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Sperm need to travel through the female reproductive tract in perfect condition. Otherwise, it will be harder to conceive. However, there are several ways to support your sperm health that will improve its movement to make conception possible.
Understanding Sperm Motility
Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to move actively either in a straight line or in large circular motions. They must be fast enough to travel and survive through the female reproductive tract to fertilise an egg.Poor motility describes slow sperm movement, swimming in circles, or not moving at all. There are two main types of motility.
- Progressive motility refers to the movement of sperm in a straight line or circular motion.
- Non-progressive motility is when sperm lack a clear direction to move.
Why Is Sperm Motility Important?
A sperm’s journey starts right after ejaculation, and travels through the cervix, into the uterus, and finally to the fallopian tube to an awaiting egg. This journey may prove to be strenuous for their tiny structures, and only strong sperm with good movement can complete it. They may never reach the egg if the sperm cannot swim properly,In other words, poor sperm motility means lower chances of a natural pregnancy.
What Causes Poor Sperm Movement?
Several reasons may lead to sperm experiencing difficulties in swimming, but the most common ones are mentioned below.- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, alcohol or drug use, lack of exercise, poor diet or being overweight.
- Heat exposure: Frequent use of hot tubs or saunas, wearing tight underwear and working in hot environments.
- Infections: Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prostate or testicular infections.
- Varicocele: Swollen veins in the scrotum may affect temperature and sperm quality.
- Hormonal issues: Low levels of testosterone or other hormones.
- Genetic conditions: Genetic issues may also affect sperm production and movement.
- Oxidative stress: Damages caused by unstable molecules in the body (free radicals), often linked to unhealthy habits or pollution.
How Do You Know If Sperm Can’t Swim Properly?
You can get a semen analysis to assess your overall sperm health, as it checks the following three aspects.- The number of sperm (count)
- Ability to move (motility)
- Their shape (morphology)
You may not experience any symptoms due to poor motility, so testing is the only way to determine the cause.
Can Pregnancy Still Happen With Low Motility?
Although pregnancy is possible with low motile sperm, the chances are still very low. Other factors, like sperm count and egg health, and the level of motility, help your doctor decide the best options for pregnancy.- Lifestyle changes.
- Medications or supplements to improve sperm health.
- Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a method in which sperm are placed directly into the uterus.
- IVF or ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection).
What You Can Do to Improve Sperm Movement
Please do not panic if you are dealing with low motility. You can take various steps to improve your sperm quality over time.- Eat a balanced diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and foods rich in antioxidants like vitamin C, zinc, and selenium.
- Stay active, but avoid overtraining: Moderate exercise can help improve hormone levels. However, avoid overexertion or steroid use, which can harm sperm health.
- Keep cool: Avoid wearing tight underwear and long hot baths. Keep laptops away from your lap for long periods.
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol: These directly impact sperm production and movement.
- Manage stress: Long-term stress leads to hormone imbalance. Relaxation techniques, meditation, and counselling may help in lowering your stress levels.
- Take supplements (if prescribed): Doctors may recommend supplements like CoQ10, folic acid, or specific vitamins to boost sperm function.
- Treat underlying health issues: Treating an infection, hormonal imbalance, or a condition like varicocele may improve sperm motility.
When to See a Fertility Specialist
Consult a fertility expert if you and your partner have been trying for a year (or 6 months if the female partner is over 35) without success.You may need additional tests to find the root cause of infertility so that you can take the next steps accordingly.
Key Takeaways
- Sperm need to swim swiftly to reach and fertilise the egg.
- Poor motility reduces the chances of natural conception, but it does not mean pregnancy is impossible.
- Sperm movement may be affected due to various reasons, such as lifestyle factors and genetic or medical conditions.
- A semen analysis is crucial to confirm motility issues.
- Lifestyle changes, supplements, and medical treatments may improve overall sperm health.
Whether you’re trying to conceive or navigating IVF, you’re not alone. Join our supportive communities to connect, share, and find strength with others on the same journey.
FAQs on What It Means When Sperm Can’t Swim Through Easily
- Can sperm motility improve naturally?
Making lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, avoiding heat and quitting smoking, may improve sperm motility over a few months. - How long does it take to see improvement in sperm motility after making changes?
Sperm motility may improve within three months, as sperm production takes around 74 days to mature fully. - Is IVF the only option if sperm can’t swim properly?
The IVF option is suggested when there are other factors preventing pregnancy apart from motility. Treatments like IUI or even natural conception may still work for your case. IVF or ICSI is usually considered when other methods are not successful.
