As we know fertility is dependent on both men and women, as a couple’s ability to conceive is a critical component in pregnancy. When we talk about men’s fertility, a major factor that influences it most is sperm morphology. Sperm morphology refers to the shape and size of sperm cells that have a direct link with the fertility of men. Having an understanding of sperm morphology issues, how they are identified, and several methods that are required for managing such aspects will help fertility concerns be sorted out in men.
What is Sperm Morphology?
Sperm morphology refers to the physical characteristics of sperm such as their shape, size, head, tail, and midpiece. For the successful fertilization of an egg with sperm, it is necessary for it to be morphologically (proper shape) normal and motile (able to move). If we talk about normal sperm, it is of an oval head, long and straight tail, with a well-defined midpiece. However, when sperm are not of the right shape or abnormal shapes, they may not be able to travel effectively or penetrate the eggs, which eventually reduces fertility.
Common Types of Sperm Morphology Issues
Sperm morphology issues are often categorized based on the abnormalities in the sperm’s shape. These include:
- Abnormal Head Shape:
- Round Head: Enzymes are required for penetration of eggs so a spherical or round head indicates lack of enzymes.
- Large or Small Head: An unusually large sperm, like a small or large head, can hinder the ability of sperm to fertilize the egg.
- Bent or Irregular Head: A misshapen or angular head can affect the sperm’s motility and ability to swim toward the egg.
- Abnormal Midpiece: The midpiece of sperm is quite important as it is responsible for the production of energy, which helps the sperm travel or move. A misshapen or large midpiece affects the ability of sperm to travel effectively.
- Abnormal Tail (Flagellum): The tail of the sperm plays a key role in motility. If the tail is damaged or absent, it prevents sperm from moving properly, while having its impact on its ability to reach and improve the fertilization of ethe gg.
- Double Tails or Heads: If sperms have two heads or two tails, these are non-functional, especially for the fertilization process.
Causes of Sperm Morphology Issues
Sperm morphology can be influenced by a wide variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle choices to medical conditions. Some of the common causes include:
- Genetic Factors: Sperm development is affected by genetic abnormalities, as it leads to malformed sperm. It can only be identified with the help of genetic testing and even linked to inherited conditions.
- Varicocele: A varicocele is the enlargement of veins within the scrotum and is quite common, a cause of male infertility. This leads to an increase in scrotal temperature and disrupted sperm production, which results in abnormal sperm morphology.
- Hormonal Imbalances: An imbalance of disturbance in the balance of testosterone, such as LH and FSH (key hormones involved in sperm production), affecting the formation of healthy sperm.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins such as heavy metals, radiation, and pesticides can damage sperm, which leads to abnormal morphology. Moreover, various lifestyle factors involving smoking, drug use, and excessive alcohol consumption also contribute the most.
- Infections and Inflammation: The availability of infections in the reproductive tracts, such as STIs (sexually transmitted infections), impairs the sperm morphology while causing scarring or inflammation of the testes.
- Age: The quality of the sperm also declines, which leads to a decrease in sperm morphology.
- Diet and Nutrition: Poor diet, having a lack of essential minerals and vitamins, particularly antioxidants such as vitamin E and C, impacts the sperm health negatively.
Identifying Sperm Morphology Issues
Sperm morphology is mainly assessed with the help of semen analysis. It is a standard procedure adopted by healthcare professionals for evaluating male fertility. During this process, a sample of semen is carried for examination with the use of a microscope for assessing motility (movement), number of sperm, and the morphology (shape) of the sperm.
A specific criterion has already been considered as Normal for sperm morphology under the World Health Organization. The specific criteria is as follows-
- An oval-shaped head.
- A midpiece that is not enlarged.
- A long, straight tail. According to WHO guidelines, if less than 4% of the sperm in a sample have a normal morphology, the individual is considered to have a low sperm morphology count.
Managing Sperm Morphology Issues
As sperm morphology issues can lead to several challenges for conceiving, there are various approaches that could be undertaken for improving and managing the sperm quality.
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Diet and Nutrition: a balanced and healthy diet is beneficial for your health, and if it is rich in antioxidants, it can improve the sperm health. Food containing high zinc, vitamin C, E, and folic acid is beneficial for sperm function.
- Exercise: Exercise and yoga are also beneficial for enhancing the quality of sperm, but it should be regular and moderate. However, if you exert excessive pressure and make the usage of anabolic steroids, it could lead to an opposite effect.
- Reducing Toxin Exposure: Another possible change that can be accomplished with issues like sperm morphology is avoiding exposure to environmental toxins such as heavy metals, chemicals, and pesticides. Moreover, put an end to the consumption of alcohol, smoking, and recreational usage of drugs for improving the quality of sperm.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress usually has a direct impact on the quality of sperm negatively. Practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness can reduce stress levels.
- Medical Treatment:
- Varicocele Surgery is recommended if a varicocele is diagnosed for rectifying the situation and improving the sperm quality.
- For hormonal imbalances, hormonal treatment is given with medications like clomiphene or HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) for improving the quality of sperm.
- If an infection is found, antibiotics or other appropriate treatments will be used to resolve the issue.
- Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART):
- Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): If you find that the sperm morphology is low, IUI is used for enhancing the chances of conception while placing the sperm directly into the uterus.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): IVF, often coupled with ICSI, which involves injection of a single sperm directly into an egg. This is considered to be an effective technique as it helps in overcoming sperm morphology issues when they are combined with sperm extracted from a donor.
- Sperm Aspiration and Microdissection TESE: In cases of severe sperm abnormalities or azoospermia (lack of sperm), sperm can be surgically retrieved from the testicles and used in ART procedures like ICSI.
Conclusion
Sperm morphology issues are a significant factor in male fertility, but they are not insurmountable. With proper diagnosis and management, many men with abnormal sperm morphology can successfully conceive. Lifestyle changes, medical treatments, and advanced fertility technologies can help overcome challenges posed by poor sperm morphology. If you’re facing fertility issues, consulting with a healthcare provider like Parihar IVF or fertility specialist is an essential step in understanding your options and improving your chances of conception.