Teratozoospermia | Meaning , Causes & Treatment | Male Infertility Solutions

Teratozoospermia is a condition in which a man has a high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm. This can affect fertility by making it difficult for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg. It's often discovered during a semen analysis done as part of a male infertility evaluation.
It's commonly discovered during a semen analysis while evaluating male infertility. It may occur alone or alongside other sperm disorders such as:

• Oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia (OAT) – low count, poor motility, and abnormal shape

• Astheno-teratozoospermia – poor motility and abnormal shape

If you're dealing with Teratozoospermia, don’t lose hope. Whether you need IVF with ICSI or are exploring options like surrogacy, we’re here to help. Get clear insights on the Surrogacy Cost in Bangalore and the overall Surrogacy Cost in India with affordable, transparent packages.

 

Teratozoospermia Meaning

Teratozoospermia (also called teratospermia) literally means “abnormal sperm shape.”  As per WHO guidelines, teratozoospermia is diagnosed when less than 4% of sperm in a semen sample have normal morphology (shape).
The shape of sperm—especially the head—is vital for successful fertilization. Poor morphology reduces the chances of the sperm penetrating the egg.
 

Teratozoospermia Symptoms

Teratozoospermia symptoms are often silent, Most men with teratozoospermia don’t experience any obvious symptoms. The semen looks normal, and sexual function is unaffected. They don't experience pain or discomfort. It’s usually diagnosed when a couple faces trouble conceiving.
A semen analysis is used to check sperm count, movement, and shape. If fewer than 4% of sperm have a normal shape, it falls below the teratozoospermia normal range, indicating poor morphology.
In cases of severe teratozoospermia, the percentage of normal-shaped sperm may be extremely low or even zero. This can significantly reduce the chances of natural conception, often requiring assisted reproductive technologies like ICSI.

Teratozoospermia Causes

Several factors may cause or contribute to teratozoospermia:

• Genetic abnormalities

• Infections of the reproductive tract

• Smoking, alcohol, and drug use

• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)

• Exposure to radiation or toxic chemicals

• Obesity and poor lifestyle habits

• High fever or prolonged heat exposure to testes

Teratozoospermia Treatment

Fortunately, there are several approaches to teratozoospermia treatment, depending on severity and accompanying conditions:

1. Lifestyle Changes

   • Quit smoking and alcohol and drug use

   • Improve diet with antioxidants (include zinc, selenium, folic acid)

   • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight

2. Medical Treatment

   • Antibiotics for reproductive tract infections

   • Hormone therapy (if hormonal imbalance is present)

3. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)

   • IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): A single sperm is injected into an egg, bypassing natural selection hurdles

   • Donor sperm: Used in severe teratozoospermia when no viable sperm is found

 

Is Teratozoospermia Curable?

That depends on the cause:

• Reversible causes like infections or lifestyle factors often improve with treatment.

• Genetic or structural abnormalities may not be reversible but can still achieve pregnancy via ART like ICSI.

 

Getting Pregnant with Teratozoospermia

Yes, Getting pregnant with teratozoospermia is possible, especially with ART. The teratozoospermia pregnancy rate can vary based on severity and additional conditions like astheno-teratozoospermia.

• Mild cases: May conceive naturally with lifestyle adjustments

• Moderate to severe cases: Often require IVF or ICSI

Early testing is essential if pregnancy doesn’t occur after months of trying, as proper diagnosis helps guide the best treatment.
 

If abnormal sperm shape is affecting your chances of conception, it's time to get expert advice. Chat with our fertility specialist on WhatsApp Get guidance on treatment options, all from the comfort of your home.

Other Common Sperm Morphology Disorders

Oligo-Astheno-Teratozoospermia (OAT)

This is one of the most severe forms of male infertility. It include:

• Oligozoospermia – low sperm count

• Asthenozoospermia – reduced sperm motility (movement)

• Teratozoospermia – abnormal sperm morphology (shape)

Oligo-Astheno-Teratozoospermia treatment:

• Lifestyle Changes: Diet improvement, avoiding alcohol/smoking, stress reduction

• Medical Management: Antioxidants, hormone therapy if needed

• Assisted Reproduction: IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)  is the most effective option in most cases

 

Astheno-Teratozoospermia

This condition involves both poor sperm motility and abnormal morphology. Unlike OAT, the sperm count may be normal, but the movement and shape issues still make natural conception challenging.

Astheno-teratozoospermia treatment usually includes:

• Diet & Supplements: Zinc, Vitamin E, CoQ10 for sperm health

• Medications: Treating underlying infections or hormonal imbalance

• ICSI: Bypasses natural fertilization barriers using direct sperm injection

Conclusion:

Teratozoospermia can be a hurdle, but it’s not the end of the road. Early diagnosis, expert intervention, and the right fertility treatment can help you build the family you’ve always dreamed of.
Ready to take control of your fertility? Contact a Specialist Today
 

Source

https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240030787
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38481866/
 
 

Teratozoospermia FAQs

Q1. What is teratozoospermia normal range?

A healthy semen sample should have at least 4% normally shaped sperm.

Q2. Can teratozoospermia be cured naturally?

Mild cases may improve with diet, supplements, and avoiding toxins.

Q3. Does teratozoospermia affect IVF success?

It may reduce success in standard IVF but can be overcome using ICSI.

Q4. Is astheno-teratozoospermia treatable?

Yes, through lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and ART like ICSI.

Q5. What is the best treatment for oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia?

ICSI is often recommended. A fertility doctor will customize the plan.

Q6. How common is pregnancy with teratozoospermia?

With treatment like ICSI, pregnancy is possible even in severe cases.