Low Motility (asthenozoospermia)

Low sperm motility (called asthenozoospermia or astenospermia in medical terms) occurs when the sperm moves slowly or sluggishly. To be considered “healthy” and able to move to fertilize a woman’s egg, sperm needs to have a forward motility of at least 25 micrometers per second (25 mm/s).[1] This is diagnosed if 32% or less of motile sperm is moving progressively.[2] When a man has a 0% motility, this is called complete asthenozoospermia. This condition can be diagnosed by sperm analysis (SA) – a simple test that tests sperm after ejaculation.

Causes and Supplements for Low Motility

While many cases of low motility have no explanation, testicle damage can impact the sperm. Reasons such as infection, cancer, surgery or injury may play a role, as does drug or anabolic steroid use.

Maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough exercise, and limiting or stopping alcohol and cigarette intake may help improve motility.[3]

Additionally, taking supplements of selenium and Vitamin E showed a large increase in sperm motility in one study.[4] However, another study found that treatment with high-dose Vitamin C and E had no effect on sperm outcomes.[5] It is important to speak to your doctor before beginning any vitamin regiment.

Treatment for Low Motility

If lifestyle changes, vitamins or other methods haven’t worked, other fertility treatments are available to use:

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) – for those with only slightly low motility, IUI may be of benefit. In this procedure, sperm is washed to only “good” sperm remain, then the washed sperm is placed back into a woman for conception. For more information on IUI, please visit the IUI section in the menu above.

In vitro fertilization (IVF) – For those with low or severely low motility, IVF is an option. In this procedure, a woman’s eggs are extracted and fertilized (either naturally or with intracytoplasmic injection (ICSI)). After 3 or 5 days of incubation, the surviving embryos are placed back inside the woman in hopes of conception. It is important to note that bad results have been seen with IVF in men with extremely low or complete asthenozoospermia.[6] Discussing with your doctor will be the best course of action. For more information on IVF, please visit the IVF page in the menu above.

Donor sperm – In extreme cases, your doctor may suggest using donor sperm instead. This decision may be difficult for some. It is important to weigh all options and make sure to be emotionally okay with it. For more information on donor sperm, please visit the Donor page in the menu above.

[1] Kumar, Naina, and Amit Kant Singh. 2015. “Trends of Male Factor Infertility, an Important Cause of Infertility: A Review of Literature.” Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences 8 (4). Medknow Publications and Media Pvt. Ltd.: 191–96. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-1208.170370.

[2] Ka-Wai Lam, Kevin, Raymond Hang-Wun Li, Ernest Hung-Yu Ng, Pak-Chung Ho, and William Shu-Biu Yeung. 2016. “Semen Analysis – What a Clinician Should Know.” Continuing Medical Education. http://www.mims-cpd.co.id/Portals/0/Semen Analysis-What a Clinican Should know.pdf.

[3] Barrell, Amanda, Murrell, Daniel MD. 2017. “How Does Sperm Motility Affect Fertility?” Medical News Today. 2017. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320160.php.

[4] Moslemi, Mohammad K, and Samaneh Tavanbakhsh. 2011. “Selenium-Vitamin E Supplementation in Infertile Men: Effects on Semen Parameters and Pregnancy Rate.” International Journal of General Medicine 4 (January). Dove Press: 99–104. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S16275.

[5] Rolf, C., T.G. Cooper, C.H. Yeung, and E. Nieschlag. 1999. “Antioxidant Treatment of Patients with Asthenozoospermia or Moderate Oligoasthenozoospermia with High-Dose Vitamin C and Vitamin E: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study.” Human Reproduction 14 (4). Oxford University Press: 1028–33. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/14.4.1028.

[6] Ortega, C., G. Verheyen, D. Raick, M. Camus, P. Devroey, and H. Tournaye. 2011. “Absolute Asthenozoospermia and ICSI: What Are the Options?” Human Reproduction Update 17 (5). Oxford University Press: 684–92. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmr018.