Abnormalities in Sperm can be one of the main reasons why some couples face issues to get pregnant. These abnormalities may affect the shape, movement, or number of sperm. Additionally, these can sometimes go unnoticed without proper testing. There are many people who are not aware of how sperm health can affect their fertility until they start trying for a baby. That’s why it’s important to learn more about sperm abnormalities and what they mean for your fertility health.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior IVF Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many couples to understand and treat fertility issues, including sperm related issues. In this blog, we will share everything about sperm abnormalities. We will include the types, causes, diagnosis, and more to help you make better decisions.
What are Abnormalities in Sperm?
Abnormalities in sperm are problems with the shape, movement, number, or quality of sperm. These problems can affect a man’s ability to make his partner pregnant. Normally, sperm should have an oval head and a long tail. This helps them to swim toward the egg. But sometimes, the sperm may be misshaped, move slowly, or be too few in number. These problems are known as abnormalities.
However, having abnormal sperm does not always mean that a man is infertile. There are some men who have minor sperm issues and are still capable of making their partner pregnant naturally.In this blog, we will explain everything about sperm abnormalities in simple words to help you understand better.
Types of Abnormalities in Sperm
There are many types of sperm abnormalities that can be distinguished based on which part of the sperm has a problem or how the sperm move and work. Here are the main types:
Abnormal Shape (Teratozoospermia)
This means that the sperm do not have a normal shape. The head may be too big, too small, or oddly shaped. The tail may be bent or double and this makes it difficult for the sperm to swim.
Poor Movement (Asthenozoospermia)
It’s important for the sperm to swim well to reach the egg. However, if they move slowly or don’t move at all then fertilization becomes difficult.
Low Sperm Count (Oligozoospermia)
A healthy sperm count is important for fertility. And, if the number of sperm is very low then the chances of natural pregnancy becomes low.
No Sperm in Semen (Azoospermia)
In this case, there is no sperm found in the semen. It can happen due to a blockage or because the body is not making enough sperm.
Sperm with DNA Problems
Sometimes, the sperm may look normal but carry damaged genetic material. This can lead to issues with fertilization or embryo development.
Abnormal Sperm Causes
There are many reasons why sperm may not be normal. Sometimes, it’s because of health problems, lifestyle habits, or issues during the sperm development process. But, in some cases, the cause is not known. Let’s see what are some of the factors that can affect how sperm are made and how they grow.
Here are some common causes of abnormal sperm:
- Infections: There are certain infections that can harm the testicles or block the tubes that carry sperm.
- Varicocele: This is swelling in the veins which are around the testicle and this can also affect sperm quality.
- Hormonal problems: Hormones play a big role in sperm production and hormonal imbalance can cause problems.
- Genetic problems: There are some men who may have inherited conditions that affect sperm health.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, or being overweight can also lower sperm quality.
- Heat exposure: Frequent use of hot tubs or tight clothing can increase the temperature of testicle and affect sperm.
- Environmental toxins: Exposure to chemicals, pesticides, or radiation can also damage sperm.
- Certain medications: There are some treatments for cancer, infections, or depression that may affect sperm production.
How are Sperm Abnormalities Diagnosed?
Abnormalities in sperm are usually found through a simple test which is called a semen analysis. This test helps to check the quality and quantity of sperm in a man’s semen. It helps doctors to understand if there are any problems with the sperm’s shape, movement, or count.
Here’s how sperm abnormalities are diagnosed:
- Semen Sample: The man will provide a semen sample by masturbating into a sterile container at a clinic or lab.
- Sperm Count: The lab will check how many sperm are present in the semen.
- Motility Check: This helps to check how well the sperm can move because good movement is important for reaching the egg.
- Shape and Size (Morphology): The sperm are examined under a microscope to see if they have normal heads and tails. The sperm morphology normal range should be 4% or more normal-shaped sperm (as per Kruger’s strict criteria).
- Other Checks: There are some tests which check for infections, white blood cells, or semen volume and thickness.
Treatment Options for Abnormal Sperm
There are different ways to treat abnormal sperm and this depends on the cause. Below are some of the treatment options that can treat abnormalities in sperm:
- Healthy lifestyle – It’s important to eat good food, exercise, sleep well, avoid smoking, alcohol, and stress.
- Medicines and supplements – There are some vitamins and medicines that can help your body to make better sperm.
- Surgery – If there’s a blockage or a problem like swollen veins in the testicles (varicocele) then surgery might be needed.
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination) – The best sperm are put directly into the uterus to help with pregnancy.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) – Eggs and sperm are combined outside the body and the embryo is placed in the uterus.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) – One sperm is directly injected into one egg. This is helpful when sperm are very weak or low in number.
Role of IUI, IVF, and ICSI in Male Infertility
When a man has problems with his sperm such as low count, poor movement, or abnormal shape then it can be difficult to get pregnant naturally. That’s when IUI, IVF, and ICSI help to increase the chances of pregnancy even when sperm quality is not good.
- IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): This is used when sperm count is slightly low or movement is weak. The best sperm are washed and placed directly into the woman’s uterus during her fertile window.
- IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): IVF might be a better choice when sperm problems are more serious. The eggs are taken from the woman and mixed with the sperm in a lab.
- ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection): This is helpful when sperm count is very low or when sperm can’t move properly. A single sperm is picked and injected directly into an egg.
Final Words
Abnormalities in sperm is a topic which is very important to understand for couples who are trying to get pregnant. In this blog, we’ve explained what sperm abnormalities are, the types, causes, how they are diagnosed, and treatment options. It’s important to understand these details to decide the best for your fertility journey.
At RISAA IVF, Dr. Rita Bakshi (Senior Fertility Specialist and Gynaecologist) has helped many couples to overcome male infertility. If you want to know more or speak to an expert about your condition, feel free to call us at 95555 44421/22/23 or email at doctor@risaaivf.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are abnormalities in sperm?
Abnormalities in sperm refer to changes in the shape, movement, or number of sperm. These can make it harder for sperm to reach and fertilize the egg.
Can abnormal sperm get you pregnant?
Yes, pregnancy is possible, but the chances may be lower. It depends on how many sperm are affected and what kind of abnormality they have.
What are signs of unhealthy sperm?
Unhealthy sperm may not move properly, may look oddly shaped under a microscope, or be low in number. These are usually found during a semen analysis.
How to fix abnormal sperm?
Some cases can improve with lifestyle changes like eating healthy, quitting smoking, reducing stress, and avoiding heat. In some cases, medical treatment or fertility procedures like IUI or IVF may help.
Does sleep affect sperm quality?
Yes, poor sleep or lack of sleep can affect hormone levels and lower sperm quality. Getting 7–8 hours of good sleep each night can support better sperm health