Asthenospermia means: September 2005
**Core Concept**
Asthenospermia refers to a type of male infertility characterized by the presence of weak or low motility sperm in the semen. This condition is often associated with difficulties in achieving a successful pregnancy due to the impaired sperm function.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Asthenospermia is typically diagnosed using semen analysis, which reveals reduced sperm motility and increased immobility of sperm. The underlying cause of asthenospermia can be multifactorial, including infections, varicocele, or exposure to toxins. The treatment often involves addressing the underlying cause, using medications to improve sperm motility, or in severe cases, assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as asthenospermia specifically refers to low sperm motility, not the absence of sperm in the semen.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as asthenospermia is a specific type of male infertility, not a general term for all male fertility issues.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect as asthenospermia is a condition affecting sperm motility, not sperm count or morphology.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A mnemonic to remember the types of male infertility is "SCROTUM": Sperm Count, Sperm Morphology, Sperm Motility, Obstruction, Retrograde Ejaculation, Testicular Failure, Undescended Testes, and Miscellaneous (including infections and varicocele).
**Correct Answer: B. Asthenospermia is a type of male infertility characterized by low sperm motility.**