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oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
Description
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a medical condition that affects male fertility, characterized by a combination of abnormalities in sperm count, motility, and morphology.
Key Features:
- Low Sperm Count: OAT is marked by a low number of sperm, also known as oligozoospermia. This can be defined as a sperm concentration less than 20 million/ml, with severe cases having fewer than 5 million/ml [4].
- Poor Motility: The condition is also associated with decreased sperm motility, making it difficult for the sperm to move effectively and reach the egg during fertilization.
- Structural Abnormalities: OAT is further characterized by structural abnormalities of the sperm head, which can affect its ability to penetrate the egg [6].
Symptoms:
- Infertility or inability to get a partner pregnant even after one year of trying
- Swelling on the scrotum
These symptoms are a result of the combination of low sperm count, poor motility, and structural abnormalities, making it challenging for men with OAT to conceive naturally.
References:
[4] - Oligozoospermia is defined as sperm concentration less than 20 million/ml and severe oligozoospermia is sperm concentration less than 5 million/ml. [6] - Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is characterized as low sperm count, decreased sperm motility and structural abnormalities of the sperm head in the same individual.
Additional Characteristics
- Low Sperm Count: OAT is marked by a low number of sperm
- Poor Motility: The condition is also associated with decreased sperm motility
- Structural Abnormalities: OAT is further characterized by structural abnormalities of the sperm head
Signs and Symptoms
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a complex male infertility disorder that affects sperm motility, morphology, and count. The symptoms of OAT can be subtle and may not always be immediately apparent.
Common Symptoms:
- Infertility or inability to get the partner pregnant even after one year of trying [5]
- Swelling on the scrotum [5]
- Low Sperm Count: Significantly low sperm count can be diagnosed through a semen analysis, revealing male infertility issues [12]
Other Possible Signs and Symptoms:
- Presence of a varicocele, a swelling of the veins within the scrotum, which can be associated with OAT [12]
- Lumps or signs of infection in the testicles (although these are not typical symptoms of OAT itself) [1]
It's essential to note that oligoasthenoteratozoospermia often doesn't present with noticeable symptoms on its own. A semen analysis is typically the cornerstone of diagnosing OAT, and it can reveal abnormalities in sperm count, motility, and morphology.
References:
[1] - Context result 1 [5] - Context result 5 [12] - Context result 12
Additional Symptoms
- Infertility or inability to get the partner pregnant even after one year of trying
- Swelling on the scrotum
- Low Sperm Count
- Presence of a varicocele, a swelling of the veins within the scrotum
- Lumps or signs of infection in the testicles
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnosing Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) typically involves a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory tests [3]. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used to diagnose OAT:
- Semen analysis: This is the main test used to check for low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape. The semen sample is tested to evaluate the amount of sperm in it, as well as their motility and morphology [7, 8].
- Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to find the cause of infertility or to get information about overall health. These tests can help identify hormonal imbalances or other underlying conditions that may be contributing to OAT [1, 5].
- Genetic tests: Genetic tests may be ordered to rule out any genetic abnormalities that could be causing OAT. However, these tests are abnormal in only 7-10% of men with the condition [6].
Other diagnostic tests may include:
- Physical examination to check for any underlying medical conditions
- Medical history review to identify any factors that may be contributing to OAT
It's worth noting that a comprehensive evaluation of semen samples obtained from the male partner is essential in diagnosing OAT [8
Additional Diagnostic Tests
- Blood tests
- Genetic tests
- Physical examination
- Semen analysis
- Medical history review
Treatment
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a condition characterized by low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. While there are various treatment options available for OAT, the focus here will be on drug treatments.
Medications for Infection
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to treat an underlying infection that could be contributing to OAT. Antibiotics or antifungals may be used to address bacterial or fungal infections (1).
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy may also be employed to treat hormonal imbalances that can affect sperm production and quality. This treatment approach is often considered when there are signs of hypogonadism or other endocrine disorders (2).
Antioxidant Supplements
Research has shown that antioxidant supplements, such as L-carnitine and L-acetyl carnitine, may be beneficial in improving sperm quality and count (3). These supplements can help reduce oxidative stress and improve sperm motility.
Other Medications
In some cases, medications like antiestrogens, antioxidants, hormones, and micronutrients have been tried to improve sperm quality. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is still being researched and may vary from person to person (4).
It's essential to note that while drug treatment can be beneficial for OAT, it should not be considered as a standalone solution. A comprehensive approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and other therapies, may be necessary to address the underlying causes of this condition.
References:
- [1] Medicines may be given to treat an infection.
- [2] Hormones may be used to treat a hormonal imbalance.
- [3] May 9, 2017 โ The main forms used in the treatment of male subfertility are L-carnitine (LC) and L-acetyl carnitine (LAC).
- [7] by M Trottmann ยท 2011 ยท Cited by 3 โ Administration of anti
Recommended Medications
- Hormonal therapy
- Antibiotics or antifungals for infection
- L-carnitine and L-acetyl carnitine (antioxidant supplements)
- Ancitestrogens, antioxidants, hormones, and micronutrients
๐ Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.
Differential Diagnosis
Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) is a condition characterized by low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology. When diagnosing OAT, it's essential to consider various factors that may contribute to this condition. Here are some possible differential diagnoses for oligoasthenoteratozoospermia:
- Idiopathic testicular abnormalities or disorders: Most cases of severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia are caused by idiopathic testicular abnormality or disorder, which means the exact cause is unknown (1).
- Genetic factors: Inherited genetic abnormalities can disrupt sperm development and function, leading to OAT (5).
- Hormonal imbalances: Hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone levels, can affect sperm production and quality (9).
- Lifestyle decisions: Certain lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to environmental toxins, can negatively impact sperm health (9).
- Medical disorders: Certain medical conditions, such as varicocele, hypogonadism, and Klinefelter syndrome, can contribute to OAT (9).
It's worth noting that a comprehensive diagnostic workup is necessary to determine the underlying cause of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia. This may involve a combination of medical history, physical examination, semen analysis, hormonal testing, and genetic evaluation.
References:
- [1] Most cases of severe oligoasthenoteratozoospermia are caused by idiopathic testicular abnormality or disorder.
- [5] Inherited genetic abnormalities can disrupt sperm development and function, leading to OAT.
- [9] Hormonal imbalances, lifestyle decisions, and
Additional Differential Diagnoses
- Genetic factors
- Idiopathic testicular abnormalities or disorders
- Hormonal imbalances
- Lifestyle decisions
- Medical disorders
Additional Information
- oboInOwl#hasOBONamespace
- disease_ontology
- oboInOwl#id
- DOID:0070311
- core#notation
- DOID:0070311
- IAO_0000115
- A form of male infertility that is characterized by a combination of low number or oligozoospermia, poor motility or asthenozoospermia, and abnormal shape or teratozoospermia of sperms. OAT is the most common cause of male subfertility.
- oboInOwl#hasExactSynonym
- oligoasthenoteratospermia
- rdf-schema#label
- oligoasthenoteratozoospermia
- rdf-schema#subClassOf
- http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/DOID_12336
- 22-rdf-syntax-ns#type
- http://www.w3.org/2002/07/owl#Class
- rdf-schema#domain
- https://w3id.org/def/predibionto#has_symptom_2183
- owl#annotatedSource
- t349497
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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.