teratozoospermia
Pronunciation: ter-ah-toe-ZOE-oh-spur-mee-ah
Condition characterized by a high percentage of morphologically abnormal sperm in semen analysis.
Full Definition
Teratozoospermia is a male fertility disorder defined by the presence of abnormally shaped sperm above established threshold values, typically affecting head, midpiece, or tail morphology. According to WHO criteria, normal morphology should exceed 4% using strict Kruger criteria or 14% using WHO guidelines. Morphological defects can include enlarged or small heads, multiple heads, bent necks, coiled tails, or cytoplasmic droplets. This condition may be associated with genetic factors, environmental exposures, infections, or varicoceles. In reproductive endocrinology practice, severe teratozoospermia often indicates the need for intracytoplasmic sperm injection rather than conventional IVF.
Usage
Usage note: Often part of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OAT) syndrome
In Context
- "Semen analysis revealed severe teratozoospermia with only 1% normal forms." — Laboratory report
- "ICSI was recommended due to the presence of teratozoospermia and previous IVF failure." — Treatment recommendation