Understanding Sperm Motility

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.