Understanding Sperm Motility

Sperm motility is a key factor in male fertility and an essential component in understanding a man’s reproductive health. It refers to the ability of sperm to move efficiently through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilise an egg. When assessing sperm health, motility is often divided into categories, primarily progressive motility and total motility, both of which provide valuable insights into a man’s fertility potential.

In this post, we’ll explore what sperm motility is, the difference between progressive and total motility, what normal motility looks like, and ways to support healthy motility. To understand more about sperm motility and a semen analysis, visit ExamenLab’s website, a noted testing facility.

What is Sperm Motility?

Sperm motility is the term used to describe how well sperm move. Proper motility is crucial because sperm need to swim through the cervical mucus, into the uterus, and up the fallopian tubes to reach the egg. Without adequate motility, sperm may struggle to reach or penetrate the egg, making fertilisation difficult or impossible. Motility is generally classified into two types:

1. Progressive Motility: This refers to sperm that move forward in a straight line or large circular pattern, allowing them to advance towards the egg. Progressive motility is vital for fertilisation, as these are the sperm that can actually reach the egg.
2. Total Motility: This encompasses all sperm that exhibit any kind of movement, including both progressive and non-progressive motility (sperm that move but not in a way that would advance them forward). Total motility provides a broader measure of how many sperm are alive and mobile, though it does not guarantee they are moving in a purposeful direction toward the egg. Both progressive and total motility are important, but progressive motility is typically the most significant for fertilisation potential, as it indicates sperm that are moving purposefully toward the egg.

How is Sperm Motility Measured?

Sperm motility is measured as part of a semen analysis, a lab test commonly conducted when assessing male fertility. During this analysis, a sample of semen is examined under a microscope, and a specialist evaluates the movement of sperm.

Key Motility Measurements:

• Progressive Motility: This is often reported as a percentage, representing the proportion of sperm that are moving in a straight or purposeful forward motion. A progressive motility of 32% or higher is generally considered normal.

• Total Motility: This percentage represents all sperm that show any movement, regardless of direction or quality of motion. Typically, total motility of at least 40% is seen as the threshold for normal fertility.

Why These Percentages Matter:

A man with low progressive motility may have enough moving sperm, but if they aren’t moving efficiently toward the egg, fertilisation may be more challenging. Conversely, low total motility can also be problematic, as it indicates a large proportion of sperm are not moving at all, which may limit the number of viable sperm available to reach the egg.

Causes of Low Sperm Motility

Low sperm motility, or asthenozoospermia, can be caused by a variety of factors, including lifestyle, health conditions, environmental exposures, and genetics. Here are some common causes:

1. Lifestyle Factors: o Smoking: Smoking has been shown to reduce sperm motility and overall sperm quality. o Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can impact hormone levels, which can in turn affect sperm production and motility. o Poor Diet: A diet lacking in essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals can negatively impact sperm health.
2. Health Conditions: o Varicocele: This is an enlargement of veins within the scrotum that can affect temperature regulation and impair sperm function, including motility. o Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like low testosterone or other hormonal imbalances can reduce sperm motility. o Infections: Certain infections, including STIs or untreated urinary tract infections, can damage sperm quality and reduce motility.
3. Environmental Factors: o Exposure to Toxins: Chemicals, heavy metals, and certain types of radiation can damage sperm DNA and reduce motility. o Heat Exposure: Regular exposure to high heat (e.g., hot baths, saunas, or tight clothing) can impair sperm production and motility.
4. Oxidative Stress: High levels of oxidative stress, which occur when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, can damage sperm cells and reduce their motility. Oxidative stress is often linked to poor diet, smoking, and environmental toxin exposure.

Improving Sperm Motility Naturally

While some causes of low motility may require medical intervention, lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments can also play a significant role in supporting sperm motility.

Optimise Diet:

• Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc, can help protect sperm from oxidative stress and improve motility. Foods like berries, nuts, seeds, spinach, and citrus fruits are great choices.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s (found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds) can improve sperm cell membrane fluidity, which may support better motility. o Folate and B Vitamins: These vitamins are crucial for healthy sperm production and motility. Leafy greens, legumes, and whole grains are excellent sources.

Manage Stress:

• High stress levels can elevate cortisol, which can interfere with testosterone production and negatively affect sperm motility. Practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation, exercise, or even counselling can be beneficial.

Limit Toxins and Pollutants:

• Reducing exposure to environmental toxins (e.g., chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals) can help protect sperm quality and motility.

Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol:

• Smoking and excessive alcohol intake have been shown to harm sperm quality, including motility. Cutting back or quitting entirely can improve overall sperm health.

Exercise Regularly, But Don’t Overdo It:

• Moderate exercise has been linked to improved sperm quality, but excessive high-intensity workouts can reduce testosterone and may negatively impact sperm motility.

Consider Supplements:

• Supplements like CoQ10, L-carnitine, and vitamin D have shown promise in improving sperm motility. CoQ10, in particular, is an antioxidant that supports mitochondrial function, providing the energy sperm need to move efficiently.

Medical Treatments for Low Sperm Motility

If lifestyle changes alone aren’t sufficient, medical treatments are available to help men with low motility improve their chances of conception.

1. Medications: Certain hormonal therapies or medications can help address specific health issues (such as low testosterone or varicocele) that may be affecting sperm motility.
2. Intrauterine Insemination (IUI): IUI is a common fertility treatment for men with mild to moderate motility issues. In this procedure, sperm are collected, washed to concentrate motile sperm, and then placed directly in the uterus, helping them bypass potential obstacles.
3. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): IVF may be an option for men with more severe motility issues. During IVF, sperm are combined with an egg outside the body, then implanted in the uterus if fertilisation occurs.
4. Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): ICSI is a technique where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg, bypassing the need for motility. This is often used in cases of severe motility issues.

Conclusion

Sperm motility, especially progressive motility, plays a critical role in fertility. It affects the sperm’s ability to reach and fertilise an egg, and low motility can pose a challenge for couples trying to conceive. Lifestyle changes, dietary improvements, and, if needed, medical treatments can all help improve motility and increase the chances of conception. By addressing factors that impact motility, men can take proactive steps toward optimising their reproductive health. The University of Rochester Medical Centre, has more information here.