Understanding Sperm Motility

Although men are often not as expressive about the impact of infertility as women, husbands contribute just as much to the causes of infertility as do their wives. It can't be assumed, if a wife doesn't get pregnant, that it's her problem and that her husband's reproductive system is normal. The male side of the fertility issue must also be examined, from the beginning of sperm production through the release of sperm into the ejaculate.

Poor motility means the sperm have a difficult time swimming toward their goal - the egg.

Sperm must travel within the female reproductive tract to reach the site of fertilization. Sperm motility is measured in two ways: percentage of sperm exhibiting any kind of movement, and the quality of this movement, which is called the forward progression. "Low sperm motility" usually refers to the percentage of sperm that are moving, while the progression is described separately. Both types of abnormalities may be caused by varicocele, partial ejaculatory duct obstruction, or genetic factors. They are rarely affected by hormonal problems. A decrease in forward progression may sometimes be explained by the viscosity, or thickness, of the seminal fluid. This is overcome by a simple lab treatment while processing a semen specimen for insemination.

The first step in any assessment of the male partner should be a semen analysis. It is a valuable tool in the primary assessment of the male partner of a couple experiencing infertility. A properly performed semen analysis provides the physician with clinically relevant data which may give an indication as to the reason for the infertility.

Evaluation of semen is based on standards established for fertile males. When a patient has values below these limits, a male factor does not exist, but the probability is significantly increased. It is important to remember that, despite an overall low sperm count, men with high-quality sperm may still be fertile. High quality sperm is defined as having a high percentage of motile sperm with good forward movement. Sperm motility appears to be one of the most important factors in determining the fertilizing capability of sperm.

Several studies have found vitamin C supplementation not only increases sperm counts but improves various measures of sperm health. Zinc is among the most important nutrient minerals in regards to male fertility. Zinc levels in the seminal plasma (the fluid in which the sperm exist) are directly related to sperm mobility, and dietary zinc restriction reduces both sperm count and seminal plasma volume.

The nutrients mentioned above reflect the major nutritional supplements that may help the condition. Please do remember however that nutritional supplementation is an adjunct to medical treatment and in no way replaces medical treatment.

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