3 Factors That Influence Sperm Health and Quality

Sperm quality is impacted by sperm count, motility, and morphology. Can sperm quality be improved? Read on to learn more about improving your chances of conception.

Infertility can be an emotionally taxing journey, especially when you're eager to start or expand your family.

It's important to know you're not alone. Approximately 1 in 8 couples face challenges with infertility [1]. Interestingly, male-factor infertility accounts for about 50% of these cases [2]. Therefore, poor sperm quality is an important factor to consider when trying to conceive. So, what influences sperm quality? The answer lies in three critical factors: sperm quantity, motility, and shape. Let’s discuss how these three factors influence your sperm health and fertility. 

Sperm Count

When it comes to sperm, the more, the merrier! Sperm count refers to the number of sperm present in a given volume of semen. This is usually measured in millions of sperm per milliliter. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy sperm count ranges from 15 million to over 200 million sperm per milliliter [3]. Anything below 15 million sperm per milliliter is considered low, which can significantly affect fertility. Low sperm count is known as oligospermia.

For a healthy sperm count, follow a healthy lifestyle. Lifestyle choices can impact sperm count.

 

Maintain a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Eat organic as much as possible, as pesticides can negatively impact sperm count [4]. Also, stay away from processed foods and foods that are high in refined sugars, as they can negatively impact sperm production [5].

Stay active and exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps maintain optimal body weight, which is often linked to better sperm production [6].

Try to follow regular sleep patterns and manage your stress as much as possible. Stress management techniques, such as meditation and mindfulness, can also positively impact sperm count. 

Also, environmental factors like exposure to toxicants and chemicals can reduce your sperm count. Consider testing your body for endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and receive personalized feedback for reducing your environmental exposures. 

Medical conditions, such as varicocele and hormonal imbalances, can further diminish sperm count. If you suspect these are at the root of your fertility issues, please discuss your concerns with a healthcare physician. 

Additionally, avoiding harmful substances like tobacco, alcohol, and recreational drugs is essential for maintaining a healthy sperm count.

Sperm Motility

Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to move efficiently through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilize an egg. Good motility means that sperm can swim forward in a straight line, which is vital for successful fertilization. 

A stacked team is only as good as its strongest swimmer. Motility is crucial because even if the sperm count is high, the sperm must still be able to navigate through the female reproductive system to fertilize the egg. 

There are two types of motility:

  • Progressive motility: The sperm moves forward in straight lines or large circles
  • Non-progressive motility: The sperm don’t make any forward progress or move in tight circles.

If less than 25% of sperm have progressive motility, then the person is considered to have poor sperm motility. This condition is known as asthenozoospermia.

Many of the factors that affect sperm count also impact motility, such as an unhealthy diet, poor sleep patterns, and high toxic chemical burdens. As men age, sperm motility often decreases. 

To enhance sperm motility, focus on a nutrient-rich diet that includes foods high in antioxidants. Regular physical activity improves overall health and supports good sperm motility. 

Supplements containing CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D have been shown to improve sperm motility in some cases [7][8][9].

Sperm Morphology

Sperm morphology refers to the shape and structure of sperm. Healthy sperm have an oval head and a long tail, which are essential for swimming through the female reproductive tract and penetrating the egg. 

Abnormalities in sperm shape can hinder their ability to fertilize an egg, impacting overall fertility. This condition is known as teratozoospermia.

Poor sperm morphology can result from various causes. Genetic abnormalities can affect sperm development, leading to irregular shapes. 

Oxidative stress can damage sperm cells [10]. This is typically caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body.

Hormonal imbalances can also negatively impact sperm morphology. Imbalances are commonly caused by EDCs in personal care products. Many chemicals, like phthalates, parabens, and oxybenzone mimic estrogen, which can throw off hormonal balance throughout the body. 

Improving sperm morphology involves addressing the underlying causes. A diet rich in antioxidants can combat oxidative stress, while maintaining hormonal balance through regular medical check-ups can help optimize sperm shape. Lifestyle changes such as reducing stress, abstaining from smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are also beneficial.

How Sperm Quantity, Speed, and Shape Are Related

Sperm quantity, motility, and morphology work in tandem to affect overall fertility. High sperm count is less effective if motility and morphology are compromised. 

Similarly, excellent motility is insufficient if the sperm count is low or if the sperm are abnormally shaped. Together, these factors determine the likelihood of successful fertilization and pregnancy.

Sperm Quality Diagnosis and Testing

A semen analysis is a common diagnostic tool used to evaluate these three factors. This test provides valuable insights into sperm count, motility, and morphology, helping healthcare providers identify potential issues. 

Understanding the results can guide appropriate interventions and treatments. Seeking medical advice is crucial if you experience difficulties conceiving, as early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes.

Testing for EDCs such as bisphenols, parabens, phthalates, and oxybenzone is also recommended. EDCs can adversely affect sperm health and fertility. Utilizing tools like Million Marker’s Detect & Detox Test Kit can provide a personalized list of EDCs in your environment, offering actionable steps to minimize exposure and improve sperm health.

Lifestyle Changes to Improve Sperm Health

Making lifestyle changes can significantly enhance sperm health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins supplies essential nutrients that support sperm production and function. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also important, as obesity can negatively impact sperm quality.

Stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can improve overall well-being and support better sperm health. Avoiding harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications is crucial. If concerned about EDCs, consider testing for these chemicals and taking steps to reduce exposure.

Medical Treatments for Sperm Health

Various medical treatments are available to address issues with sperm count, motility, and morphology. Treatments range from hormonal therapies to surgical interventions, depending on the underlying cause. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Medical intervention may be necessary when lifestyle changes and natural remedies are insufficient. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve fertility outcomes, providing hope and solutions for couples struggling with infertility.

How to Make Sperm Stronger for Pregnancy

Enhancing sperm health involves a holistic approach that addresses all three factors: quantity, motility, and morphology. A nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, stress management, and avoiding harmful substances are essential steps. In addition, seeking medical advice and treatments when necessary can further improve the chances of successful conception.

Empowering yourself with knowledge and taking actionable steps can make a significant difference in your fertility journey. Remember, you're not alone, and there are resources and treatments available to support you in achieving your dream of starting or expanding your family.

Resources

[1] https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/infertility/conditioninfo/common 
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562258/
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374591 
[4] https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/03/pesticides-result-in-lower-sperm-counts/ 
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38283622/
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10307666/ 
[7] https://wjmh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5534%2Fwjmh.190145
[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31116515/
[9] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13224-019-01251-1 
[10] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2023.1070692/full