Low sperm morphology The test helps show if you’re able to have children, called fertility. The highest concentration is found in the testes, and it is required in sperm development. In over a third of these couples, male infertility plays a role. Is that true? Can you still do IUI if you low low sperm morphology? Or do you have to go directly to IVF? Dr. Aug 2, 2017 · Sperm morphology affects fertility because sperm have to be a certain shape to be able to penetrate an egg. While there has been significant evolution in the definition of “normal” sperm morphology over time, the World Health Organization continues to consider morphology as an essential component of routine semen analysis. Whereas, azoospermia means complete absence of sperm cells in a man’s semen or ejaculate. May 8, 2023 · Short answer sperm morphology less than 1: Sperm morphology less than 1 refers to abnormality in the shape of sperm, where less than 1% of the sperm have a normal structure. Nov 4, 2023 · Low sperm morphology can affect a man's fertility and may require medical intervention to improve the chances of conception. Jun 17, 2025 · Selenium – A mineral with antioxidant properties. Abstract The very low cut-off value for sperm morphology of 4% morphologically normal spermatozoa, as proposed in the new edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) manual on semen analysis, is in agreement with recently published values and reflects the trend of a decline in reported mean values for normal sperm morphology. The current evidence suggests that, in general, sperm morphology scores should not be used in isolation to make patient management decisions. According to the strict Krueger criteria used by most fertility clinics, a normal morphology is 4% or more sperm with a normal shape. We highlight the functional repercussions of sperm morphology aberrations and dissect the cause and effect of a variety of insults and pathogenic mechanisms focusing on the relationships among sperm Morphology is closely related to actually anuploidy in sperm and can cause issues with either increased sperm anuploidy or high dna frag which both cause issues with embryo development of egg doesn’t correct the issues (which it can but this is another topic). Most notably, this can mean issues with sperm motility, which is the ability of the sperm to swim properly. However, the clinical utility and prognostic value of morphology is often debated. When a man has issues with sperm morphology, this can affect the viability of their sperm. The shape of fixed and stained sperm is assessed using Strict (“Kruger” or “Tygerberg” method) Criteria. Some of the best ways to promote sperm health include: Having a healthy, nutrient-rich diet Regular exercise Refraining /quitting smoking Reducing alcohol Oct 23, 2024 · Your sperm count is considered lower than typical if you have fewer than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. Apr 22, 2025 · Learn about the morphology of sperm: What it is, why it matters, and how it may affect male fertility. Environmental carcinogens and toxins Low Learn how to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology through lifestyle changes and male fertility supplements in our Guide to Sperm Improvement. Does abnormal sperm shape or morphology (teratospermia) increase my chance of having a baby with a birth defect? The answer to this is a resounding no. In the lab, technicians look at sperm under a microscope to see if the sperm meet strict standards. The measurement or evaluation and clinical significance of human sperm morphology has always been and still is a controversial aspect of the semen analysis for the determination of a male's fertility potential. Now that he's in remission his morphology has come up to 4%, just enough to be considered normal. When a couple faces difficulty in getting pregnant or having a successful pregnancy, a fertility specialist will check both partners. Healthy sperm have a smooth, oval head and a long tail that helps them swim. This measures many features of the sperm and semen (the fluid in which the sperm are contained). This is a different problem than low libido or erectile dysfunction. Sep 28, 2025 · The semen analysis is the gold standard for evaluating sperm health and male fertility. Dec 9, 2024 · Several factors like sperm count, sperm quality, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and DNA fragmentation affect sperm quality during IVF treatment. Also, check how to improve sperm morphology. Measuring Sperm Morphology Sperm morphology is one of the typical measures included in a standard semen analysis, along with semen volume, total sperm number, sperm concentration, vitality (percent alive), and motility (movement). Low Sperm Morphology Low sperm morphology has been associated with smoking, testicular defects, and high fever. 