Many men worry about their sperm count or quality because they believe these numbers affect fertility. Is this true?
What is Sperm Morphology?
Sperm morphology refers to the shape of a man’s sperm, which can be round or oval-shaped, long or short, thin or thick, and so on. The more abnormal the sperm, the less likely it is to fertilize. It means that if your sperm are abnormally shaped, it could decrease your fertility.
The World Health Organization defines normal sperm morphology as having at least 4% typical forms. This number has remained relatively stable over time, although some studies suggest that it may be declining.
Some researchers argue that sperm count matters, especially when it comes to male infertility. They say that sperm counts below 20 million per millilitre are associated with low fertility rates. However, other experts disagree. They claim that sperm count alone isn’t enough to predict fertility.
What’s more important is the overall health of a man’s semen. Semen should look clear and white, not yellowish or brownish. There shouldn’t be any blood in it. If there is, your doctor will need to check for an infection.
Normal sperm morphology varies from one person to another. Some people have very few abnormal sperm cells, others have many.
Sperm morphology’s effects on fertility:
If you have a lot of abnormal sperm, it can make it harder for them to swim through the cervix and uterus. It increases the chances that they will not reach the fallopian tubes.
It also increases the chance that they’ll attach themselves to the wall of the vagina instead of swimming into the cervical mucus. It makes it less likely that they’ll get past the cervix and into the uterus.
How can I know if my sperm is abnormal?
Your doctor will use a microscope to examine your ejaculate under a high magnification lens. They will count how many sperm cells there are and determine whether they’re standard or abnormal.
Your doctor may also perform a test called a “semen analysis.” They take a sample of your ejaculate in this test and put it in a particular container. Then, using a microscope, the doctor looks at the sperm cells under a higher magnification lens.
They can tell if your sperm is healthy by looking at the size and shape of each cell. A sperm cell should be large and round.
Does Sperm Count Matter?
Yes! Men who produce fewer than 20 million sperm per millilitre of semen are considered infertile. However, most men don’t have problems producing enough sperm. Most men produce between 40 million and 80 million sperm per millilitre.
Men whose sperm count falls below 20 million per millilitre are usually told to see a urologist. Urologists specialize in treating conditions related to the reproductive system.
They may recommend tests such as a semen analysis to determine why the sperm aren’t making it to the fallopian tube.
Does Sperm Size Matter?
The size of a man’s sperm does not matter at all regarding fertility. However, it can play a role in determining whether he gets pregnant. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that men who had giant sperm were more likely to get pregnant than those whose sperm were smaller.
It makes sense.
Think about it: Bigger is better when you’re trying to create life. Big sperm swim faster and move farther through the female reproductive tract. So, when you want to increase your chances of becoming pregnant, make sure your sperm is big!
Are There Any Other Factors That Can Decrease My Fertility?
There are several factors besides sperm morphology that can contribute to decreased fertility. These include:
Age: As we age, our body produces less testosterone, which helps sperm develop.
Hormonal changes: Hormones produced during pregnancy can affect a woman’s ability to become pregnant.
Pregnancy: Pregnant women often experience hormonal changes that can decrease their chances of becoming pregnant.
Infection: Infections can cause inflammation of the genital tract. Inflammation can block sperm from reaching the fallopian tubes. It can lead to infertility.
Problems with sexual intercourse: Sexual intercourse can prevent sperm from reaching the fallopian tubes. It can result in infertility.
Why might my sperm be misshapen?
There are several reasons why a man’s semen could be misshapen. One reason is that his body isn’t producing enough testosterone. Testosterone helps build muscle and maintain bone density. It also plays a crucial role in male sexual development.
Another possible reason is that he has low levels of zinc. Zinc is needed for sperm production.
A third possibility is that he has a medical condition known as varicocele. Varicose veins develop in the scrotum because blood flow is blocked. It causes swelling and pain in the area.
If you think you have a problem with your sperm or testicular health, go to Male Fertility Clinic and talk to your doctor. He will help determine what kind of treatment would work best for you.
