What is oligoasthenoteratozoospermia ( OATS)? An In-depth Guide
What is Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OATS)?
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia is a medical condition that affects the male reproductive system and causes male infertility. It combines three separate sperm abnormalities. Those are oligozoospermia (low sperm count), asthenozoospermia (poor sperm motility), and teratozoospermia (abnormal sperm shape).
Since sperm health is crucial for a pregnancy, any of these issues can reduce fertility chances. When all three problems occur together, doctors diagnose oligo astheno terato zoospermia or OATS. Essentially, the term oligo astheno teratozoospermia means “few, weak, and abnormally shaped sperm”. This condition significantly hinders natural conception.
What are the Symptoms of Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OATS)?
People with OATS may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- The primary symptom is difficulty conceiving after one year of regular unprotected intercourse.
- Some men may experience reduced sexual desire or performance issues.
- Hormonal imbalances can cause mood changes or fatigue.
- Physical signs may include enlarged veins in the scrotum, known as varicoceles.
- Some men notice noticeable changes in ejaculate volume or consistency.
- Pain or swelling in the testicular area may occur in some instances.
What Causes Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OATS)?
The oligoasthenoteratozoospermia causes are varied and often interconnected. Some of them are listed below:
- Genetic factors: These play a significant role in sperm production problems. This is because gene mutations can affect the body’s ability to create healthy sperm cells. Men with chromosome abnormalities or gene mutations may develop severe oligo astheno teratozoospermia from birth.
- Infections: Infections of the reproductive tract can damage the cells that produce sperm. They can reduce the overall sperm health. Additionally, hormonal disorders, such as those affecting testosterone, can disrupt normal sperm development.
- Environmental factors: The exposure to heavy metals and chemicals can harm sperm at a cellular level. These toxins create oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when harmful molecules called free radicals accumulate in the body. These molecules can damage sperm cells and reduce their quality.
- Lifestyle factors: Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use significantly impact sperm quality. Additionally, being overweight and eating an unhealthy diet can lead to oxidative stress. Moreover, certain medications can temporarily or permanently affect sperm. These are chemotherapy drugs and some antibiotics. Heat exposure from hot baths or saunas can also impair sperm production. Age also plays a role, as sperm quality naturally declines after age 40.
- Body and Mind Factors: Stress and lack of sleep may affect hormone levels that regulate sperm development. This, combined with physical issues like varicoceles, can further reduce sperm quality by raising scrotal temperature.
How is Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia Diagnosed?
These methods help the oligoasthenoteratozoospermia diagnosis process:
- The doctor starts with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination. They ask about fertility history and any previous pregnancies.
- The examination checks the reproductive organs for any physical abnormalities. Doctors also look for signs of infection or structural problems during the exam.
- Semen analysis is the primary diagnostic tool for identifying OATS. This test involves collecting a semen sample after 2–5 days of abstinence. Abstinence here means avoiding ejaculation for a few days. Laboratory specialists then examine the sample for sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology. Sometimes, multiple semen tests are necessary, as sperm quality can fluctuate over time.
- Blood tests measure important hormone levels, including testosterone (male sex hormone). These tests also check follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels. Both of these are sex hormones that control male fertility and sperm production.
- Genetic testing is especially useful when OATS is severe or occurs in younger men. These tests can identify chromosome abnormalities that affect sperm production and fertility. They can also detect specific gene mutations that impact fertility.
- Imaging studies, such as a scrotal ultrasound, help detect varicoceles. Ultrasound can also reveal other structural issues in the reproductive system.
- An anti-sperm antibody test checks if the immune system is attacking sperm.
What are the Treatment Options for Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia?
Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. The choice of treatment also depends on individual factors and the couple’s preferences. Some of the Oligo astheno teratozoospermia treatments are listed below:
- Surgery is performed to repair varicoceles; it can improve sperm quality in many men. This surgery reduces scrotal temperature and improves blood flow to the testicles.
- Hormone therapy may help men with confirmed hormonal deficiencies. However, testosterone replacement is generally avoided as, it can worsen sperm production.
- Medicines and supplements may also be used. This includes clomiphene citrate, which can stimulate the body’s natural production of testosterone. Antioxidant vitamins, such as C and E, are recommended to improve sperm quality. Minerals such as zinc and folate help reduce oxidative stress that damages sperm. Additionally, antibiotics may be prescribed if bacterial infections contribute to poor sperm quality. Some men benefit from medications that improve sperm motility. Additionally, anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce inflammation in the reproductive tract.
- Assisted reproductive technologies have become necessary for many couples with OATS. For instance, Intrauterine insemination uses processed sperm to increase conception chances. Alternatively, in vitro fertilization is often recommended for more severe cases. Among these, Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the most effective treatment for severe OATS. ICSI treatment involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg.
Lifestyle Changes and Their Impact on OATS
These are some lifestyle changes that can potentially reduce the effects of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia OATS:
- Maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise. This helps optimise hormone levels and reduce oxidative stress that can affect sperm development.
- Quit smoking because tobacco use directly damages sperm DNA and reduces sperm motility.
- Limit alcohol consumption to moderate levels. Excessive drinking can disrupt the hormone balance needed for healthy sperm production.
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants, like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish. These foods provide essential nutrients for sperm development.
- Try to drink enough water to stay hydrated to support overall reproductive health.
- Getting adequate sleep is crucial for maintaining healthy testosterone levels.
When Should I Contact My Healthcare Provider?
Contact your healthcare provider if you have been trying to conceive for one year without success. Seek medical attention sooner if you are over 35 years old. Additionally, if you have known risk factors for fertility problems, you should reach out earlier for evaluation.
Conclusion
Although oligoasthenoteratozoospermia can be challenging, it does not mean the end of hope for parenthood. Medical research continues to bring breakthroughs in treating complex fertility issues like OATS. There are many effective options, from medical treatments to advanced reproductive technologies. If you are considering IVF, Archish Fertility and IVF offers comprehensive evaluations. We also provide personalised care to help couples choose the right path.
FAQs
No. OATS affects sperm quality, not sexual pleasure or performance. Some men may even notice reduced desire or performance issues.
There is no single food that can cure OATS. However, antioxidant-rich foods like berries, nuts, fish, and leafy greens may help improve sperm quality over time.
The main sign is difficulty conceiving after a year of unprotected sex. Some men may have low sex drive, mood changes, or varicoceles.
Doctors use semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology. Blood tests for hormones and, sometimes, genetic testing are also performed.
Yes, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and reducing stress can all help. These changes take approximately 3 months to affect sperm quality.
Treatment includes surgery for varicoceles, hormone therapy, supplements, and fertility treatments. IVF with ICSI is often the most effective option for severe cases.
Yes, OATS is treatable through various methods. Success depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition.
Work with a fertility specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Combine medical treatments with healthy lifestyle changes for the best results.
Yes, pregnancy is possible with OATS. Many couples succeed through treatments like IVF or ICSI. Additionally, lifestyle improvements can also aid in natural conception.
Common causes of oligoasthenozoospermia include genetic factors, infections, hormonal imbalances, and lifestyle factors. Varicoceles and exposure to toxins can also contribute to this condition.