Introduction
Infertility is considered as the inability of a couple to conceive. According to WHO, an estimated 1 in 6 couples worldwide experience some form of infertility. Even though both partners contribute to this process, male fertility plays a crucial role in conception. It is estimated that about 50% of couples get affected by infertility with a male factor being a primary or contributing cause.
Male infertility can reduce the chances of conception, leading to delayed conception or the need for assisted reproductive technology. It can also cause emotional stress and relationship strains. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, such as semen analysis, hormone testing, and lifestyle changes, many cases of male infertility can be addressed, and couples can increase their chances of conceiving.
Here we are going to discuss about male infertility due to low sperm count, poor sperm motility, or abnormal sperm morphology. These conditions impact a man’s ability to impregnate his partner naturally.
A low sperm count means that the semen contains fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter. This is also called oligospermia. Your sperm count is considered lower than the typical count, if it is 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen.
Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) refers to sperm that do not move efficiently, reducing the chances of fertilization. Here the sperm does not move properly through the reproductive tract to reach and fertilize an egg.
Abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) occurs when sperm have irregular shapes, which may hinder their ability to penetrate an egg.
The primary diagnostic tool used to evaluate sperm health is the semen analysis. This is conducted in a laboratory, where the quality and characteristics of a man’s semen is analyzed. Identifying these conditions early can help improve fertility outcomes with lifestyle changes, medication, and advanced reproductive treatments.
Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
What is Low Sperm Count?
A low sperm count is a condition where there is less sperm in the semen, the fluid released from penis. People affected by low sperm count contains fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter. This condition affects male fertility by reducing the chances of sperm reaching and fertilizing an egg. A low count of sperms does not mean conception is impossible, it says that chances of getting pregnant are low.
Causes of Low Sperm Count
Several factors can contribute to low sperm production, including:
- Hormonal imbalances: Low testosterone levels seen in males and increased estrogen can suppress sperm production.
- Lifestyle choices: Tobacco usage, frequent alcohol consumption, stress, and obesity can negatively impact the health of sperm.
- Medical conditions: Infections, and genetic disorders can impair sperm production. Varicocele (swelling of veins in the testicles) is also a major cause of Low Sperm Count
- Exposure to toxins: Prolonged and direct exposure to pesticides, heavy metals like lead, and radiation can reduce male fertility.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Many men with low sperm count experience no symptoms. The main symptom will be not able to start pregnancy. Some other signs include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and swelling in the testicles. This may indicate an underlying problem.
A semen analysis is the best way to determine sperm count, motility, and morphology. Other tests like hormone evaluations and scrotal ultrasound can also be done to identify the cause.
Treatment and Management
- Medical treatments:
Semen analysis: In this process a sample of your semen is collected and tested. Semen is checked under microscope to see how many sperms are present.
Other treatments like Hormone therapy, antibiotics for infections, or surgery for varicocele are also done in the initial stage of treatment.
- Lifestyle changes: To increase fertility in men, he needs to follow a balanced diet, regular exercise, and reduce alcohol and smoking.
- Supplements to boost sperm production: By getting prescription from the specialist, you can add supplements in your diet.
Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenozoospermia)
What is Poor Sperm Motility?
Sperm motility refers to the sperm’s ability to move efficiently. To fertilize an egg, a sperm needs to move. It moves in a swimming motion and goes through women’s cervix, uterus and fallopian tube. A normal motility rate is above 40%. If sperm are moving abnormally, reaching the destination and fertilizing the egg becomes difficult. This is referred to as Poor Sperm Motility.
If you are thinking What can men do to increase fertility? The answer is various lifestyle changes can be done to increase fertility in men. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and managing stress can all improve sperm quality and overall health. Male fertility treatment is another option to increase fertility.
Causes of Poor Sperm Motility
- Varicocele: This is a health condition in which veins get enlarged in the testicles, which leads to overheating, impairing sperm movement.
- Infections: Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and urinary tract infections can also damage sperm.
- Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, exposure to excessive heat (hot tubs, laptops), and smoking will affect motility.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Most men with poor sperm motility do not experience symptoms. The condition is usually diagnosed when couples face difficulty conceiving. However, the associated conditions of Asthenozoospermia are:
Trouble in conception
- Sexual dysfunction
- Decreased facial or body hair
- Hormonal imbalance
- Pain during ejaculation
- Decreased interest in sex
How to test male fertility?
- A semen analysis measures sperm movement and determines whether sperm are moving forward, sluggish, or immobile. A semen sample is collected and analyzed for sperm count, motility, and morphology. Computerized assistance will be provided for this diagnosis.
