Reduced Sperm Movement: Identified Causes, Common Ranges, and Potential Treatments
Low sperm motility, also known as asthenozoospermia, is a common issue affecting male fertility. This condition occurs when less than 32% of sperm are able to move efficiently, impacting their ability to reach and fertilise a woman's egg.
The test to diagnose low sperm motility involves assessing the formation of the sperm and how they interact in the seminal fluid. The whole ejaculation should be collected in a sterile container for accurate results. Samples can be collected in a private room at a doctor's office or collection facility, or in some circumstances at home, but must be delivered for analysis within an hour.
Male infertility is often the result of deficiencies in the semen, the most common of which are low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm shape. Male factor infertility accounts for between 40 to 50% of infertility cases and affects around 7% of men.
There are two kinds of sperm motility: progressive and non-progressive. Progressive motility refers to sperm that swim in a mostly straight line or large circles, while non-progressive motility refers to sperm that do not travel in straight lines or that swim in very tight circles.
Low sperm motility can be caused by a variety of factors, many of which overlap with causes of overall male infertility. These include:
- Varicocele, a condition of enlarged veins in the scrotum - Hormonal imbalances, such as abnormal levels of testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and prolactin - Infections, such as sexually transmitted infections, epididymitis, or prostatitis - Genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome or mutations affecting sperm development - Environmental exposures to toxins, such as pesticides, insecticides, smoking, heavy alcohol use, and certain chemicals - Medical conditions such as undescended or twisted testicles, certain chronic diseases, cancers, or structural defects blocking sperm release - Some medications (opioids, cancer treatments, certain heart or arthritis drugs) - Lifestyle factors including smoking, heavy alcohol consumption, and exposure to heat (e.g., hot baths, saunas)
Improvements in low sperm motility can be achieved through treatment of underlying conditions, managing infections, hormonal therapy, lifestyle changes, nutritional support, avoiding frequent ejaculation, and in some cases, medical assistance such as assisted reproductive technologies (e.g., IVF with ICSI).
Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, avoiding heat exposure to the testicles, and minimising toxin exposure can boost sperm motility. Ensuring adequate intake of key vitamins and minerals such as zinc can improve seminal quality and motility. Addressing hormone imbalances under medical supervision can also improve sperm quality and motility. In some cases, correcting varicocele through surgery or other interventions may improve motility.
In summary, low sperm motility arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, medical, and lifestyle factors. Improvements depend on addressing these causes — often requiring medical diagnosis, treatment of underlying conditions, and lifestyle modifications to enhance sperm movement and fertility potential. Semen analysis is the most basic and useful test for detecting fertility problems in men.
- Obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and lack of fitness-and-exercise can contribute to low sperm motility due to the impact on overall health and wellness.
- Medical-conditions such as diabetes, hepatitis, and depression may also impact sperm motility, necessitating close monitoring and management.
- In the diagnostic process, predictive models could be used to analyze the potential impact of certain lifestyle factors on sperm motility, aiding in personalized health-and-wellness recommendations.
- Advanced science and technology in the medical field have increased our understanding of the factors affecting male fertility, including the role of macular degeneration in affecting sexual-health and mens-health.
- The mens' health landscape is evolving, with new solutions like CBD being explored for potential benefits in enhancing fertility and sexual-health.
- Dry ejaculation due to certain medications or medical conditions could impact sperm motility and overall fertility, prompting the need for alternative fertility treatments such as IVF with ICSI.
- Diagnostic tests involving techniques like AQ testing can help identify the causes of low sperm motility and provide targeted treatment options.
- Health-professionals recommend regular health check-ups for men to identify potential issues related to low sperm motility and other men's-health concerns at an early stage.
- Non-progressive sperm motility, which refers to sperm that do not travel in straight lines or that swim in very tight circles, may indicate underlying fertility issues requiring medical attention.
- Type 2 diabetes, asthma, and depression are some common health conditions that can overlap with low sperm motility, stressing the importance of comprehensive health management for improved fertility and overall wellbeing.
