Male Infertility: Causes and Solutions for Low Sperm Motility
Sperm motility, the ability of the sperm to move, plays a key role when it comes to reproductive health in males. Low sperm count can be a cause of male infertility.
This article outlines everything one needs to know about male fertility, sperm motility, causes, solutions, and more.
Understanding Low Sperm Motility
Sperm motility is defined as the capability of the sperm to move efficiently. There are precisely two types of sperm motility based on how sperms move. Progressive motility refers to sperm swimming in a linear path or large circles. Whereas, Non-progressive motility refers to sperm that does not move in straight lines but rather swims in closed circles.
In order to fertilize a woman's egg, sperm must swim through the cervical mucus. They need progressive motility of a minimum of 25 micrometers a second in order to do so.
Hence, low sperm motility is defined as a condition when less than 32% of the sperm can move successfully.
Common Causes of Male Infertility
Male infertility can be induced by low sperm motility, abnormal sperm function, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. Additional reasons for low sperm count include injuries, underlying health problems, and lifestyle maintenance that further contribute to male infertility.
Also Read: Increase Sperm Count And Promote Male Fertility With These Simple Tips
Lifestyle Factors that Impact Sperm Motility
Lifestyle plays a significant role in maintaining one's physical and mental well-being. It does have a direct impact on sperm motility too. Some of the lifestyle factors that can cause low sperm count are:
- Body Weight - Being overweight and conditions of obesity lead to fertility impairment, low sperm motility, and hormonal changes.
- Excessive Smoking and Alcohol Consumption - Excessive consumption of alcohol can lower testosterone levels, cause erectile dysfunction, and decrease sperm production. Additionally, men who smoke are at a higher risk of infertility due to low sperm count.
- Use of Drugs - Few supplements and medications, like steroids taken to improve muscle strength, can lead to low sperm motility.
Medical Treatments for Low Sperm Motility
Some effective medical treatments for low sperm motility or oligospermia are:
- Intrauterine Insemination: This procedure is a low sperm count treatment that includes a collection of sperm and getting them washed. The sperms with rapid mobility are injected into the womb using a fine plastic tube.
- Sperm Donation: An individual interested in conceiving can receive sperm from a donor, which is then used in an IVF process for reproduction.
- In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF): During IVF, the woman is under medication to produce eggs, which are removed from the ovaries and fertilized with sperm under artificial conditions in the laboratory. The created embryo is then placed in the womb for nurturing.
Natural Solutions for Improving Sperm Motility
Some of the basic solutions to improve sperm motility are regular exercise, quitting smoking and excessive drinking, wear loose-fitting underwear to keep the temperature of the testicles cool. Relaxing, minimizing stress, and ensuring an adequate vitamin D intake are some easy yet effective steps to improve sperm motility naturally. One can include zinc, ashwagandha, maca root, and fenugreek seeds in the diet. In addition, vitamin C supplements are known to improve semen quality.
When to Seek Medical Help for Male Infertility?
Male infertility is a medical condition when the chances of a female partner getting pregnant are low. Some main causes of male infertility are varicoceles, retrograde ejaculation, obstruction or hormonal changes.
Signs of low sperm count include low sex drive or difficulty maintaining an erection, pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle region. If you suffer from any of these conditions, it is advisable to seek medical help. A proper diagnosis of prevailing health conditions can be made through semen analysis in a laboratory.
Conclusion and Solution
Anyone trying to have a baby but failing for more than a year is advised to consult a doctor. Low sperm motility is a significant factor that leads to male infertility. However, seeking the right professional advice can help to treat this condition and improve one's sexual health.