What is sperm morphology?
Sperm morphology — the size and shape of sperm — is one factor that’s 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.
What should be the morphology of sperm?
The precise range can vary, but typically a normal or healthy sperm morphology range is between 4 and 14 percent NF. A score below 4 percent may mean it takes longer than normal to achieve pregnancy. A result of 0 percent NF usually means in vitro fertilization (IVF) may be necessary for conception.
What is morphology in male sperm?
Sperm morphology refers to the size, shape and appearance of a man’s sperm, which when abnormal can decrease fertility and make it more difficult to fertilize the woman’s egg. Sperm can be misshaped based on the size of the head, having an extra head, and having no head or tail.
What is fertility morphology?
Morphology refers to the shape of your sperm, or what it looks like under a microscope. Specifically, it looks at the shape of the sperm head and the size of the sperm. The head shape is important because it affects the sperm’s ability to dissolve the outer surface of an egg and fertilize it.
What causes sperm morphology?
There are many factors that can lead to the formation of sperm with an abnormal morphology. Genetic traits, exposure to toxic chemicals, increased testicular temperature and infection can cause abnormal sperm morphology. The most common cause is attributed to abnormal morphology (shape).
Is it possible to improve sperm morphology?
But if you discover that your sperm morphology is abnormal, making positive lifestyle changes can be associated with significant improvements to sperm health. A nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise can help improve your sperm morphology, and is something you can take one day at a time.
What does morphology mean when referring to sperm?
– A smooth, oval-shaped head that is 5-6 micrometers long and 2.5-3.5 micrometers wide (less than the size of a needlepoint) – A well-defined cap (acrosome) that covers 40% to 70% of the sperm head – No visible abnormality of neck, midpiece, or tail – No fluid droplets in the sperm head that are bigger than one-half of the sperm head size
What is considered normal sperm morphology?
Most men’s morphology scores fall between 3 – 8%. Anything over 4% is considered normal. An average morphology score at CC is typically 5 – 5.5%. According to WHO (World Health Organization), normal sperm should have an oval head sized about 4-5μm in length and 2.5-3.5μm in width.
What are the causes of altered sperm morphology?
There are several causes that provoke alterations in morphology and there are not always easy to diagnose, such as genetic alterations, chemotherapy, testicular disorders, unhealthy lifestyle habits, seminal infections, or pathologies like diabetes mellitus, meningitis, etc…
What causes abnormal sperm shape?
– losing weight – exercising regularly – avoiding heavy drinking, tobacco use, or illegal drugs – wearing loose cotton boxers