2006-10. Optimize other factors affecting IUI Jul 15, 2024 · Learn how to get pregnant with low sperm count, motility and morphology. Good luck! It is a good sign to get pregnant with low morphology, hopefully everything is normal Mar 11, 2025 · Having healthy sperm is an important part of fertility. An abnormal semen analysis may indicate a possible male factor contributing to a couple’s infertility My husband has 1% morphology and my RE wasn't very concerned. Abnormal semen analysis at a glance A semen analysis microscopically looks at a man’s semen checking for abnormalities. Mar 12, 2025 · Many people with low semen values can have children. A semen analysis can come back abnormal if the semen volume, sperm count, sperm morphology (shape) or sperm motility (ability to move) do not meet medical standards. Apr 4, 2025 · Morphology refers to the shape and appearance of the sperm. The width, length, and shape of the head, size of the acrosome, presence of vacuoles, size and shape of the midpiece, and length and appearance of the tail are taken into account. Normal spermatozoid must have an oval form with smooth contour, acrosomal cap encompassing 40-70% of head, no abnormalities of midpiece, or Sperm morphology has endured as a cornerstone of routine semen analysis for decades. Does Sperm Morphology Affect Fertility? Sperm morphology means the shape and structure of the sperm — including the head, midpiece, and tail. Fortunately, the shape of the sperm does not correlate to the genetic material inside. 9% per year of age, resulting in a 4% to 18% decrease in normal morphology over a 20-year period. Can I get pregnant if my partner has poor sperm morphology? If your partner has been diagnosed with low sperm morphology, you may be wondering what that means for your chances of conceiving. Any man with more than one abnormal defect in his semen analysis will also have a difficult prognosis. Jun 5, 2020 · This manuscript reviews sperm morphology and its disorders in the context of infertility. Some health issues can have an impact on male fertility, including: Diseases and conditions In 2008 we reviewed our IUI cycles from 2000 to 2007 to study the impact of low sperm morphology on pregnancy outcome. Poor Sperm Morphology Definition of Normal Sperm Morphology Morphology simply refers to the shape of the sperm. From my siggy you can see we did IVF w/ICSI and it seems to have worked. If needed, there are treatments to help couples boost their chances of becoming pregnant. Causes include infection, trauma, congenital problems, and How does sperm quality affect IVF success? A semen analysis is a rudimentary test of a man’s sperm count. May 27, 2023 · Short answer sperm morphology 2 percent: Sperm morphology refers to the shape of individual sperm cells and can affect fertility. How is Kruger Strict Morphology Performed? Basic semen analysis is the first step in the evaluation of male infertility. Globozoospermia, or round headed sperm condition, is an abnormal sperm morphology that indicates either there is an absence of the acrosome or the sperm is missing inner parts of its head responsible for “activating” or turning on the egg and starting the fertilization process. low morphology and motility/avg. You will see how early interpretations of Nov 7, 2022 · Read our article to find out how your hormones are connected to low sperm count, what other factors can cause oligospermia and how HRT can help you treat it. This abnormal sperm morphology can negatively impact the chances of conception. Your chance of getting your partner pregnant drops with lower sperm counts. A normal healthy male typically has at least 4% morphologically normal-shaped sperms in their semen sample. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reporting sperm morphology in a standard semen analysis. Learn how sperm morphology (shape) impacts male fertility and its role in conception. It includes an assessment of sperm morphology which is believed to reflect on overall spermatogenesis and sperm function. Therefore, it could save money and time by proceeding to higher level assisted reproductive technologies when sperm count is lower than 5 million. The sperm’s head is what helps to dissolve the outer surface of the egg in order to fertilize it. If less than 4% of sperm are consistently normal in two separate tests performed at least 20 days apart, only then is it considered to be teratozoospermia. Apr 19, 2022 · Sperm morphology displays a potential impact on sperm function and may ultimately impact reproductive function. Teratozoospermia, defined as abnormal sperm Sep 4, 2025 · In other words, in patients with low morphology, it is okay to try IUI and is not necessary to recommend IVF + intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) based on low morphology alone. In this article, we’ll break down what sperm morphology is, what causes it, how it’s tested, and what steps you can take to improve it. What medical treatments or interventions are available if my sperm quality or count is low? Reach out to our male fertility specialists today. Aug 25, 2021 · Here's your handy guide to everything sperm morphology, from what it is, to how it is tested, and how it can impact your fertility. We presented our data at the 2008 Annual Meeting of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (Abstract 650765). Your best bet is consulting with an RE and possibly moving to IUI where they do a sperm wash before inseminating you so only the normal morphology sperm are being inseminated into you. Semen analysis covers: Semen volume Two additional studies associated reduced sperm concentration, impaired sperm motility and abnormal sperm morphology with an