When it comes to pregnancy, both partners’ health matters. It is not just the woman’s age or health or her egg reserve that determines the outcome of their attempts at pregnancy. The male partner’s sperm should also be factored in. When we say sperm, we are not restricting to just the ejaculation or the sperm count. Sperm health is also a crucial factor in a successful pregnancy.
Sperm health includes sperm count, the shape or structure of the sperm, and the way they move. All of these are important for the sperm to successfully enter and fertilise an egg. If any of these three factors are affected, it can negatively impact the male’s fertility and the couple’s attempts at pregnancy.
Men with low sperm count or motility still succeed in impregnating their partners successfully. However, low sperm health can increase the risk of infertility or difficulty in getting pregnant. When the sperm count or motility is very low, or if there is no ejaculation of sperm, it can lead to infertility in the males.
Sperm count will measure the number of sperm present in a semen sample. When the sperm count is less than 15 million per millilitre of the semen sample, it is known as oligospermia or low sperm count.
Sperm motility refers to the ability of the sperm to swim through a female’s reproductive tract, reach the egg and enter it for fertilisation. When less than 25% of the sperm in the semen sample move forward in straight lines or large circles, it is known as low motility or asthenozoospermia.
The sperm typically has a head, a mid-piece and a tail. Not all sperm in the semen sample will have this perfect structure. However, if the sperm morphology is less than 4% of the sample, then it can cause fertility issues.
Delay – Poor sperm quality can affect the sperm’s ability to reach and fertilise the egg successfully. It can cause a delay in pregnancy, meaning the couple may need to try for a few months or opt for fertility treatments, like IUI or IVF for a successful conception.
Miscarriage – Poor sperm health can cause damage to the sperm’s DNA. This in turn can cause or increase the risk of a miscarriage. Some research even shows that repeated miscarriages could be due to poor sperm health.
Genetic Issues –The sperm’s health can impact the genetic makeup of the fetus. Poor-quality sperm increases the risk of developmental issues, birth defects and even the health of the developing baby. Older males or those with health issues can experience DNA fragmentation in the sperm, which can affect the fetus and the DNA they pass on to their offspring.
Premature Birth– Poor sperm health can also lead to preeclampsia – a dangerous pregnancy complication. Preeclampsia increases maternal blood pressure. Very high blood pressure or fluctuations in blood pressure during pregnancy increases the risk of premature delivery.
Placenta Issues – Sperm’s health plays a major role in how the placenta functions. The placenta is the temporary organ the baby grows in. Poor sperm health can not only affect the placenta formation but can also impact the way it works and interfere with the oxygen and food supply to the baby.
If a couple is trying to get pregnant or is having fertility issues, the male partner can do the following to improve his sperm health. Though a successful pregnancy depends on various other factors in addition to sperm health, it can increase the chances of natural conception.
Weight Matters – Maintaining a healthy weight is the first step. Being too light or too heavy can impact sperm quality. According to some studies, a male’s BMI sperm count and motility are inversely related. Being underweight and lacking the essential nutrients can also affect sperm health.
Focus on Diet – Eating healthy by increasing the consumption of natural, whole foods while cutting back on foods that are processed, high in calories or sugar, can significantly improve sperm health.
Prevent STIs – Sexually Transmitted Infections and diseases can lead to infertility in men. It is important to always use protection, limit the number of sexual partners, and also get tested periodically. These infections can also pass on to the female partner or affect the outcome of pregnancy after conception.
Regular Exercise – Regular exercises can help men stay in good shape, keep their cholesterol and sugar under control, and maintain hormonal balance. It can also help improve their sex drive.
Stress Management – Stress can impact fertility for both partners. Being stress-free is close to impossible. However, keeping stress under control is possible through yoga, meditation, art and other activities that can help one calm down.
Lifestyle Changes – Limiting your alcohol intake, quitting smoking and drugs and limiting exposure to chemicals or toxins in the environment or at work can all help improve sperm health.
The sperm is an important factor in a successful pregnancy. Just the presence of sperm is not enough for pregnancy. The health and quality of the sperm are vital and can affect pregnancy to a great extent. It is essential for males to take care of their health as their sperm is crucial to a pregnancy.
Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.
