Understanding Semen Quality and Male Infertility

Infertility is often thought of as a women’s health issue, but male factors contribute to nearly half of all infertility cases. One of the most important tools in evaluating male fertility is a semen analysis, which helps determine both the number of sperm and the quality of sperm present.

A semen sample is examined under a microscope to assess three key parameters that

influence a man’s ability to father a child.

1. Oligospermia – Low Sperm Count

Oligospermia refers to a reduced number of sperm in the ejaculate. Since only a small percentage of sperm reach the egg, a significantly low count can make conception difficult.

2. Asthenozoospermia – Poor Sperm Motility

Motility refers to how well sperm move.If the sperm do not swim efficiently, they struggle to reach the egg. Asthenozoospermia indicates that a large percentage of sperm are slow or poorly motile, reducing the chances of fertilization.

3. Teratozoospermia – Abnormal Sperm Morphology

Morphology refers to the shape and structure of sperm.A high number of abnormally shaped sperm can affect the sperm’s ability to penetrate and fertilize the egg.

What Affects Semen Quality?

Sperm quantity and quality are closely linked to a man’s overall health. Several factors can lead to low sperm count or poor sperm quality:

Systemic Health Conditions

• Diabetes

• Thyroid disorders

• Obesity

• Chronic illnesses

Local Reproductive Issues

• Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)

• Infections

• Hormonal imbalance

Lifestyle and Behavioural Factors

• Smoking

• Alcohol consumption

• Substance abuse

• Poor nutrition

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Stress

These factors can negatively impact sperm production, motility, and shape — and in many cases, multiple factors coexist.

Can Semen Quality Improve?

Yes.For many men, improving general health can significantly enhance semen parameters.Lifestyle modifications such as weight management, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, improving diet, exercising regularly, and managing chronic diseases can lead to noticeable improvements in sperm quality.

When Natural Conception Is Difficult

If lifestyle changes and medical management do not result in pregnancy, couples may benefit from assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as:

IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)

Prepared sperm is placed directly inside the uterus to improve chances of fertilization.

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)

Egg and sperm are combined in a laboratory setting, and the resulting embryo is transferred to the uterus.

These techniques offer excellent success rates, especially when male factor infertility is present.

Conclusion

Male infertility is common, treatable, and often reversible.Understanding semen quality through a semen analysis is the first step toward identifying the underlying cause and planning effective treatment.

With lifestyle improvements, medical intervention, and when necessary, assisted reproductive techniques, many couples successfully achieve pregnancy.