozoa”. In order to understand the meaning of this term and what to do if such a condition is detected, it is necessary to delve a little into the anatomy and physiology of the male genital organs.

A brief excursion into anatomy

The male reproductive system is represented by the following organs:

a pair of testicles with appendages;
vas deferens;
seminal vesicles;
cooper glands;
penis;
scrotum.

The prostate gland is directly involved in the functioning of the male genital area.

In the seminiferous tubules of the testicles, male germ cells are produced - spermatozoa, and the main male hormone - testosterone. Spermatozoa develop from progenitor cells that are located on the epithelial layer of the seminiferous tubules. Their development has an undulating course. Mature germ cells through the connecting tubes enter the epididymis, where a sufficient portion of spermatozoa accumulates.

Further, the spermatozoa move along the self-efferent ducts (this process takes from five to ten days, on average one week) and enter the prostatic part of the urethral canal. In order for the process of sperm formation to proceed normally, the testicles in men are lowered into the scrotum, where the temperature is lower than body temperature. In this way, nature protects the testicles from infections, since at low temperatures, pathogenic microorganisms multiply much worse than at body temperature.

In the seminal vesicles, fructose is synthesized, which subsequently plays the role of a nutrient substrate for spermatozoa. In addition, if sexual intercourse was not successfully completed, sperm from the urethral canal enter the seminal vesicles, where they are absorbed by special cells.

The prostate gland produces its own secret, which has a unique chemical composition and has a number of functions necessary for spermatozoa aimed at maintaining the viability of male germ cells outside the male body.

In the urethral part of the urethra, the secretion of the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland mixes with spermatozoa and forms the ejaculate, or semen.

Before the sperm begins to move through the urethra, the secretion of the Cooper glands passes through it, the main task of which is to eliminate residual urine and normalize the level of acidity. Only after the environment inside the urethral cavity becomes neutral or slightly alkaline, ejaculation occurs.

A minute after entering the vagina, spermatozoa overcome the cervical canal and enter the uterine cavity. After another two hours or even earlier, the most active cells reach the fallopian tubes and fertilize the egg.

Only absolutely normal functioning and fulfillment of its role by each organ allows to ensure the normal course of the process of formation of germ cells.

Anatomy and physiology at the cellular level

The process of sperm formation takes an average of two months. During this time, cells with a normal anatomical structure are formed from progenitor cells, namely:

The head, in which the nucleus of the cell is located (that is, all genetic information is stored). The anterior part of the head is normally represented by an acrosome - a special membrane vesicle containing special enzymes that allow the cell membrane of the egg to dissolve. In front, the acrosomal membrane forms several outgrowths that help the spermatozoon to fix on the egg cell membrane. The average length of the head is 5 µm, the width is 3.5 µm, and the height is 2.5 µm.
The neck and transition section (body) where mitochondria are usually located. The average length of this part is about 4.5 microns.
Tail, or flagellum, which is the organ of cell movement. It is a thin outgrowth on the surface of the membrane and contains a complex of microtubules that allow it to perform rotational movements. The length of a normal flagellum is 45 μm.

The process of sperm formation is subordinated to the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary system: follicle-stimulating, luteinizing hormones and testosterone. To ensure the rapid movement of spermatozoa in the process of their maturation, some transformations occur:

Chromatin condenses (extra proteins are removed from it, and the remaining proteins bind tightly to DNA molecules), thereby reducing the size of the nucleus.
Most of the cytoplasm is released from the cell, only the most necessary inclusions remain inside it.

If these changes do not occur or do not occur properly, the size of the sperm cell increases, which directly affects its speed.

Features of the movement of spermatozoa

As already mentioned, the movement of the sperm occurs due to the rotation of its flagellum around its axis, while the maximum speed is about 30 cm / h and allows you to overcome a distance equal to the length of the cervix, its body and fallopian tubes.

At the same time, inside the male body, spermatozoa are practically immobilized, their advancement occurs due to the contraction of the muscles of the genital organs. They acquire activity only after ejaculation, while a large role in the activation of spermatozoa belongs to them. The direction of movement inside the female genital organs is determined by spermatozoa based on the level of acidity: they move towards its decrease; at the same time, their feature is the desire to move against the flow of biological fluids.

Once inside the uterine cavity, the germ cells find themselves in favorable conditions for their life - here especially strong sperm cells can exist for up to three days. In addition, in the uterine cavity, the movement of spermatozoa is activated, since under the action of various enzymes, substances that block the activity of the acrosome are destroyed.

Pathological changes in sperm

Under the influence of various adverse factors, the process of sperm formation is disrupted - it can slow down, stop, or the resulting cells may have abnormal morphological characteristics.

Even in normal sperm, about half of the spermatozoa have an unnatural structure. Under the action of various unfavorable factors, this amount increases, which affects the fertility of the ejaculate, as it has a direct effect on the rate of spermatozoa advancement through the female genital tract.

Given that a mature egg retains the ability to fertilize only for one to two days, the speed of sperm movement is of great importance for conceiving a child. At the same time, its decrease can be observed with a change in the physical, chemical or morphological parameters of sperm.

