Sperm Motility Scores
In this video we'll be looking at sperm specimens with varying motility scores utilizing the microscopes in our fertility laboratory. As we zoom in on this ...specimen with more and more magnification we can see that the sperm motility is pretty good. Most of the sperm are progressively modal sperm. Motility scores represent the percentage of sperm that are actively swimming in a forward direction. Low sperm motility is a common cause of infertility. This specimen shows both a good count and a good motility. Here it is at higher magnification, where we can get a better idea of the morphology or shape of the sperm cells. This specimen demonstrates both a low count and a low motility. There are many immature sperm forms present and the progressive motility is poor. Here is another example showing a poor count and poor motility. This one also shows significantly abnormal morphology. Here's one more example of sperm with a very low count and a poor motility. We see that the sperm are twitching and wiggling in place but there is no progressive motility in order to get a pregnancy. With sperm like this we will need to perform IVF with EXCI and inject the sperm directly into the eggs
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Improving sperm motility can be important for couples trying to conceive. While your user profile doesn’t provide specific information about your situation, I can offer some general advice on how to potentially improve sperm motility:
- Lifestyle Changes:
- Diet: Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Antioxidants like vitamins C and E may be beneficial.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help improve overall health, including sperm quality and motility.
- Weight Management: Being either underweight or overweight can affect sperm motility. Aim for a healthy weight.
- Avoid Heat:
- Prolonged exposure to heat, such as hot baths or saunas, can negatively impact sperm motility. Avoid these activities, especially when trying to conceive.
- Reduce Stress:
- High levels of stress can affect fertility. Practice relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Limit Alcohol and Smoking:
- Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can harm sperm quality and motility. Reducing or quitting these habits can be beneficial.
- Stay Hydrated:
- Dehydration can lead to thicker semen, which can impede sperm motility. Ensure you stay adequately hydrated.
- Supplements:
- Some supplements like coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), L-carnitine, and zinc may improve sperm motility. Consult with a healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
- Medications:
- In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medications to improve sperm motility, especially if there’s an underlying medical condition.
- Avoid Environmental Toxins:
- Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides and chemicals, can impact sperm quality. Minimize exposure when possible.
- Medical Evaluation:
- If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, consider consulting a fertility specialist. They can perform tests to identify underlying issues and recommend appropriate treatments.
It’s important to remember that improving sperm motility may take time, and results can vary from person to person. Additionally, lifestyle changes alone may not solve the issue if there are underlying medical factors involved. Therefore, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable for personalized guidance and treatment options.
When it comes to addressing sperm motility issues through surgical interventions, there are limited options, and not all cases may be suitable for surgery. Here are two surgical procedures that may be considered:
- Varicocele Repair:
- A varicocele is a condition where the veins in the scrotum become enlarged and can overheat the testicles, potentially leading to reduced sperm motility and quality.
- Varicocele repair is a surgical procedure to ligate or block off the affected veins, improving blood flow to the testicles. This can potentially improve sperm motility and quality.
- Consult with a urologist or fertility specialist to determine if you have a varicocele and if this surgery is appropriate for your situation.
- Epididymal Sperm Aspiration (TESA) or Testicular Sperm Extraction (TESE):
- In cases where there is an obstruction preventing sperm from reaching the semen, surgical procedures like TESA or TESE can be considered.
- TESA involves the aspiration of sperm from the epididymis (a structure connected to the testicles), while TESE involves extracting sperm directly from the testicle tissue.
- These procedures are typically used in cases of obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production is normal, but there is a blockage preventing sperm from being ejaculated.
- The extracted sperm can be used for in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures.
It’s crucial to note that not all cases of low sperm motility can be addressed with surgery. The approach to treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the motility issue. Before considering any surgical intervention, it’s essential to consult with a urologist or fertility specialist who can perform a thorough evaluation and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific situation.
Additionally, the success of surgical interventions can vary from person to person, and there may be risks and potential complications associated with these procedures, so it’s essential to have a detailed discussion with a medical professional to make an informed decision.