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What does teratozoospermia actually mean?

By Andrea Abbad B.Sc., M.Sc. (embryologist).
Last Update: 04/26/2017

The diagnosis of teratozoospermia means that the morphology of spermatozoa is altered and, for example, the head or the tail has an abnormal shape. Spermatozoa with an altered morphology cannot swim properly, which hinders their arrival to the Fallopian tube, where fertilization takes place. In case an abnormal spermatozoon reached the oocyte, it would not be able to fertilize it properly. Commonly, abnormal spermatozoa carry chromosomic abnormalities that, in case of fertilization, might lead into an altered embryo that will not implant into the uterus or lead to an early miscarriage. For these reasons, it can be difficult for a man to conceive naturally with teratozoospermia.

The good news is that abnormal spermatozoa can be removed from the sperm sample in the lab when it is prepared for an assisted reproduction technique. In any case, your doctor will evaluate all your fertility tests and decide which is the best option based on the severity of teratozoospermia. If the rest of the seminal parameters are normal, you will be able to use any technique.

 Andrea Abbad
Andrea Abbad
B.Sc., M.Sc.
Embryologist
Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). Master's Degree in Biology of Reproduction and Human Assisted Reproduction Techniques from the Institut Universitari Dexeus. Experience as an embryologist and fertility counselor.
Embryologist. Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). Master's Degree in Biology of Reproduction and Human Assisted Reproduction Techniques from the Institut Universitari Dexeus. Experience as an embryologist and fertility counselor.