The health of the sperm matters a lot for successfully conceiving. Some problems related with the male’s sperm are as follows motility rate, low sperm count, abnormal sperm shape etc.

What is Sperm Motility?

Sperm motility means how fast the sperms can race towards the egg for fertilization inside the female track. For fertility the sperms needs to swim to towards the female egg. The speed at which the sperm moves is called sperm motility. It is a crucial fact in fertilization of eggs inside the female fertility track. Slow sperm motility is called asthenozoospermia. A normal sperm motility range is over 40 percent. Sperm motility depends upon a number of factors such as male health, genetics, diet etc.

Types of sperm motility

The process of sperm motility can be categorized in two main types

Progressive Sperm Motility

The progressive sperm motility means that the sperm moves in straight lines or larger circle advancing towards the female egg. It shows that the sperms are healthy and the process of fertilization is in the right track. Normal progressive motility rate is 32 percent.

Non-Progressive Sperm Motility

Here the sperms moves but not forward but in tight circles. It may be a factor of infertility as for fertilization the motility of the sperm should be efficient and on the track towards the egg.

Causes of Low Sperm Motility

In medical science the term for low sperm motility is called asthenozoospermia. Causes of low sperm motility are divided in two types

Living Conditions

  • Diet: Sperm health is most affected by the male’s diet. Poor diet not consisting of nutrition affecting the sperm’ health a lot.
  • Smoking and alcohol: Drinking regularly and smoking are a main cause of low sperm motility. Stress and anxiety
  • Drugs: Drugs also cause low sperm motility.
  • Stress and anxiety are also directly affecting the sperm’s health.
  • Obesity: Man who are overweight also have low sperm motility.

Medical Conditions

Some medical conditions causing low sperm motility are as follows

  • Hormonal Imbalance: Hormones play a vital role in the sperm production and health. Having low testosterone can be a factor of low sperm motility.
  • Medications: Men who take medications for certain illness such as chemotherapy, ulcer, anti-fungal treatments etc., are also observed to have low sperm count.
  • Genetics of men: For some men it is hereditary to have low sperm count.
  • Infections: Infections can also cause asthenozoospermia.
  • Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases also directly affect the sperms health.
  • Testicular Damage: Testicular damage also affect the sperm’s health directly.

Diagnosis of Sperm Motility Issues

The most common test for sperm motility is semen analysis. The sample is collected, then it is liquefied and its movements are observed. Based on the results of the tests the diagnosis is given weather the sperm is of low motility or normal motility.
Some other tests done for the diagnosis of sperm motility are as follows

  • Hormonal testing
  • Genetic testing
  • Repeat semen analysis
  • Anti-sperm antibody test

Read More: Healthy and Unhealthy Sperm - What It Looks Like Signs and Types


Treatments for Sperm Motility

Treatments for sperm motility can be divided into three categories

Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle changes mainly includes adapting a healthy lifestyle. Some key factors here involved are:

  • Alcohol and smoking are directly co-related to healthy sperms. Quitting them makes you not healthy but also improves your sperm quality.
  • Having proper sleeping pattern also improves your sperm motility.
  • Exercise also helps with sperm motility. Having a healthy weight also improves your sperm motility.
  • Exposure to harmful chemicals such as toxins and pesticide should also be avoided to improve sperm motility.

Medicines

Some supplements are available in the market which are Q10, vitamin E, coenzyme which helps with sperm motility but each medicine should be taken upon a doctor’s advice.
In cases where sperm motility are affected by infections antibiotics are prescribed to deal with the problem.

Advanced Reproductive Technologies

Where medicines and lifestyle changes do not improves a man’s sperm motility there are also advance options available which are

Intrauterine Insemination

In this process the sperm is directly placed inside the uterus so it does not require to swim towards to eggs so its motility does not matter.

IVF

In vitro fertilization involves fertilizing the eggs in a laboratory setting so generate viable result.

Natural Ways to Improve Sperm Motility

Some natural ways to improve fertility in men are as follows

  • Having a good diet results in a healthy individual. Eating food rich in antioxidants such as fresh vegetables and fruit will help to produce healthy sperm. Being hydrated is also very important.
  • Exercise and maintaining weight
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising daily will improve motility.
  • Wearing loose-fitting clothes
  • Loose fitting clothes helps to avoid any testicular damage.

Conclusion

Sperm motility is a key factor in determining the fertility of any man. It is a process in which the sperm runs towards the egg in the uterus to fertilize it. The speed and direction of the sperm is called sperm motility. It can be improved with a few lifestyle changes and with some medication. If the issue is still not resolved than further advance treatment are available such as IVF which means fertilizing the egg under laboratory settings.

Please book an appointment with the best Gynecologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.