This patient attended our clinic for a Semen Analysis after having a test with the NHS which picked up simple Teratozoospermia – abnormal morphology.

Our findings showed both Oligoteratozoospermia and Globozoospermia – low concentration and poor morphology with a specific structural defect effecting the acrosomal development of the sperm head.

Around 80% of his sperm were completely missing the acrosome, and therefore appeared round. As the acrosome is essential for sperm binding to the zonapellucida (shell) of the human oocyte, natural conception will be almost impossible, and they will need IVF to create embryos and attempt pregnancy.

Causes of Globozoospermia could be genetic mutation of the DPY19L2 gene (70% incidence) or less commonly, mutations in SSFA2 or SPATA16.