Asthenozoospermia (Low sperm motility): Causes, Tests & Treatment
- AMALSHA S
- Sep 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 16
If male sperm can't swim well to reach the female egg, it's called low sperm motility or medically termed Asthenozoospermia. This medical condition is all about sperm movement; how well it travels through the female reproductive system before finally reaching and fertilising the egg, leading to conception. If sperm motility is low, conception can become challenging (despite a normal sperm count).
So, what causes this dip in sperm movement? Well, a mix of environmental factors, dietary habits, hormonal health, infections, varicocele, and more.
Alongside improving mortality, some people also focus on 'how to increase sperm quantity' to build a healthier foundation for a successful experience of parenthood. Anyway, keep reading the article to know sperm motility causes, tests, and treatment.
Understanding Asthenozoospermia, otherwise Low sperm motility
Asthenozoospermia, or 'low sperm motility' in simple terms, is when a man's sperm have trouble swimming properly. Motility means the ability to move, and sperm must travel forward faster and in a healthier shape.
Since sperm need to cover the distance through the female reproductive tract to the egg, their movement is a significant part of successful conception.
There could be several reasons for low sperm motility, but they are not always obvious. However, the good news is that men can take steps to enhance sperm quality and motility for better fertility outcomes. A combination of medical assistance and lifestyle changes can support overall reproductive health, improving the chances of conception.
Why Are Males Struggling with Low Sperm Motility? Causes
The modern lifestyle and the constant juggling between career and responsibility is destroying one's good physical health. Most men who are trying to balance chronic stress and a lack of physical activity are throwing their hormones out of balance.
With that, heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, and drug usage are damaging sperm quality and reducing the ability to swim effectively.
Other factors tied to low sperm motility are medical conditions. We are talking about hormone imbalance, a low testosterone level that can slow sperm production. In contrast, any past infection in the male reproductive tract can damage sperm or create a blockage.
Similarly, a Varicocele, a common condition that enlarges the veins in the testicles, raises the scrotal temperature and interferes with sperm movement or motility.
The environment you are exposed to also plays an influential role. Men who spend more time at high temperatures, like long sauna hours, hot tubs, etc, can experience weakened sperm over time. In fact, even tight-fitting underclothes impact your sperm health.
One of the major but ignored causes is: Toxins and chemicals from pesticides, heavy metals and industries. This exposure can damage sperm cells and reduce sperm motility in the long run.
These factors are taken together to highlight how sperm health is sensitive to both internal and external influences. In fact, most of these factors are also reasons for low sperm count. They are not only affecting how well your sperm can swim but also how many you can produce.
Tests and Diagnosis for Asthenozoospermia (Low sperm motility)
Asthenozoospermia diagnosis begins with a simple semen analysis. It is, in fact, the most common test to evaluate male fertility. During a semen analysis, doctors examine a male semen sample under a microscope to measure sperm count, shape, movement (motility), and overall quality.
During semen analysis, Bliss Fertility’s specialised doctors look at how many sperm are moving effectively and what time they take to reach the female egg.
In case of low sperm motility, doctors recommend repeating the test just to confirm findings, as sperm quality does fluctuate over time. Along with that, some other necessary tests may line up, including hormone blood work, scrotal ultrasounds, and genetic testing. Or, some additional tests to rule out the possibilities of infections or blockages in the reproductive tract.
“I got pregnant within a year of our marriage, but unfortunately it ended in a miscarriage. For the next six years, my husband Sudheesh and I (Remya) tried to conceive again, but the result was disappointing.
Then one of my friends told me about Bliss Fertility and we tried. Within a few months of treatment, we were blessed with a beautiful baby boy naturally”.
Is Asthenozoospermia (Low sperm motility) Curable? Treatment Options
Yes of course, there are several approaches available that can cure asthenozoospermia, removing all your infertility problems. It is crucial to identify the underlying cause early on to receive the best treatment and outcome.
Although not every treatment suits all cases, combining lifestyle changes and medical treatment can lead to improved sperm movement, quality, and overall male fertility.
Male infertility conditions like hormonal imbalances, infections, or varicocele are treated through:
Antibiotics
Hormonal therapy
Minor surgical procedures
Or, in cases where natural conception is tricky, doctors may suggest:
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
ICSI is an extremely helpful treatment that works even if the sperm motility is very low. It fertilizes an egg directly, offering couples a higher chance of pregnancy.
Plus, what you eat also influences your fertility. Foods high in Vitamin C and E, Zinc, Antioxidants, and Selenium improve the quality of sperm. Combining them with supplements like folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and coenzyme Q10 can improve reproductive health in both men and women.
In fact, simple steps like getting enough sleep, avoiding excessive heat, and staying hydrated can help you check out how to increase sperm count naturally.
When should you see a doctor?
If you and your partner have tried for a year or more but failed to conceive (or are above 35 years), it's a good time to see a fertility specialist. Here are some other indications:
History of reproductive health issues, injuries, or surgeries.
Pain or swelling in/around the reproductive organs.
Shifts in sexual function.
Consulting a fertility doctor at Bliss Fertility can help you identify the problem while it's still treatable.
In the end, even if low sperm motility discourages you for a while, do not let it define your fertility and steps towards parenthood. Take the right treatment approach, avoid stressing over the condition, and see the difference.
Don't let low sperm mobility stop you from starting a happy family.
Schedule a consultation at one of the best fertility centres Bliss Fertility today and get your personalised treatment plan. Call Now
+91 62 62 62 32 62 (Kottayam & Maldives)