Enlighten me about Sperm cells that are deformed

This is to wish you and this health column all the best as you continue to diligently educate us on a weekly basis. My partner and I are unable to have children for some years now. Medical investigations confirmed I do not have a problem, but my partner’s semen was analysed and it was confirmed […]

This is to wish you and this health column all the best as you continue to diligently educate us on a weekly basis.

My partner and I are unable to have children for some years now. Medical investigations confirmed I do not have a problem, but my partner’s semen was analysed and it was confirmed that he has some deformed sperm cells and with low sperm count.

Worried young lady.

Thanks for your question. Let me provide a simple explanation to you and our readers. 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 appears normal when semen is viewed under a microscope. Normal sperm has an oval head with a long tail. Abnormal sperm has 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 a female egg. However, having a large percentage of misshapen sperm is not uncommon.

A typical semen analysis also assesses the following:

Semen volume

Total sperm number

Sperm concentration

Vitality (percent alive)

Movement (motility)

An abnormal semen analysis also does not mean that one is infertile completely. Many men with low semen analysis result can still father children.

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 cell to fertilise an egg (ovum). The chances of a single sperm cell 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 fertilisation. The more the number of sperm cells, the higher the chances that at least one sperm cell will be successful. Therefore, if there are fewer sperm cells there is a lower chance of fertilization. In order to treat sperm deficiency one need to first understand its causes.

What are the causes of reduced sperm count?

1.     Varicocele: This is a condition in 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.     Damaged Sperm Ducts: Injuries, surgeries or hereditary problem can be possible factors that impair the functioning of the delicate ducts that transfer sperm from the testicles to the penis.

3.     Auto Immune System: In this condition a person’s immune system attacks his own sperm cells as a response to certain antibodies.

4.     Hormonal Imbalance

What are the preventive measures?

1.     Smoking affects one 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 sexual health. Indulging in recreational drugs too, displays similar effects.

2.     Being overweight can also affect sperm production. Therefore, exercising regularly will help one overcomes 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.

What are some of the remedies to adopt?

1.     Be eating 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 food rich in these vitamins will help one considerably.

2.     Food 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.