increased risk of testicular cancer (Jacobsen et al. Sperm are classified into normal-oval shaped, tapered, amorphous, duplicated and immature. Adopting regular exercise and balanced nutrition can help. A detailed review of the the different types of sperm morphology criteria as well as how they are calculated. Oct 22, 2023 · The assessment of sperm health includes sperm count, morphology, and motility, all primary indicators of a man's ability to contribute to conception. There is a lot of misconception to clear for sperm morphology. Patients may ask if abnormal sperm will increase the chances of a birth defect. However, as some of the abnormalities in sperm shape may be the result of genetic disturbances, there may be some male offspring who will inherit the same type of morphology abnormalities as are found in their fathers’ sperm morphology. This section simplifies sperm morphology in plain, accessible language. UNDERSTANDING SEMEN ANALYSIS Our Male Infertility Specialist:Morphology = shape of spermatozoa: Several techniques have been described to evaluate sperm morphology. Understand what low or abnormal sperm morphology indicates and treatment options. But morphology is only one of many factors when it comes to fertility. Having only 2% may indicate a potential issue with fertility or other underlying concerns, which should be evaluated by […] Nov 10, 2024 · Learn home remedies and medical treatments to help ease your low sperm count and motility symptoms and speed up your recovery. Discover lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and assisted reproductive technologies to improve your chances of conception. Mar 27, 2020 · What is Male Infertility? Up to 15 percent of heterosexual couples are infertile, meaning they are unable to conceive a child despite having frequent, unprotected sexual intercourse for a year or longer. This condition can be associated with male infertility and may indicate underlying reproductive issues that require medical intervention for conception. It is difficult to quantify sperm at low concentrations • This is why reports often say ‘occasional sperm seen’ Centres for Disease Control and Prevention/ National Centre of Health Statistics. Discover more about sperm health at ReproductiveFacts. Under Kruger’s strict criteria, at least 4% of sperm must appear normal when examined under a high-power microscope (400x). For men, one of the most common is low sperm count, but having a high percentage of abnormal sperm has an impact on the likelihood of successful conception. See the types of sperm Sperm Morphology. It also reviews the potential clinical implications of a low sperm morphology, potential health risks to future offspring, and the numerous controversies surrounding this topic. Apr 17, 2025 · Unexplained infertility Low sperm count Decreased sperm motility Mild endometriosis When a couple wants to avoid passing a genetic condition to the child using donor sperm if the male partner has Abstract The very low cut-off value for sperm morphology of 4% morphologically normal spermatozoa, as proposed in the new edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) manual on semen analysis, is in agreement with recently published values and reflects the trend of a decline in reported mean values for normal sperm morphology. Randy A semen analysis is usually the first test your fertility specialist will do that is a basic analysis of a man's sperm. Most men only discover the condition during routine fertility investigations after difficulty conceiving. Only normal sperm are capable of fertilizing an egg. Specifically when less than 4% of sperm in a semen sample has normal morphology. Motility is important for fertility because if sperm have it poor, they are unable to swim through the woman’s cervix into the uterus and on into the fallopian tubes to Dec 9, 2024 · Several factors like sperm count, sperm quality, sperm motility, sperm morphology, and DNA fragmentation affect sperm quality during IVF treatment. Oct 23, 2024 · If you have a low sperm count, your semen contains fewer than 15 million sperm in each milliliter or less than 39 million sperm total for the entire sample. Oct 31, 2024 · It’s my 10th cycle and husband’s sperm analysis came not good. org Mar 19, 2024 · Learn how sperm morphology impacts male fertility, its causes, and available treatments like IUI and IVF to improve conception chances and reproductive health. Learn how here. The most common test of a man’s fertility is a semen analysis. Male patients can improve poor sperm morphology by testing testosterone levels and leveraging assisted reproductive technology. Having a large number of abnormally formed sperm in a sample and a low number of normal forms are signs of teratozoospermia. I was offered IUI or IVF, and chose IUI first. Often, semen with a decreased sperm concentration may also show significant abnormalities in sperm morphology and motility (technically oligoasthenoteratozoospermia). In this manuscript, we reviewed the genetic causes of qualitative sperm defects. Sperm morphology results are reported as the percentage of sperm that appear normal when semen is viewed under a microscope. If abnormal, it may be improved if the cause is environmental. 