How Does Sperm Morphology Affect Male Fertility?

Are you curious about how the shape of your little swimmers affects your fertility? Look no further, because we're diving into the nitty-gritty details of how sperm morphology plays a role in a man's ability to father a child. From the latest research to practical tips, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to understand the link between the shape of the sperm and male fertility. Let’s dive into it!

What Is Sperm Morphology?

Sperm morphology can be defined as the structure, shape and size of the sperm (male reproductive cell).¹ The human sperm has an oval head with a long tail.¹ Morphology is one of the many factors that is known to have an impact on male fertility. Hence, it is a primary detail assessed during a semen analysis test.

During the test, the sperm’s physical attributes are analyzed under the microscope to identify the proportion of normal form (NF) to abnormal sperm cells in the sample. Usually, any sperm sample has around 3% to 5% of normal sperm.² The rest don’t look morphologically perfect under the microscope.¹

However, even healthy, fertile men produce a significant amount of abnormal sperm. Many men have sperm analysis results that show that more than half of their sperm is abnormal in shape or size, this ratio is completely normal.³

Why Does The Shape And Size Of Sperm Matter?

The shape of the sperm impacts its movement and capability to reach and fertilize the egg. Even though men with abnormal sperm morphology have been able to fertilize an egg,³ research observes some correlation between infertile patients with substantially lower sperm morphology.⁴

A study shows that less than one-third of men with 0% normal form sperms are able to get their partner pregnant naturally. In contrast, 55.6% of men who show 4% or greater normal form sperm in their sample were able to achieve pregnancy with their partner.⁵

Research shows a strong connection between a higher range of normal forms of sperm and successful pregnancy.⁴ Hence, sperm morphology is considered a crucial component in male fertility and is usually tested during a semen analysis procedure.

Difference Between Normal and Abnormal Sperm Morphology

The sperm with a normal morphology will have the following attributes and no visible abnormalities on any of its parts in comparison to the abnormal ones.^3,6

Here's an image that depicts the normal and abnormal form of the sperm cell:

Sperm Health Conditions Based On Morphology

A semen analysis test indicates the risk of the following health conditions related to the shape and size of the sperm:

Teratozoospermia

This medical condition occurs when more than 96% of the sperm in the semen sample have abnormal morphology, caused by a defect in either the head, midpiece or its tail.⁷ The causes of teratozoospermia vary and are often difficult to pinpoint. The most common ones are as follows:⁷

1. Genetic abnormalities
2. Ongoing cancer therapies (radiotherapy or chemotherapy)
3. Testicular conditions, for example, varicocele (enlargement of veins in the scrotum)
4. Fever or bacterial infections in sperm
5. Consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or any other street drug

Macrozoospermia

Macrozoospermia is a rare condition that is caused by genetic abnormalities.⁸ Herein, the sample shows the presence of nearly 100% large-headed sperms having multiple flagella (tails).⁸

The sperm’s head is responsible for carrying the male’s genetic information to the next generation. A misshapen or large head indicates that the sperm carries more than usual copies of the genetic material.⁹ Due to the extra genetic material, the embryo formed on fertilization does not develop or the pregnancy usually results in miscarriage.⁹

Wrapping Up

Some factors influencing the shape and size of the sperm are beyond our control, such as age or genetics. However, if your sperm morphology is abnormal, making positive lifestyle changes can lead to significant improvements in sperm health.

A nutritional diet and regular exercise can help improve your sperm morphology, and it's something you can work on day by day. Exercise may also be useful, especially if you are overweight. Finally, quitting smoking is recommended to help improve sperm quality.³

In conclusion, it is important to note that sperm morphology is just one of many factors that can affect fertility and a comprehensive semen analysis can help determine the cause of infertility. Additionally, there are various treatment options available for couples struggling with infertility caused by sperm morphology issues. It is important to consult with a fertility specialist to understand your options and develop a personalized treatment plan.