Motility Matters: How to increase sperm motility
Hey there, future dads! Planning to expand your family? Congratulations! When it comes to fertility, sperm count gets a lot of attention, but there’s another crucial factor: how to increase sperm motility.
Think of your sperm as that of a champion swimmer. But what if some of these swimmers are struggling to keep up the pace? That’s where increasing sperm motility comes into play. They need to be strong, plentiful (that’s the count!), and most importantly, mobile enough to reach their destination. This blog will dig deep into the world of how to increase sperm motility, exploring how to give your little swimmers that extra edge and supercharge their journey.
Why Motility Matters:
Even a high sperm count doesn’t guarantee success if the troops can’t move effectively. Sperm motility is all about their ability to swim towards the egg. The stronger and faster they move, the better their chances of fertilization.
This blog is your guide to boosting motility, featuring:
The Science of Sperm Motility: We’ll break down the factors impacting how well your sperm move.
Natural Strategies for Success: Discover lifestyle changes, dietary tweaks, and even some surprising habits that can improve sperm motility.
Busting Myths and Misconceptions: We’ll separate fact from fiction, empowering you with accurate information.
When to Seek Professional Help: We’ll discuss when consulting a doctor about sperm motility might be the best course of action.
So, if you’re wondering how to increase sperm motility, ditch the stress! This blog is here to equip you with the knowledge and tools you need to optimize your sperm motility and create a thriving sperm squad ready to make your family-building dreams a reality. Let’s get those little swimmers moving!
What is sperm motility?
Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to move effectively through the female reproductive tract. It’s a crucial factor in fertility because healthy sperm need to be able to swim through the cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes to reach and fertilize an egg.
Here’s a breakdown of sperm motility:
Importance: Strong sperm motility allows them to navigate the obstacles in the female reproductive system and reach the egg for fertilization.
Movement: Healthy sperm should exhibit a forward, progressive motion with a wiggling tail (flagellum).
Impact on Fertility: Low sperm motility can significantly reduce the chances of conception, even if the sperm count (number of sperm) is normal.
Factors affecting sperm motility:
Here are some factors that can affect sperm motility:
- Health conditions: varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum), infections, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical treatments can impact sperm motility.
- Lifestyle choices: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, drug use, and obesity can negatively affect sperm motility.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins, pesticides, and certain heavy metals can also contribute to low sperm motility.
If you’re concerned about your fertility, a doctor can perform a semen analysis to assess sperm count, motility, and morphology (shape). Based on the results, they can recommend treatment options or lifestyle changes to improve sperm motility.
Sperm Motility Range:
The World Health Organization (WHO) sets the following reference values for sperm motility in a semen analysis: [2]
Total Motility: This refers to the percentage of sperm that are moving at all, including both progressive and non-progressive motility. A total motility of 40% or above is considered normal.
Progressive Motility: This refers to the percentage of sperm that are actively swimming forward with a wiggling motion, with a good chance of reaching the egg. A progressive motility score of 32% or above is considered normal.
Here’s a breakdown of sperm motility based on these reference values:
Normal motility: total motility of 40% or above and progressive motility of 32% or above.
Low Motility: Total motility below 40% or progressive motility below 32%. This can indicate potential fertility problems.
Very Low Motility: Total motility below 20% or progressive motility below 10%. This may significantly reduce the chances of conception.
It’s important to remember that these are just reference values. A semen analysis will assess various factors, and a doctor can interpret the results in the context of your overall health and fertility history.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Even with normal motility, other factors, like sperm count and morphology, can impact fertility.
- A single semen analysis may not be definitive. Sometimes, a doctor might recommend repeating the test to confirm the results.
- There are treatment options available for low sperm motility, depending on the underlying cause.
If you’re concerned about your sperm motility or fertility, it’s crucial to consult a doctor for a proper evaluation and personalized advice.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a normal sperm motility percentage is as follows:
- Total Motility: 40% or above. This refers to the total percentage of sperm that are moving at all, including both sperm with a strong, progressive motion and those with a slower, non-progressive wiggle.
- Progressive Motility: 32% or above. This is a more specific measure focusing on sperm that are actively swimming forward with a wiggling motion, with a good chance of reaching and fertilizing an egg.