5. e. Jan 2, 2023 · The size and shape of the sperm (called sperm morphology) is an important factor in determining male fertility. Men with suboptimal Sperm Morphology can still father children naturally or through assisted reproductive technology (ART). Normal: Minimum 4 out of 100 normal sperm must be found Mar 15, 2025 · Does poor sperm quality affect baby? While poor sperm quality can make it harder to conceive and slow down fertilization, it doesn’t cause birth defects. When this process is interrupted, it can result in a low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or even azoospermia (the complete absence of sperm in semen). 1. A new look into an old challenge is delivered, based on contemporary scientific and clinical evidence. This is considered the healthy threshold. In this article, we'll delve into the concept of sperm morphology and explore the causes of abnormal sperm morphology that can impact your chances of success during in-vitro fertilization. The range can vary, but typically a normal sperm morphology ranges between 4 and 14 percent normal forms. Morphology is shown as the percentage of sperm that appear to have a “normal” shape within the semen sample. This simple test provides a detailed look at sperm count, motility, and overall viability, helping doctors determine whether low sperm count or sperm dysfunction may be contributing to infertility. My partner also had low morphology, last tests were around 0 to 1%, with borderline motility (not moving correctly as well because misshaped). Couples expecting pregnancy faces Jul 12, 2023 · Doctors usually assess sperm morphology during a general semen analysis or fertility test. Although most clinicians utilize strict morphology in everyday practice, most studies have not addressed the significance of isolated low morphology in patients with otherwise normal semen parameters. Learn how to get pregnant with poor sperm morphology. Here is what each number means (volume, concentration, motility, morphology, and total motile count) based on standard clinical reference ranges. May 23, 2024 · Over 80 percent of infertile men have low sperm concentrations and poor sperm quality (a decrease in sperm motility [asthenozoospermia] and/or an increase in spermatozoa with abnormal morphology [teratozoospermia]). Some people have no sperm in their semen at all. In vitro fertilization can often overcome concerns with sperm morphology defects on fertility through the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Nov 1, 2024 · What is normal sperm morphology and why is the shape of sperm important for fertility? Plus how to conceive with low sperm morphology. Nov 27, 2020 · There is a high likelihood that morphology and biochemical properties of the sperm are also affected in extremely low sperm count. Oct 24, 2025 · Understanding correctly the results of a semen analysis report is crucial to get valuable information about the quality of the sperm you produce and your overall fertility, especially if you are planning on trying for a baby. This article will explore what is sperm morphology, causes of abnormal sperm morphology and its treatments. Learn about steps to take, as well as things to avoid, to keep sperm healthy and improve fertility. However, the impact of teratozoospermia on in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection , Answer Section, , Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm. Apr 8, 2025 · Sperm morphology is the shape of a sperm, which is assessed during a semen analysis. It’s one factor that healthcare professionals look at as part of a semen test. ICD-10 code N46 is used to classify and document male infertility, covering a range of conditions that impair male reproductive ability. Abnormal sperm morphology refers to a diagnosis in which the man produces less than 3% of the normal-appearing sperms in their ejaculate. If chromosonal abnormalities were caused by abnormal sperm morphology, genetic conditions would be a lot more common. Studying sperm morphology involves analyzing the shape and size of spermatozoa. These codes precisely identify different causes and types of infertility, including azoospermia (absence of sperm) and oligospermia (low sperm count), each with specific subcategories. Male infertility is often due to one or more of the following factors: Low sperm production Abnormal sperm function Blockages Morphology Data This data looks at the characteristics of the sperm including percentage of head, neck, midpiece and tail defects. (1 sperm out of 300 that were evaluated was deemed normal. Below is a summary of our IUI data. count, or normal motility/count/low morph (this is more our bucket) that cause difficulty. Having a higher ratio of abnormal sperm can mean that fewer sperm will be able to fertilize an egg, which may make it harder to achieve pregnancy. Jan 11, 2025 · Causes of Abnormal Sperm Morphology, Explained When you're on the IVF journey, understanding the nuances of male fertility becomes crucial. Men with low sperm counts (less than 5 million motile sperm) will likely have difficulties achieving pregnancies. The ICD-10 code for male infertility includes detailed classifications Jul 17, 2023 · Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to move efficiently. Normal sperm have an oval