When couples are trying to have a baby, most conversations are focused on egg quality or ovulation. But male fertility is just as important – and one key component is sperm morphology, or shape. The medical term for the abnormal shape of sperm is teratospermia, and it can have a significant impact on whether or not an egg is fertilized. At The Bliss Care, we educate couples about what sperm morphology is, what causes sperm morphology, and how it can be managed appropriately.
What Is Teratospermia?
Teratospermia is a condition where a high percentage of sperm in a sperm sample are abnormally shaped. A healthy sperm should have a healthy head that is oval in shape, a healthy middle section, and a healthy tail that allows for easy movement when under a microscope.
In teratospermia, there may be malformations of the sperm’s head, the head may be too small or too large, there may be two heads, the tail may be bent, or the midpiece may be misshapen – all of which impact motility as well as the ability to penetrate the egg.
Why Sperm Shape Matters?
The shape of a sperm is directly related to how well it moves and adheres to the egg.
- Defects at the head can cause problems with DNA integrity and lower fertilisation rates.
- Midpiece abnormality often stops the sperm from producing sufficient energy for locomotion.
- The length of the tail decreases the ability of the sperm to swim through the cervical mucus (mucus around the cervix) and reach the fallopian tube.
Suggest to Read :- 7 tips for successful IVF
Common Causes of Teratospermia
Numerous lifestyle, medical, and environmental factors can cause abnormal morphology of sperm:
- Free radical damage: Oxidative stress is caused by excess free radicals, which are produced by smoking, alcohol, or a poor diet.
- Heat exposure: Regular use of saunas, hot tubs, or tight clothing can reduce sperm production.
- Infections: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or testicular infections can cause problems with the shaping of sperm.
- Varicocele: Enlarged veins in the scrotum increase the temperature in the testes, affecting morphology.
- Hormonal imbalance: Low Testosterone or high estrogen levels disrupt the process of sperm production.
- Genetic factors: Some chromosomal conditions may result in structural abnormalities in the sperm.
- Exposure to toxins: Exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, or radiation can cause damage to sperm DNA.
Diagnosis and Testing at The Bliss Care
At The Bliss Care, all our semen analysis is done in a state-of-the-art laboratory using the WHO 6th edition guidelines. In some cases, advanced testing (Sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) or morphology assessment under the strict guidelines of Kruger) is recommended to look for underlying problems.
It is crucial to assess whether the defects in morphology are mild, moderate, or severe and whether assisted reproductive techniques such as ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection) will be helpful.
Treatment and Management Options
The treatment for teratospermia is based on the severity and the cause of the disorder:
- Lifestyle modification: Quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, eating a balanced diet with high concentrations of antioxidants, and exercising can help improve sperm health.
- Medical treatment: Endocrine disorders are treated with hormonal therapy, and infections with antibiotics.
- Surgical correction: If a varicocele is diagnosed, a simple surgical intervention can restore a higher quality of sperm.
- Assisted reproductive technologies (ART): In case of severe teratospermia, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is usually performed during in vitro fertilization (IVF), where a single morphologically normal spermatozoon is injected into the oocyte to achieve fertilization.
Conclusion
Sperm morphology is a strong indicator of male fertility as well as the individual’s overall reproductive health. While teratospermia seems like a tall order, early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment can make a world of difference. At The Bliss Care, our fertility experts, through the fusion of advanced laboratory practices and personalized care, take every couple a step closer to their dream of parenthood.