Men with Asthenozoospermia

Asthenozoospermia (also called asthenospermia) is a clinical condition defined by reduced sperm motility. Under WHO criteria, it is diagnosed when fewer than 32% of sperm show progressive motility or fewer than 40% show total motility. It is not an individual or organization but a patient population — any sexually mature male can be affected, typically discovered during fertility testing when attempting to conceive.

The condition is notably prevalent: asthenozoospermia accounts for nearly 19% of male infertility diagnoses, and male factors overall contribute to 40–50% of all infertility cases. The most severe form, complete asthenozoospermia (100% immotile sperm), occurs in approximately 1 in 5,000 men.

Causes range from genetic abnormalities and hormonal imbalances to infections, lifestyle factors, oxidative stress, and environmental influences. Idiopathic cases — with no identifiable clinical cause — are linked to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inadequate antioxidant defenses in sperm.

Treatment options include assisted reproductive technologies such as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) and IVF, lifestyle modifications, and supplementation with DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which has been reported to improve sperm motility. Innovations addressing sperm motility, oxidative stress, or male fertility diagnostics are directly relevant to this population.