head with a long tail. Aug 24, 2023 · If it helps at all, in a 'normal' sperm sample, approximately 4-10% of sperm have normal morphology, so even a very fertile man will still have 90-96% of his sperm be abnormal morphology. Oligospermia Oligospermia also called oligozoospermia is a medical term for ‘low sperm count’ and is a common cause of infertility or low fertility in men 1, 2, 3. having a normal shape. Nov 21, 2024 · CoQ10 supports sperm motility, count, morphology, DNA fragmentation, and overall male fertility. Many of these problems are due to lifestyle, environmental and health issues. But a variety of factors can affect sperm health. It's important to understand that abnormal sperm morphology is incredibly common, with up to 96% of sperm often appearing "funky" under a microscope. Many factors are involved in Jun 10, 2025 · For example, it only takes one healthy sperm to fertilize an egg, and men with low morphology often still produce millions of sperm per ejaculation, some of which may be normal. Many men with low morphology still go on to become dads, naturally or with a little help. The shape of the head is important as it affects the ability of the sperm to dissolve the outer surface of an egg and fertilize it. This article provides a comprehensive overview of spermatogenesis disorders, including risk factors, symptoms, diagnostic tests, treatments, and lifestyle changes that may help manage the condition. One of the best methods in studying sperm morphology is Jan 22, 2025 · Discover how sperm morphology affects male fertility and the chances of conception. Getting pregnant or how to get pregnant with poor sperm morphology is a matter of concern for most people. We reviewed and summarized studies that assessed both the Sperm Morphology. The lab evaluates the volume and consistency of semen, the number of sperm present in a given volume (concentration or “sperm count”), the percentage of sperm swimming as well as the quality of motion (motility and grade) and, finally, the shape of the sperm (“morphology”). Oct 6, 2023 · A: While low sperm morphology is concerning from a fertility perspective, it doesn’t always mean that conception is impossible. , 2005). For now, if sperm morphology is an issue for not getting parents, then it could be corrected through proper treatment and medication. May 18, 2024 · A semen analysis is a laboratory test for men that accurately measures the quantity and quality of the semen and sperm within. My partner's morphology result was effectively 0%. Sperm morphology refers to the shape and structure of sperm. Sperm morphology can be affected by your lifestyle. Apr 20, 2025 · Learn about Sperm Abnormalities Causes and factors that may affect sperm quality, as well as treatments and tips to improve reproductive health and increase fertility. This is known as azoospermia. Simple guide for men’s health. You’ll understand what morphology measures, why the Kruger strict criteria are used, and how morphology interacts with sperm count, motility, and DNA quality. We distinguished between alterations causing reduced sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) and alterations causing changes in the typical morphology of sperm (teratozoospermia). On its own, an abnormal or low sperm morphology score is typically not an indication of infertility. Request an appointment for male fertility testing. Everyday habits like sedentary routines, poor sleep, and unhealthy diets can negatively impact sperm quality. ) Still, we had two spontaneous conceptions in less than six months. (Both ended in miscarriage. Feb 25, 2024 · Low sperm count, low motility, and low morphology (oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia): This is the most common abnormal semen analysis encountered in male infertility evaluations. She said they see low morphology all the time and not to worry. We had success at the second transfer with Icsi, high fertilization rate and a good number of blasts. The shape of the sperm head and the size of the sperm is measured. When it comes to the male partner, sperm morphology is very important for a successful pregnancy – be it natural or through fertility treatments. However, abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia, or teratospermia) occurs when sperm possess certain defects in shape or size, such as a head that is too large, too small, or misshapen, or with double, crooked, or Low sperm morphology itself doesn’t usually cause noticeable symptoms. Oct 5, 2021 · The most common causes of low sperm motility include ejaculation problems, infection, hormonal imbalance, varicocele, chromosome defects, alcohol consumption, drug Nov 21, 2024 · Many vitamins and nutrients found in male fertility supplements have been shown to increase sperm count, motility and more. I am doing a Gonal-F cycle so that I'll make 2-3 eggs to increase my chances and combat the morphology issue. But even a normal looking sperm can have bad dna, and an abnormal sperm can have good dna. Current studies have investigated the correlation between sperm morphology with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) but have Mar 17, 2011 · An increased percentage of morphologically normal appearing sperm has been correlated with increased fertilization