When it comes to infertility, many couples tend to focus solely on the female partner, but it takes two to tango and male infertility is just as common as female infertility. One in every twenty men face infertility issues.

Sperm count, morphology, and motility are the three most important factors that determine the quality of a man’s sperm. In this article, we’ll dive deep into all these factors and will try to answer the question of how healthy is a man’s sperm?.

Sperm Count

Sperm count is the number of sperm present in one milliliter (ml) of semen. A greater number of healthy sperms increases the chances of successful fertilization, hence, higher the sperm count, the better.

A sperm count of fewer than 15 million sperm per ml is considered low and considered as male infertility. It can be due to many factors, including varicocele, varicose veins in the testicles, hormonal imbalances, drug abuse, or heat exposure.

For a normal sperm count, the ideal range is between 40 to 300 million sperms per ml, but every lab has its own reference range. Thus, it is advisable to consult a certified healthcare professional to know your reference range.

Sperm Morphology

Sperm morphology concerns the shape and size of sperm. An analysis of a sample of semen can reveal the percentage of abnormally shaped sperm. The ideal normal morphology ranges from 4% to 100%.

Abnormalities of sperm morphology can result in decreased fertilization rates, decreased embryo quality, and – in severe cases – result in infertility. A variety of lifestyle factors can lead to poor sperm morphology, including excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, a diet high in processed and fatty foods, consumption of foods high in sugar, caffeine intake, etc.

Sperm Motility

Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to move through the female reproductive system towards the egg, which is known as sperm’s swimming ability.

If sperm has decreased motility, they will not be able to make it to the egg, and conception won’t happen. The ideal total motility should be more than 40%, and progressive motility should be more than 32% in semen samples. Some lifestyle factors that can affect sperm motility are stress, obesity, vaping, and lack of exercise.

Other Factors

Other factors that can affect sperm health include age, genetics, infections, and exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals.

Age and genetics are factors that cannot be changed, but lifestyle modifications and avoiding toxins exposure can improve sperm health.

Conclusion

Sperm count, morphology, and motility are the three critical factors that determine the quality and health of a man’s sperm. Inadequate sperm count, abnormal morphology, and low motility can cause male infertility.

However, adopting healthy lifestyle habits like exercising, eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding toxins and environmental pollutants, can help boost sperm health, ultimately increasing the chances of successful fertilization and conception.