So, a semen analysis result showing both a total motility of 40% or above and a progressive motility of 32% or above would be considered normal in terms of sperm motility.
The quality of semen is known to be impacted by sleep deprivation or excess.
Eating foods high in antioxidants, such as walnuts, has beneficial effects related to infertility concerns and issues.
Coenzyme Q10 has been shown in a study to enhance the quality of semen; nevertheless, it should only be taken on a doctor’s or professional nutritionist’s recommendation.
Infertility is a major source of distress for many people nowadays, all around the world. The following parameters are examined in a typical semen analysis:
- Semen volume (ml) 1.5
- Total sperm number (million per ejaculate) 39
- Sperm concentration (million per ml) 15
- Progressive motility (%) 32
- Sperm morphology (normal %) 4
- Vitality (live sperm): 58
Poor sperm motility in oneself or one’s partner is referred to as ‘asthenozoospermia’
What results in reduced motility of sperm?
There are several potential reasons why sperm motility is low, including:
- A hereditary factor
- An illness that has not been diagnosed
- Smoking
- Work-related infertility, especially in positions involving repetitive pelvic stress.
- Diseases like varicocele, which is an enlargement of the scrotal veins.
- Disturbance in the secretion of the male accessory sex glands, resulting in a slower gland emptying rate.
Treatment for sperm motility issues:
For certain men, the following lifestyle modifications may help boost sperm motility:
- workout
- Keep a healthy weight on a regular basis
- avoid using cell phones
- drink less alcohol
- Give up smoking
Improving sperm motility is crucial for fertility. Additionally, several substances could enhance sperm motility. For instance, a study indicated that males who supplemented daily with 400 units of vitamin E and 200 micrograms of selenium for at least 100 days in a row experienced a 52 percent increase in sperm motility. [1] Before using supplements, see your physician, and use caution while purchasing them. Follicle-stimulating hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin are examples of medications that may be helpful if the source of the difficulties with sperm motility is a medical condition, such as low hormone levels or varicocele. Occasionally, your physician could advise surgery. But, it’s always advised to use prescription medications after consulting your concerned doctor.
Elevated blood levels of Co-Q10 have been associated with higher levels of male fertility. Supplementing with Co-Q10 has been demonstrated in recent research to enhance sperm motility and concentration in males, particularly in those with infertility problems. Men who are infertile due to asthenozoospermia or low sperm motility have been reported to benefit specifically from CoQ10 supplementation. Experts surmise that this is because CoQ10 contributes to the synthesis of cell energy and has antioxidant qualities. According to a different study, males with oligoasthenoteratozoospermia, or low sperm counts, experienced notable increases in sperm motility and concentration after receiving CoQ10.
Research has also demonstrated that supplementing with CoQ10 orally can greatly increase sperm count, in addition to improving motility and concentration.
Looking to increase sperm motility? Consider OAD X Men, a product that may help address this issue.
Key Takeaways:
Motility Matters: Strong sperm motility significantly increases the chances of fertilization.
Natural Strategies for Success: Lifestyle changes, dietary tweaks, and stress management can all contribute to improved sperm motility.
When to Seek Professional Help: If you’re concerned about your sperm motility, a consultation with your doctor can offer personalized guidance and potential treatment options.
Remember: A healthy lifestyle is key to enhancing sperm motility, laying the groundwork for optimal sperm health. This blog is just the beginning! Continue exploring healthy habits, prioritize communication with your partner, and consult your doctor if needed for further advice on how to increase sperm motility.
References:
- https://assets.speakcdn.com/Assets/2606/0e2036545_009fullpaper2001jandroleffectsofdietaryseleniumonspermmotilityinmenpdf
- https://www.cloudninefertility.com/blog/how-to-increase-sperm-count-and-motility
- https://www.fertilityfamily.co.uk/blog/low-sperm-motility-causes-treatments-and-more/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3048346/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/fertility/sperm-motility
- https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/remedies-low-sperm-count-motility
- https://www.healthline.com/health/boost-male-fertility-sperm-count
- https://www.cnyfertility.com/increase-male-fertility/