What are vacuoles?

The article is professionally consulted by Bachelor Tran Hue Tran - IVF Specialist - Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.

Many studies show that spermatozoa have many vacuoles or large vacuoles that can affect embryogenesis and conception rate. Besides, large vacuolar spermatozoa is also proportional to the ability of sperm DNA fragmentation. The higher the number of abnormal vacuoles in sperm, the more difficult it is to have a natural child.

When looking at spermatozoa under a microscope, the vacuole is described as an “empty sac” or “a pit” at the top of the sperm. This is a physiological structure that occurs during spermatogenesis, accounting for less than 4% of the volume of the sperm head.
The sperm head has acrosome enzyme that helps guide the sperm to find the egg position and penetrate to fertilize. In the case of spermatozoa with no or few acrosomes, round-headed spermatozoa or vacuolar spermatozoa are formed.
If a man has more spermatozoa with more vacuoles, the chances of having a baby will decrease. The reason is that these sperm are not able to fertilize the ovum naturally due to the lack of acrosome and acrosin enzyme to help sperm penetrate the protective membrane of the ovum and fertilize as usual.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) on the criteria for evaluating the quality of semen, sperm is called normal when:
Smooth head, regular contours, oval shape. The head pole region is clear, occupies 40-70% of the head volume and must contain no vacuoles larger than 4% of the head volume. No more than 2 small vacuoles and no more than 20% of the sperm head. The region behind the terminal pole contains no vacuoles. The tail should be straight, even, tapered than the middle, not coiled, and about 45μm long, with no signs of tail breaking. If the first sperm has many vacuoles accounting for 90%, it shows that the sperm's ability to fertilize is low. However, based on the results of the first semen analysis alone, it may not be completely accurate and comprehensive. Ideally, men should follow a healthy lifestyle and repeat the test 1-2 times to get the most accurate results.

Semen analysis is one of the important fertility tests to help evaluate male health and physiology. Semen analysis is a synthesis and analysis of freshly ejaculated semen samples to assess the quality of sperm at that time through indicators such as quantity, density, shape, motility... However, because this is a test with many detailed parameters, it is difficult for patients to understand the details and accurate results of this test. Patients are encouraged to perform a semen analysis several times to obtain the most accurate results that reflect their reproductive health status. If the test results still show a high percentage of spermatozoa with many vacuoles, you should see a doctor directly for an appropriate treatment plan.

4.1. Improve sperm quality In fact, the condition of the first sperm with many vacuoles can hardly be improved. However, to improve sperm quality as well as minimize the rate of sperm abnormalities, men can consider some of the following methods:
Follow a scientific diet: Daily diet will affect directly affect sperm quality, so men need to limit smoking, use of alcoholic beverages and stimulants. Limit greasy, high-fat foods. Eat a lot of green vegetables, fresh fruits, and supplement with seafood that is good for sperm quality. Exercise will help blood circulation better, control weight, improve reproductive health, limit the risk of obesity affecting sperm quality. 4.2. Treatment with modern medicine So for the first sperm with many vacuoles or few acrosomes, what should be done? Currently, in fact, there is no effective treatment to help improve this condition. Therefore, for couples who want to have children, the method recommended by many doctors and experts is in vitro fertilization with the technique of injecting sperm into egg cells.
With this method, the embryologist will observe the sperm under a high magnification microscope and directly select the sperm with the best shape. The smooth-headed spermatozoa, with normal acrosomal enzymes, no vacuoles or the least vacuoles will be preferentially selected for injection into the egg, forming an embryo. The embryo will be implanted in the wife's uterus and pregnant. This is considered the most advanced assisted reproductive technology at Vinmec International General Hospital, bringing the highest success rate today.

The condition of the head sperm with many vacuoles is one of the important causes of male infertility. Therefore, when it is concluded that there are many vacuoles of spermatozoa, they should quickly go to reputable specialized hospitals for an accurate diagnosis of their reproductive health status. At the same time, get more specific advice on the appropriate infertility treatment method to avoid because the longer it takes, the more difficult it is to treat.
Reproductive Support Center - Vinmec International General Hospital is a good choice for men or couples who are having problems with reproductive function. When the center is built and applies a comprehensive examination and coordination treatment process, combining both Southern medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology to come up with the optimal plan for each patient's case.
With a high level of expertise and experience, a team of experts and doctors from many parts of the world, so far Vinmec IVF fertility center has successfully supported more than 1000 couples. infertile husband. Therefore, the hospital is always a medical address that is highly appreciated by professionals and many customers.