Healthy sperm is essential for male fertility and successful conception. Unfortunately, several factors can affect sperm health, leading to infertility or complications in conceiving. Understanding the signs of unhealthy sperm can help men take proactive steps to improve their reproductive health. Here, we explore the key indicators of unhealthy sperm and what they signify.
Low Sperm Count (Oligospermia)
A low sperm count means fewer sperm are present in the ejaculate than the normal range. Typically, a healthy sperm count is above 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. A low sperm count can significantly reduce the chances of fertilizing an egg. Causes may include hormonal imbalances, genetic conditions, or lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Poor Sperm Motility (Asthenozoospermia)
Sperm motility refers to the sperms ability to move efficiently. Healthy sperm must be able to swim actively through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize the egg. Poor motility means the sperm are sluggish or have abnormal movement patterns, which can impede their journey to the egg. Factors affecting motility include infections, varicoceles, and exposure to toxins.
Abnormal Sperm Morphology (Teratozoospermia)
Sperm morphology is the shape and structure of the sperm. Healthy sperm have an oval head and a long tail, which are essential for penetrating and fertilizing an egg. Abnormal morphology indicates that a significant percentage of sperm have irregular shapes, such as a misshapen head or multiple tails. These abnormalities can prevent sperm from effectively fertilizing an egg. Causes may include genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
Semen Volume
The volume of semen produced during ejaculation can also indicate sperm health. Normal semen volume ranges from 1.5 to 5 milliliters per ejaculation. Low semen volume can be a sign of issues such as blockages in the reproductive tract, hormonal imbalances, or dehydration. Conversely, excessively high semen volume may dilute the concentration of sperm, affecting fertility.
Semen Consistency and Color
Healthy semen is typically whitish-gray and has a gel-like consistency that liquefies within 20 minutes after ejaculation. Changes in semen color, such as yellowish or greenish hues, can indicate infections or inflammation. Similarly, very thick or unusually watery semen may suggest issues with sperm quality or seminal fluid production.
Presence of White Blood Cells (Leukocytospermia)
A high number of white blood cells in semen can indicate infections or inflammation in the reproductive organs. These conditions can damage sperm and reduce fertility. Leukocytospermia requires medical evaluation and treatment to address the underlying cause and improve sperm health.