- Hormone tests: Blood tests are done to check hormone levels, including testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
- Genetic testing: Genetic testing may be done to check for any genetic disorders that may be contributing to oligospermia.
Treatment and Management
- Medications & Supplements: Proper medication and treatment can improve sperm motility in male.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, wearing loose underwear, and avoiding hot tubs and saunas can help in this.
- Advanced fertility treatments: IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) and IVF with ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) may be needed for conception.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI): This treatment is known as artificial insemination. In this procedure sperm is collected and washed. The fastest moving sperm are then found out, and inserted into the womb using a fine plastic tube.
- In vitro fertilization (IVF): During this treatment, the woman is given medication to encourage the production of eggs. Then egg is removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm in the laboratory. The resulting embryo is then returned to the womb to develop.
- Sperm donation: A person wanting to conceive may be able to receive a sperm donation from a donor for use in an IVF procedure.
Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratozoospermia)
What is Abnormal Sperm Morphology?
Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm. A normal sample of a fertile man should contain at least 4% of sperm with a healthy shape. Sperm with abnormal heads, tails, or other deformities are called Teratozoospermia, which prevents from successful fertilization.
A normal sperm will have the following characteristics:
- A smooth oval-shaped head with 5 to 6 micrometers in length, and 2.5 to 3.5 micrometers in width
- A distinctly-formed cap (acrosome) covering between 40-70% of the sperm head.
- No abnormality in the tail, midpiece or neck.
- The sperm head does not contain fluid droplets that are larger than half the size of the sperm head.
- Thus, we can say the sperm is in an Active motile range, which means a certain percentage of the sperm are moving actively and progressively.
Causes of Abnormal Sperm Morphology
- Genetic factors (Male factor): Certain inherited conditions affect sperm shape.
- Environmental and chemical exposure: Toxins such as pesticides, radiation, and heavy metals can lead to abnormal sperm morphology.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol, drug use, and poor diet contribute to poor sperm structure. Following a good lifestyle will Increase fertility in men
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Men with abnormal sperm morphology often have no symptoms.
How to test male fertility?
The condition is identified through a semen analysis, which examines the percentage of normally shaped sperm.
Treatment and Management
- Nutritional support: Consuming omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, C, and D, and antioxidants can improve sperm health. This is considered as the primary way to Increase motility
- Hormonal therapy: If hormonal imbalances are detected, medications may help restore normal sperm production.
- Assisted reproductive techniques: Poor morphology treatment includes IVF and ICSI, which are the best options for couples struggling with conception.
- IVF: This is a type of assisted reproductive technology (ART) that helps individuals or couples conceive. The process involves stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs, which are then fertilized with sperm in a laboratory. The resulting embryos are cultured for 3-5 days before being transferred into the woman’s uterus.
- ICSI: Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, is a specialized form of ART that involves injecting a single sperm into an egg. This process is typically used when there are severe male infertility issues, such as low sperm count or poor sperm motility.
How to Improve Overall Male Fertility Naturally
Improving male fertility involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits. If you have a doubt on What can men do to increase fertility, here’s your answer:
- Eat a balanced diet: Add fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.
- Exercise regularly: Do regular exercise or physical activities to maintain healthy testosterone levels and reduces stress.
- Reduce stress: High cortisol levels can negatively affect sperm health. Try meditation, yoga, or counseling to manage work stress.
- Avoid excessive heat exposure: Hot tubs, saunas, and placing laptops on laps for extended periods can impact sperm motility. Avoid all these kinds of heat exposure
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Both reduce sperm production and increase abnormal sperm formation.
Conclusion
Male infertility due to low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology is common but manageable. Lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and assisted reproductive techniques can significantly increase fertility in men. If you are facing fertility challenges, consult Curves and Kicks for a personalized treatment plan.
FAQs
What is the best way to increase sperm count naturally?
Eating a healthy diet, exercising, avoiding stress, and taking fertility-boosting supplements like zinc, folic acid, and vitamin C can help.
Can poor sperm motility be treated?
Yes. Supplements and lifestyle modifications, can improve motility.
What is the normal sperm morphology range?
According to Kruger’s strict criteria, at least 4% of sperm should be normally shaped.
How does lifestyle impact male fertility?
Unhealthy habits such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise negatively affect sperm health, count, and motility.
Can men with low sperm count conceive naturally?
Yes, but it may take longer. In some cases, fertility treatments like IVF and ICSI may be necessary.