Is cryptozoospermia treated( small number of spermatozoa)?

Data from medical statistics indicate a rapid increase in the tendency towards infertility in men of different ages. There are many causes of male infertility. At least 20% of the total number of men with infertility have a diagnosis of cryptozoospermia. In order to assess the likelihood of successful treatment and capacity to conceive, should be familiar with provoking factors and symptoms of the disease.

Fig.1 - A small number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate.

status characteristics

Kriptozoospermiya - reduction in the number of spermatozoa in the seminal liquid( see Figure 1..).Normal spermogram parameters correspond to 20 million spermatozoa in 1 ml of ejaculate. In cryptozoospermia, the number of germ cells decreases substantially, which entails difficulties in conception.

At the initial stages of development of pathology, a man has a partial ability to conceive a child. During the development of the disease, the number of sex cells decreases to a critical level, which does not allow fertilization of the egg.

About 5% of men with cryptozoospermia have organic lesions of reproductive system organs. This circumstance does not allow for a successful infertility therapy. For such men auxiliary methods of fertilization are shown, such as IVF and ICSI.

reasons

The decrease in male fertility is influenced by various factors, including heredity, bad habits and anatomical features of the structure of the reproductive system. The list of factors that potentially have a negative impact on the quantity and quality of semen, includes such items:

• emotional overload, stress and depression in men. A similar phenomenon is widespread among young men who have recently been sexually active. Regular experiences associated with the risk of unintended pregnancy, is one of the reasons for the formation kriptozoospermii in adolescence;
• Maintaining an incorrect lifestyle. Hypodinamy, the use of alcohol and tobacco, irregular and unhealthy food, entails negative changes in the qualitative composition of the seminal fluid;
• Infectious-inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system, sexually transmitted diseases. Such diseases include chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV infection and syphilis;
• Admission of certain groups of drugs that have a negative effect on the condition of the organs of the reproductive system of men;
• Organic and Functional Diseases of Testes. These diseases can carry both inflammatory and non-inflammatory character, flowing in a chronic and acute form;
• Traumatic injuries of the vulva;
• Prostatic hyperplasia;
• Radiation load on the body.

Each of the listed reasons is amenable to correction, provided that the medical advice is promptly applied. To the list of irreversible factors leading to the formation of cryptozoospermia include:

• Congenital malformations of the urino-genital organs( absence of the vas deferens, cryptorchidism);
• Hereditary and genetic predisposition.

Diagnostics

External symptoms. This pathological condition does not have a characteristic clinical picture, so many men learn about the pathology in the late stages of its development. The only complaint of such patients is a prolonged inability to conceive a child. Cryptozoospermia is not characterized by a decrease in sexual desire and erectile function. It is possible to make sure that the quantitative and qualitative composition of the semen is changed only through laboratory analysis.

Laboratory research. This pathological condition can only be diagnosed in a laboratory. To this end, a man is recommended to undergo a study called spermogram. Spermogramme involves an analysis of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the seminal fluid. In order for the study to show a reliable result, it must be done 2 or 3 times. Preliminary preparation for the spermogram includes the following items:

• Abstinence from alcohol and tobacco smoking 3-4 days before the expected day of ejaculation;
• In case of taking any medications, you should inform the doctor evaluating the spermogram;
• Abstinence from intimacy within 2-3 days before the surrender of the ejaculate. Some medical professionals recommend longer sexual abstinence;
• Refusal within 3-4 days from visiting the solarium, sauna, bath, taking a hot bath. Also, it is necessary to refrain from excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays on the body. Overheating of the testicles leads to a decrease in the number of spermatozoa in the seminal fluid.

. See "How to prepare for spermogram delivery".

As additional research methods aimed at detecting chronic diseases of the genitourinary system, we can refer:

• general clinical and biochemical blood test;
• general urinalysis;
• ultrasound diagnosis of the kidneys, scrotum, bladder and prostate.

In rare cases, a testicular biopsy is recommended to a man under the supervision of an ultrasound transducer. This procedure allows a detailed analysis of the seminal fluid. The material for histological examination is taken under local anesthesia.

Treatment of

Lifestyle. First of all, it is recommended to stop using alcohol and tobacco. To combat hypodynamia, walks in the fresh air, swimming, cycling, gymnastics, morning exercises are useful. Another important link is food.

Power. A man's diet should contain enough vitamins, necessary for conception, trace elements, proteins and simple carbohydrates. During the period of therapy, it is necessary to refuse the use of spicy foods, spices, coffee, fatty and fried foods.

Antibiotics. If the cause of the decrease in the number of germ cells in the semen was infectious diseases, the man is recommended a course of antibacterial therapy, after which a control spermogram is done.

Surgery. If the cause of cryptozoospermia are congenital malformations of the reproductive system organs and other organic pathologies, surgical intervention will help to improve the quality of sperm.

Cryptozoospermia, pregnancy and IVF

Chances of conception. With cryptozoospermia, the chances of a natural conception of a child are only in the initial stage of the disease, and provided that the treatment is started in a timely manner. In neglected situations, the male body stops producing enough sperm required for the fertilization of the egg.

The possibility of IVF. If an in-vitro fertilization is recommended for a married couple, then with cryptozoospermia the probability of a positive result from this procedure is no more than 40%.In neglected situations, the method of choice becomes ICSI fertilization, implying the extraction of one or two spermatozoa, followed by their introduction into a female egg.

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