One of the key factors of male fertility is sperm morphology. This is the study of the shape, size and structure of the sperm. A normal sperm has an oval head, a long tail and a midpiece, which are all important components for successive motility and penetration of the sperm into the egg for fertilization. In order to know the health state of the sperm, body morphology is part of sperm analysis to determine the condition of the sperm. The morphology of the sperm affects levels of fertility because the sperm needs to have a specific shape, size and length.
Head defects
The shape of the head can greatly affect the fertility of the sperm. A healthy sperm should have an oval head like a tadpole and a well-defined cap covering the whole of it. Round, small, large or misshapen heads can cause infertility because it becomes difficult for the sperm to penetrate the egg’s protective layers, carry essential genetic material or activate the fertilization.
Tail defects
Tail defects can greatly affect fertility by hindering the sperm’s ability to swim, which prevents them from reaching and penetrating the egg. Coiled, bent, double or missing sperm prevent propulsion energy or DNA integrity. Coiled sperm can prevent proper swimming, multiple sperm can lower motility or increase DNA, and short or missing sperm can cause an inability to move.
Midpiece issue
Problems like irregular shapes or excess cytoplasm harm the sperm by disrupting the mitochondria that power the tail, which leads to poor mortality and low energy, and as a result prevents the sperm from reaching the egg and penetrating it. A large amount of cytoplasm can lead to oxidative stress, which can further damage the sperm components.
Factors that affect sperm morphology
- Alcohol and drug use: Excess consumption of alcohol and drugs leads to poor sperm quality by causing hormonal disruption, and ethanol can potentially damage the cells in the testes.
- Smoking: The use of tobacco can negatively affect the sperm shape and DNA material by inducing oxidative stress.
- Diet and obesity: Poor nutrition and obesity can lead to poor sperm quality by causing hormonal imbalance, inducing oxidative stress, and causing higher testicular temperatures and inflammation.
- Stress: Stress can disrupt hormone levels and negatively affect sperm production by triggering the stress hormones that affect the reproductive axis.
- Environmental toxins: Exposure to harmful pesticides, chemicals and metals can affect the quality of sperm.
- Heat: Avoiding exposure to prolonged heat can protect sperm from damage since sperm thrive best in cooler environments.
Conclusion
Sperm morphology is just a piece of the puzzle to determine a male’s fertility. Nevertheless, it’s important to have a medical check with an expert urologist who can further guide you and also take tests to determine your fertility level and treat the conditions. When going for your check-up, look no further than Dr. Sumita Sofat Hospital in Ludhiana. We are dedicated to helping with infertility issues. We understand the level of distress that fertility issues cause in a person’s life. As such, you can trust that we will offer the best without compromise. Our team is well-versed and experienced in this field, and we have a proven record of testimonials from people from all walks of life.
