Does sperm motility matters during Fertilization in Humans
Sperm motility is an important factor in human fertilization, as it determines how well the sperm can swim through the female reproductive tract and reach the egg.
Low sperm motility can reduce the chances of conception and cause infertility. In this article, we will discuss what sperm motility is, what causes it, how it is tested, and how it can be improved.
We will also introduce some of the top fertility clinics in Guntur, namely Birth Help IVF center that can help couples with sperm motility issues.
What is sperm motility?
Sperm motility describes the ability of sperm to move properly through the female reproductive tract (internal fertilization) or through water (external fertilization) to reach the egg.
Sperm motility can also be thought of as the quality of the sperm, which is a factor in successful conception; sperm that do not “swim” properly will not reach the egg in order to fertilize it.
Sperm motility is influenced by several factors, such as the shape of the sperm, the structure of the tail, the energy supply from the mitochondria, the pH and viscosity of the fluid medium, and the presence of chemical signals from the egg.
There are different types of sperm motility issues, including:
- slow or sluggish progressive motility
- non-progressive motility, which is defined as anything less than 5 micrometers per second
- no mobility
Healthy sperm motility is defined as sperm with forward progressions of at least 25 micrometers per second. If a man has poor sperm mobility, it is called asthenospermia or asthenozoospermia.
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What causes low sperm motility?
The exact cause for low sperm motility can vary. Some men may have a genetic cause, while others may have an undiagnosed medical condition. Lifestyle and environmental factors also play a big role in sperm motility.
Some of the common causes of low sperm motility are:
- Smoking, which has been linked to decreased sperm motility, especially if the man smokes more than 10 cigarettes per day.
- Alcohol consumption, which can impair sperm production and quality.
- Obesity, which can affect hormone levels and increase the risk of varicocele, a condition where the veins inside the scrotum become enlarged and affect sperm motility.
- Stress, which can interfere with the hormonal balance and reduce sperm count and motility.
- Exposure to heat, radiation, chemicals, or infections, which can damage the sperm DNA and impair sperm function.
- Medications, such as antibiotics, antidepressants, steroids, or anti-inflammatory drugs, which can affect sperm production and quality.
- Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone, thyroid disorders, or pituitary problems, which can affect sperm maturation and motility.
- Genetic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis, Klinefelter syndrome, or Y chromosome microdeletions, which can cause abnormal sperm development and function.
- Structural abnormalities, such as undescended testes, blocked ejaculatory ducts, or hypospadias, which can prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
How is sperm motility tested?
Sperm motility can be tested through a routine semen analysis.
For the test, the man will need to provide at least two semen samples.
These are usually obtained by masturbation at a doctor’s office or testing facility.
It is also possible to obtain a sperm sample by having sex with a condom or withdrawing to obtain the sample.
The sample must be kept at room temperature and delivered to the facility within 30 to 60 minutes.
The semen analysis will measure several parameters of the sperm, such as:
- Volume: the amount of semen produced in one ejaculation
- Count: the number of sperm per milliliter of semen
- Morphology: the shape and size of the sperm
- Motility: the percentage and quality of the sperm movement
- Vitality: the percentage of live sperm
- pH: the acidity or alkalinity of the semen
- Fructose: the sugar content of the semen
- White blood cells: the presence of infection or inflammation
The World Health Organization (WHO) has set the following reference values for normal semen analysis:
- Volume: 1.5 ml or more
- Count: 15 million sperm per ml or more
- Morphology: 4% or more with normal forms
- Motility: 40% or more with progressive motility, or 32% or more with rapid progressive motility
- Vitality: 58% or more live sperm
- pH: 7.2 or higher
- Fructose: 13 micromole or more per ejaculate
- White blood cells: less than 1 million per ml
How can sperm motility be improved?
There are several ways to improve sperm motility, depending on the cause and severity of the problem. Some of the general tips are:
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly
- Reduce stress and get enough sleep
- Avoid exposure to heat, radiation, chemicals, or infections
- Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks
- Wear loose-fitting underwear and avoid tight clothing
- Consult a doctor about any medications or supplements that may affect sperm quality
- Treat any underlying medical conditions or infections that may affect sperm motility
- Avoid lubricants, saliva, or spermicides that may harm sperm motility
In some cases, medical interventions may be needed to improve sperm motility, such as:
- Hormone therapy, which can correct any hormonal imbalances that affect sperm production and quality
- Surgery, which can repair any structural abnormalities or varicoceles that affect sperm motility
- Assisted reproductive techniques (ART), such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF), which can bypass the natural barriers and increase the chances of fertilization.
Top fertility clinics in Guntur
If you are looking for the best infertility doctor in Guntur, you may want to consider the following top fertility clinics in Guntur:
Birth Help: Birth Help is a leading fertility hospital in Guntur that offers a comprehensive range of services, such as IUI, IVF, ICSI, PGD, PGS, donor gametes, surrogacy, andrology, and endoscopy.
The hospital has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors, embryologists, nurses, and counselors who provide personalized and compassionate care to the patients.
The hospital has a state-of-the-art laboratory and equipment that ensure the highest standards of quality and safety. The hospital also has a high success rate and affordable pricing for its services.
Conclusion
Sperm motility is a crucial factor in human fertilization, as it determines how well the sperm can swim through the female reproductive tract and reach the egg.
Low sperm motility can reduce the chances of conception and cause infertility. Sperm motility can be affected by various factors, such as lifestyle, environment, genetics, hormones, and infections.
Sperm motility can be tested through a semen analysis, which measures the percentage and quality of the sperm movement.
Sperm motility can be improved by following some general tips, such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding heat and stress.
In some cases, medical interventions, such as hormone therapy, surgery, or ART, may be needed to improve sperm motility.
If you are looking for the best infertility doctors in Guntur, you may want to consider the top fertility clinics in Guntur, such as Birth Help IVF Center, which offers a comprehensive range of services and have a high success rate and affordable pricing.
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