potential, while decreased normal forms are associated with a decreased potential to fertilize eggs in vitro. Aging- Research shows that fertility decreases with age, and the sperm count decreases due to hormonal changes and environmental influences, or there might be a mutation in DNA. Mar 8, 2022 · Teratozoospermia, also called teratospermia, is a condition characterized by low numbers of sperm with normal morphology. Jul 22, 2022 · Is there a relationship between sperm morphology and IUI pregnancy rates? This study shows good success rates in patients with low normal forms. This post explores what low sperm morphology is, it’s causes, how it affects fertility, and potential treatment options. My DH has 0% morphology and 60% DNA fragmentation (which is where the DNA on the sperm isn't all there). It’s usually a combination of factors, I. . How to Improve Morphology Issues Morphology refers to the shape of a single sperm when it is put under a microscope. Sperm that are weak or misshapen might struggle to reach and fertilize the egg, but they don’t directly cause problems in the baby’s development. Find out how sperm morphology affects male fertility. It is one of the three measures of sperm health, the other two being sperm count and sperm morphology, i. We have joked about how amazing it is that one of my dusty old eggs (I’m 37) and his idiot sperm still managed to get the job done. Sperm must be able to swim effectively to reach and fertilize the egg. The most important of these are the number of sperm (sperm count), motility of the sperm (percentage of moving sperm), morphology of the sperm (percentage of normally shaped sperm), and the volume of fluid. Jun 9, 2025 · Sperm morphology means sperm shape. Abnormal sperm is when the head and/or tail of the sperm is misshapen. My RE didn't even suggest IUI's as he said the percentage would be so low so we went straight to IVF. Learn more about its importance and treatment options at Vita Altera. In a standard semen analysis two things are analyzed, both semen and sperm. Abnormal forms may reduce fertility, but tests, treatment, and lifestyle changes can help. Feb 11, 2024 · This then begs the question, if low sperm quality doesn’t necessarily mean the man is infertile, then what are the chances of success and how long does it take to conceive? Let’s take a look at the success rates for each type: Low sperm count Low sperm motility Low sperm morphology Low sperm count and motility We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. ) Our success is the result of a TI cycle a few months later. Conclusion (s) This study evaluating the morphology of the actual inseminated sample did not find differences in CPR following IUI among couples with normal and abnormal sperm morphology, including severe teratospermia. Jun 24, 2024 · Low sperm morphology, also known as teratozoospermia, can significantly impact fertility. But it may take longer, or you may need help from a healthcare professional. A score below 4 per cent may mean it takes longer than normal to achieve pregnancy. When a sperm sample is produced, part of the sample is prepared to allow easy visualisation of sperm structure so that the proportion of normal sperm, and those falling into tightly defined morphological groups may be counted. You have probably been told that low sperm morphology means poor fertility. Reply reply Trying-for-number-2 • Aug 26, 2024 · Sperm morphology refers to the shape and structure of sperm, which can significantly impact a sperm's ability to fertilize an egg. Changes in Semen Quality: Thin Sperm morphology defects can be detected during diagnostic fertility testing and may indicate possible fertility issues. This is sometimes called a sperm count test in layman’s terms and is usually performed to assess a man’s fertility or confirm successful vasectomy. The lab reports the percentage of sperm that meet those standards Jun 27, 2024 · A semen analysis is a test that assesses several aspects of male fertility. Our RE said that, in our case, my partner's low morphology was probably due to anti-sperm antibodies due to a previous vasectomy Sperm morphology — the size and shape of sperm — is one factor that's examined as part of a semen analysis to evaluate male infertility. Sperm that are normally-shaped have an oval head and a long tail. Sperm Jul 17, 2023 · Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to move efficiently. We also explain why morphology can sometimes be over-emphasized and where it genuinely affects fertilization potential. Learn what happens during a semen analysis and what your results mean. It gets confused because people with low morphology often have high dna fragmentation as well. Having a low sperm count makes it less likely that one of your sperm will join with your partner's egg to start a pregnancy. They will check the overall health and the health of the reproductive organs of both males and females. That said, his morphology was low because he had an underlying health issue we weren't aware of (in his case it was cancer, but please don't take this as reason for concern - his case was crazy rare). Did anyone conceive naturally with with low sperm count. Terms oligospermia, oligozoospermia, and low sperm count refer to semen with a low