Change in physical and chemical indicators

Of the physical indicators, the speed of sperm movement is most affected by the viscosity of the sperm and the time of its liquefaction.

Normal ejaculate is a viscous biological substance that becomes liquid over time (usually fifteen minutes to an hour). Practice shows that sperm that has not become liquid within an hour does not liquefy at all.

For the viscosity of the ejaculate, a substance is responsible that is part of the secretion of the seminal vesicles. Experts suggest that normally this substance maintains spermatozoa in an inactive state until the moment of ejaculation. At the time of the eruption of sperm outward, this substance is destroyed by the proteolytic enzyme contained in the secret of the prostate, and the spermatozoa become active. Therefore, one of the reasons for the increased viscosity of sperm is a disorder of the function of the prostate gland, therefore, timely and competent treatment of the prostate is the key to normal physical parameters of sperm.

If the sperm does not liquefy, the spermatozoa remain in an inactivated state and die, practically not starting to move through the female genital organs.

The second physical indicator, which can indirectly indicate the inactivity of spermatozoa, is the volume of the ejaculate.

Since the bulk of sperm is secreted by the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland, an insufficient volume may indicate a malfunction of these organs, and a small amount of their secretion causes an insufficient amount of nutrients necessary for male reproductive cells to move.

Increased acidity is observed during inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system and adversely affects the male reproductive cells, since the acid destroys their membrane and provokes premature death. Therefore, any diseases of the genitourinary sphere must be competently and thoroughly treated.

Change in morphological characteristics

The morphological characteristics, that is, the structure, have a greater influence than physical and chemical indicators on the speed of movement of spermatozoa, because the correct anatomical shape is provided by nature not by chance: it is with such proportions that the cells move at an optimal speed.

Spermatozoa with a modified head, an elongated neck or body, a short flagellum lose the ability to actively move. Cells with a complete absence of a flagellum become completely immobile. Therefore, in practice, the definition of sedentary spermatozoa is often combined with the concept of "teratospermia", that is, an increase in the relative concentration of germ cells with an irregular anatomical structure.

Criteria for making a diagnosis

Insufficiency of spermatozoa (or, scientifically, asthenozoospermia) is said if in the compiled spermogram the number of cells with progressive and non-translational movement (categories A and B) is less than 40% of the total number of germ cells in the ejaculate. At the same time, it is desirable that the number of spermatozoa of category A falls within the range of 31-34%.

Category A includes all male germ cells that move strictly forward, in a straight line, while within two minutes they can cover a distance equal to the length of their body.

Category B includes cells with rectilinear forward movement, but at a lower speed. It is believed that their speed can increase significantly when they enter the uterine cavity, under the action of specific enzymes.

Reasons for the development of the condition

The main reasons for the decrease in sperm motility are considered to be a variety of internal and external factors:

prolonged abstinence from sexual activity;
intoxication with alcohol, drugs, nicotine;
exposure to radiation or electromagnetic radiation;
action of high temperatures;
decrease in the level of the body's immune defense;
inflammatory diseases of the genital organs, including those provoked by sexually transmitted infections;
testicular injury;
testicular varicose veins.

When a specific reason for the decrease in the speed of movement of germ cells is established, the chances of a cure are significantly increased.

It is important to bear in mind that the results of the analysis may be unreliable if the rules for taking the material and preparing for the delivery of the analysis are violated. So, on the eve of the delivery of the ejaculate, you should not visit the bathhouse and sauna. You need to hand over the material obtained by masturbation, since when using a condom, the latex and substances contained in the lubricant will have a negative effect on sperm, and when receiving sperm through oral contact or interrupted sexual intercourse, various biological fluids may enter the sample.

Basic principles of treatment

Treatment will be most effective if it was possible to establish the cause of sperm inactivity.

In case of chronic intoxication, the effect of the negative factor should be eliminated, the treatment in this case will be reduced to taking general tonic and vitamin preparations, playing sports, including performing special exercises that improve the functioning of the pelvic organs.

Smoking has a strong negative effect on sperm counts, since nicotine causes spasm of blood vessels, and impaired blood circulation in the testicles causes disruption in the production of new sperm and testosterone. Treatment of asthenospermia without quitting smoking or significantly reducing the number of cigarettes per day is usually unproductive.

Treatment of inflammatory diseases of the genital organs should begin with the identification of the pathogen, since diseases caused by various pathogens need to be treated differently: for example, antiprotozoal drugs are recommended to get rid of Trichomonas, and strong antibacterial drugs to combat ureaplasmas.

An important role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases is played by the intake of proteolytic enzymes, since they not only allow to treat the infection as soon as possible, increasing the permeability of tissues for etiotropic drugs, but also partially eliminate post-inflammatory tissue defects. For example, treatment with enzymes of testicular inflammation (orchitis) can reduce the number of cicatricial deformities of the vas deferens, which facilitates the process of excretion of spermatozoa and contributes to the fact that germ cells enter the urethra unimpaired.

Treatment of testicular varicose veins is possible through minimally invasive surgery. Contrary to popular belief, the elimination of varicose veins is of great importance for the normalization of sperm parameters, since an increase in the volume of the vascular plexuses of the testis disrupts the formation of new spermatozoa.

