When it comes to fertility, one of the most important factors to consider is the health of sperm. However, not all sperm are created equal. When a scientist looks down the microscope at a sperm sample they can assess the individual sperm cells. Some sperm have a normal shape and others will have an abnormal shape. Understanding the differences between the two can be crucial in determining the likelihood of conception and the overall health of the sperm.
Normal Sperm
Normal sperm, also known as morphologically normal sperm, are sperm that are the right shape and size. They have a round head and a long tail and are able to swim in a straight line. In addition, normal sperm should make up at least 4% of all sperm present in a sample. This is known as normal sperm morphology.
Abnormal Sperm
Abnormal sperm, on the other hand, are sperm that deviate in shape and size from the norm. They may have a misshapen head or a crooked tail, and may not be able to swim in a straight line. Abnormal sperm can also be found in high numbers, making up a significant percentage of all sperm present in a sample.
It is important to remember that there is no significant correlation between the shape of a sperm (normal/abnormal) and the health of the DNA inside the sperm head. Abnormally shaped sperm can have significant problems with swimming and movement making it less likely for them to reach the egg.
Factors that can affect sperm health
There are a number of factors that can affect the health of sperm, including genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Some common causes of abnormal sperm include:
- Varicocele: A varicocele is a condition where the veins in the testicles become enlarged, which can cause an increase in temperature and lead to abnormal sperm.
- Environmental toxins: Exposure to toxins such as pesticides, heavy metals, and radiation can negatively affect sperm.
- Lifestyle choices: factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle can negatively impact sperm health.
Testing for abnormal sperm
If you are trying to conceive and experiencing difficulty, your doctor will recommend a semen analysis. A semen analysis will check for the quantity, quality and motility of sperm. The results of this analysis will determine if there are any issues with the sperm and if there are, this could indicate a potential problem with fertility.
Treatment for abnormal sperm
If excessive levels of abnormal sperm are detected, there are a number of treatment options available. Depending on the cause of the abnormal sperm, treatment may include:
- Surgery: In cases where a varicocele is causing abnormal sperm, surgery to repair the veins may be recommended.
- Lifestyle changes: Making changes to lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, and increasing physical activity can improve sperm health.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): If the cause of abnormal sperm cannot be corrected, couples may consider ART such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) to achieve pregnancy.
- Further Sperm tests such as a Sperm DNA Fragmentation test will be recommended by your doctor.
Understanding the differences between normal and abnormal sperm is important in determining the overall health of sperm and the likelihood of conception. If you're experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, it's a good idea to speak with your doctor and consider a semen analysis to determine if there are any issues with your sperm. With the right diagnosis and treatment, many couples are able to achieve pregnancy despite abnormal sperm.