concentration of sperm [1] and is a common finding in male infertility. Aug 6, 2021 · Firstly sperm morphology is entirely about male fertility. A sperm count of less than 15 million/mL is considered low sperm count (oligospermia or oligozoospermia). Sep 20, 2023 · Many studies going back many years (1988, 1995, 1999) indicate declines in normal sperm morphology of 0. May 23, 2025 · Confused by sperm morphology and motility in your semen analysis? Learn how each affects fertility, and discover which plays a bigger role in successful conception. The reduced value for morphologically normal spermatozoa over the This brief report concerns the role of human sperm morphology assessment in different fields of male infertility: basic research, genetics, assisted reproduction technologies, oxidative stress. Specifically, it looks at the size of the sperm and the shape of the sperm head. Avoid catching a severe Poor sperm development can lead to teratospermia (also known as abnormal sperm morphology or poor shape) a condition characterized by the presence of a large percentage of sperm with abnormal shape in a man’s ejaculate. It is one of many possible male infertility tests that our specialists can conduct. If an abnormally shaped sperm can fertilize an egg, why does the shape matter? Abnormal sperm morphology may include changes in size, shape and appearance of sperm such as sperm being misshapen, having an extra head, having no head or tail, etc. Feb 19, 2018 · Sperm morphology is the size and shape of sperm. However, some symptoms associated with poor overall sperm health may include: Infertility: Difficulty achieving pregnancy despite regular unprotected sexual intercourse for over a year. Abstract Low serum testosterone is found in approximately 15% of subfertile men. May 10, 2023 · Sperm motilit y is the ability of sperm to move, in a straight line or a large sweeping curve. Mar 1, 2022 · The sperm morphology is examined in the spermiogram to find out the percentage of abnormal sperm in the ejaculate. She said the sperm isn't perfectly shaped but the DNA is fine. , 2000; Raman et al. Although testosterone is essential in spermatogenesis, it is unclear whether low testosterone levels may have a negative impact on the semen parameters of men belonging to infertile couples with a total sperm count greater than 5 million. Low sperm motility is one factor that can lead to infertility. We are trying for our second. Aug 4, 2025 · Sperm morphology is the shape and size of sperm. Keep hydrated. If you and your partner can't get pregnant through sexual intercourse, you might think about assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization. Learn its normal range, why it's important for fertility, and how to improve it naturally. Sperm Shape and Fertility There are a great many factors that can affect fertility. Aug 5, 2021 · Sperm morphology refers to the shape of your sperm, or how it looks under a microscope. Abnormal sperm morphology should not exclude couples from attempting IUI. Is Sperm Motility Important to Get Pregnant? Yes, sperm motility is crucial for pregnancy. This can affect the sperm Jun 3, 2025 · Key Takeaways In the United States, low sperm count and motility are leading causes of male infertility. Human sperm production is a very inefficient process and a normal man has ~96% of his sperm that look abnormal. Nov 30, 2022 · Improving Sperm Health While aging does affect sperm count, motility, morphology, and DNA fragmentation, sperm regenerates, and studies suggest lifestyle changes can improve sperm health. These studies underscore that impaired semen parameters are associated with poor male health. In this review the background of the 5 days ago · Semen analysis results can be confusing. Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of sperm. The Fertility Activation Method® provides a holistic approach to address both low sperm count and abnormal sperm morphology, increasing the likelihood of pregnancy. Low morphology alone does not increase miscarriage risk, it makes it harder to fertilize an egg. Most cases of male infertility May 2, 2024 · Sperm morphology is one of the parameters analyzed in a semen analysis to assess the state of male fertility. Sperm morphology was once believed as one of the most predictive indicators of pregnancy outcome in assisted reproductive technology (ART). 2% to 0. Just be cautious as if your in the US unless you live in the very few states with fertility coverage most insurances wont cover an RE or fertility treatments. This article delves into what sperm morphology means, what the normal values are, what possible causes for abnormal values exist, and the available treatment options available. In preparation for this test men should: Abstain 2-7 days from ejaculation. Understanding Sperm Morphology: What […] Objective: When sperm count and motility values fall in the normal range (> 20 million/ml, > 40% motility), is sperm morphology (Kruger strict criteria) an adequate criterion for turning to ICSI as a means of achieving fertilization? We found out AFTER my (unassisted) pregnancy was confirmed that my partner has low count, poor motility and poor morphology. jjcb fvl rsakfey wvyewgh xzjlx dqjc paplg jiic rpzdppid riwx hbzvjj lld nyhc osl yxkmg