Testicular injuries must be treated immediately after they are received; in the presence of pronounced post-traumatic defects that affect the morphophysiological characteristics of the ejaculate, it is necessary to decide whether it is possible to correct them by surgical intervention.

In general, the treatment includes taking general strengthening drugs, vitamins, adaptogens and tonic drugs.

There are various methods to treat asthenospermia with apitherapy, homeopathic and phytotherapeutic agents. Before non-traditional treatment, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.

Many men try to treat sperm immobility with medications containing el-carnitine. Foreign official medicine has information confirming the sufficient effectiveness of this remedy in the fight against infertility.

In parallel with the treatment, it is necessary to adhere to a special diet rich in vitamins A, E and complete protein.

Probability of fertilization

Experienced andrologists believe that the detection of semen immobility is not an indicator of absolute infertility.

Firstly, when finding out the cause of this condition, the probability of correcting it with competent treatment is very high.
Secondly, these indicators are very relative: the characteristics of a particular sperm are evaluated, and the number of sedentary spermatozoa is calculated in relation to the total number of spermatozoa in a given portion of the ejaculate. If this number is large enough, the number of motile sperm may be sufficient to fertilize the egg. So, it is believed that for successful fertilization, about ten million spermatozoa must penetrate into the uterine cavity.
Thirdly, spermatozoa can be significantly activated when penetrating beyond the cervical canal, so the assessment of their speed on a glass slide is preliminary.

In addition, to obtain more reliable predictions, it is necessary to donate sperm for at least two times during one cycle of spermatogenesis (that is, within two months). No conclusions should be drawn from one result.

To conceive a child, a man must have healthy sperm. In addition, they must be active in order to reach the egg through the cervical canal and pierce the vitellin membrane. However, often in men there is such a deviation as sluggish spermatozoa.

Male infertility: slow sperm

Infertility in men is primarily associated with an insufficient number of healthy sperm in the semen, their lethargy. In the modern world, almost half of the cases of childlessness are associated with male infertility. Although recently the situation among the stronger sex was much better. The reasons are the modern rhythm of life with many negative factors.

Today, the presence of more than 50% of active spermatozoa in semen is considered the norm.

If their number is less than half of the total, then the man is diagnosed with infertility.

The activity of spermatozoa is determined using a special study - a spermogram, which is carried out in specialized medical centers.

If it is revealed that the number of slow spermatozoa is too high or they move in a circle, then it is impossible to conceive a child. In this case, the cause of the development of pathology is revealed and treatment is carried out.

What determines the presence of sedentary spermatozoa? The following factors may be the reason:

Wrong nutrition. The speed is provided by mitochondria, which burn hormones. The cause of inactivity can also be a lack of folic acid, zinc and vitamin C.
Influence of elevated temperatures. When the sperm is exposed to high temperature, the speed of spermatozoa decreases. This happens with a disease of varicocele, long-term use of hot baths.
Presence of infections. Various infectious diseases, not necessarily sexually transmitted, can lead to testicular atrophy. This, in turn, leads to immobility of the man's seed.
Smoking. Tobacco negatively affects the number and motility of spermatozoa. This is one of the reasons why it is recommended to stop smoking before planning to conceive a child.

Depending on the motility of spermatozoa, they are divided into four main classes:

progressively mobile seed - class A;
slowly progressively mobile seed - class B;
seed with misdirected movement - class C;
immobile spermatozoa - class D.

Means for improving the quality of sperm

The reason for the formation of slow sperm can be a lack of folic acid. An insufficient amount of this substance in a man's body leads to DNA damage, as well as deterioration. Therefore, if a married couple decides to have a child, it is necessary to ensure that a certain amount of folic acid is received by a man. To do this, you should eat foods containing this substance. These foods include beans, seeds, peanuts, orange juice, and liver.

Vitamin C also affects the quality of sperm. The intake of this vitamin improves sperm motility. At the same time, according to studies, the intake of fruits and vegetables brings more results, and not complex vitamin preparations. Therefore, you should eat vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, leafy vegetables, carrots, oranges, and so on.

Treatment of the disease

Before treating sedentary spermatozoa, it is necessary to determine the causes that caused the deviation. In some cases, a man should only change his lifestyle: start dieting, stop smoking, be less nervous, etc. In addition, it is recommended to use various supplements, which include vitamin C, ginseng, lycopene, zinc. This can help sperm to become more active.

If the cause of infertility is varicocele, then the disease can only be eliminated surgically. Hot baths should be avoided. In addition, wearing loose clothing helps to reduce the temperature of the testicles. But tight jeans, tight-fitting swimming trunks negatively affect the reproductive ability of a man.

If these actions fail to help, they resort to medical treatment. It is worth noting that this method will cost a round sum.

However, in medicine, treatment does not consist in restoring the physiological ability of a man, but in the artificial insemination of a woman. Intrauterine or in vitro fertilization is practiced.

Thus, sluggish sperm can cause infertility in men. The easiest way to get rid of the disease is to maintain the right lifestyle. If this does not help, then in this case it is already necessary to use specialized medical services.