My husband’s sperm cells are deformed
My inability to get pregnant has been confirmed to emanate from my husband. His semen analysis revealed that the sperm cells are deformed. Please can you also talk about causes of low sperm count generally and the possible remedy.
Mrs H M N.
Thanks for your question. The size and shape of a sperm cell is one factor that is being examined as part of a semen analysis to evaluate male infertility. Sperm morphology results are reported as the percentage of sperm that appear normal when semen is viewed under a microscope.
Normal sperm have an oval head with a long tail. Abnormal sperm have head or tail defects, such as a large or misshapen head or a crooked or double tail. These defects might affect the ability of the sperm to reach and penetrate an egg.
However, having a large percentage of misshapen sperm isn’t uncommon. In addition, morphology alone doesn’t indicate if one is fertile or not. A typical semen analysis also assesses: • Semen volume • Total sperm number • Sperm concentration • Vitality (percent alive) • Movement (motility) Also, an abnormal semen analysis also doesn’t mean that one is infertile. Many men with low semen analysis values can still father children, it just might take longer.
With respect to the deficiency of sperm, which is also known as low sperm count, or medically called Oligospermia, it is one of the major factors that can cause male infertility. Although it is a medically known fact that it takes only one single sperm to fertilize an ovum, the chances of a single sperm reaching that far is quite questionable. This is because the vagina is very acidic in nature, in order to prevent the growth of bacteria from taking place.
Therefore, a decreased or low sperm count affects the chances of a successful fertilization. The more the number of sperm, the higher the chances that at least one sperm will be successful. Therefore, if there are fewer sperm there is a lower chance of fertilization. In order to treat sperm deficiency one needs to first understand its causes.
In most cases, the exact cause for reduced sperm count cannot be identified precisely. However the following are some of the common causes that lead to low sperm count.
1. This is a condition in
Varicocele:
which the sperm count or production is affected due to a swollen vein in the scrotum. This can be rectified easily with the help of a minor surgery.
2. Injuries, surgeries or hereditary can also be possible factors that impair the functioning of the delicate ducts that transfer sperm from the testicles to the penis.
3. In this condition a person’s immune system attacks his own sperm as a response to certain antibodies contained in his sperm.
4.
Damaged Sperm Ducts: Auto Immune System: Hormonal Imbalance
Under preventive measures, one can adopt the following simple suggestions:
1. Smoking affects one’s sexual desire more commonly referred to as libido. It also affects the sperm quality as well as sperm production. Therefore avoiding cigarettes is good. Drinking lots of alcohol a day can also have similar effects on one’s sexual health. Indulging in recreational drugs too, displays similar effects.
2. can also affect sperm production. Therefore, exercising regularly will help you overcome this condition.
3. Hot bath is capable of temporarily reducing one’s sperm count. However, if continued over a long period of time its effects could be more permanent. Avoiding that will help improve the condition.
4. Avoid wearing tight undergarments as these create additional heat near the testicles. This excess heat can also affect a person’s sperm count.
5.
Being overweight Some remedies are:
1 Eat fresh fruits and vegetables daily. These help in maintaining the overall health of the body. Vitamin E, B12 and C are very helpful in increasing sperm count. Consuming foods rich in these vitamins will help one considerably.
2. Foods rich in zinc and iron are also recommended for treating sperm deficiency. Oysters are one of the richest sources of zinc. Other sources include turkey, red meat, lamb, wheat and beans.