Teratozoospermia: Can Bad Sperm Shape Affect Fertility?

Teratozoospermia describes the abnormal morphology of sperm, affecting their form and structure. According to WHO standards, a semen sample is considered to have teratozoospermia when fewer than 4% of sperms are normally formed. The defective sperms may have abnormalities in the head, midpiece, or tail, impairing their ability to fertilize an egg.

Teratozoospermia typically has no distinct symptoms, and many men are unaware until fertility testing. Potential causes include:

• Hormonal imbalances (particularly testosterone)

• Varicocele (enlarged testicular veins)

• Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism)

• Infections affecting the reproductive tract

• Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, drug use, heat exposure)

While teratozoospermia doesn't prevent pregnancy entirely, it reduces natural conception chances. Abnormal sperm often can't swim effectively, attach to, or penetrate the egg. However, many couples with this condition can still conceive with assisted reproductive technologies.

• Medical Therapy - Hormonal treatments can address imbalances

• Surgical Options - Varicocele repair may improve sperm quality

• IUI - Intrauterine insemination for mild cases

• IVF with ICSI - The most effective treatment, where a single healthy sperm is selected and injected directly into an egg

• Lifestyle Changes - Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, avoiding heat exposure

IVF with ICSI offers promising results for teratozoospermia, especially when other sperm parameters (motility, count) are acceptable. Careful sperm selection improves fertilization rates and embryo quality. Success depends on:

• Percentage of normal sperm

• Overall sperm health

• Female partner's reproductive health

• Clinic expertise and laboratory quality

Teratozoospermia doesn't mean you can't become a parent. With modern assisted reproductive technologies like IVF and ICSI, many couples successfully achieve pregnancy despite sperm morphology issues. If you're struggling to conceive, consult with fertility specialists at Vriksh Fertility for personalized guidance.