What does abnormal sperm morphology mean?

Sperm morphology or the size and shape of the sperm is an important determinant of the quality of reproductive health in men. Sperm morphology will be observed under microscope magnification, and during the observation process, abnormal sperm can be clearly detected.

Good quality sperm usually has an oval head shape and a long tail. And abnormal sperm or defective sperm will have a change in morphology. So, what is defective sperm?
Defective or abnormal sperm is defined as sperm with a head or tail defect such as: large or distorted head or curved or double tail: sperm with multiple heads/tails or shapes abnormally shaped like head that is too large or not round... These defects can affect the sperm's ability to reach and penetrate the egg.
Usually, when examining the semen sample under the microscope, the normal sperm count accounts for a lower percentage from 4% to 10%. This proves that most spermatozoa do not have perfect morphology when observed under the microscope.

There are many reasons that affect sperm morphology:
Free radical effect: sperm is affected by the electromagnetic radiation of free radicals, causing the abnormal sperm rate to increase, affecting the quality and quantity of sperm. reproductive process in men. Age affects sperm morphology: with age, sperm quality also tends to decline. Therefore, advanced age is one of the main causes of spermatogenesis defects, especially after the age of forty, the risk of sperm defects increases. At the same time, diseases in old age also pose a great threat to sperm quality and fertility over the age of 40. Unhealthy living environment: an environment containing many toxic substances will seriously affect the health of the fetus. human health. Besides the weakening of health, sperm is also threatened and increases the risk of decline in both quantity and quality of sperm and increases the possibility of defective sperm morphology - one of the main factors. risk factors for male infertility. The body is not supplemented with the necessary nutrients: deficiency is also a serious problem that causes sperm quality to decline and increase the rate of sperm defects. Unhealthy lifestyles: men often have to go to receive guests, so it is difficult to avoid the use of stimulants such as beer, wine, coffee, tobacco.... These are invisible causes but harmful effects. for health and great sperm.

Whether sperm quality can be improved or not depends on how to overcome bad habits and treatment regimens of each person. First, the awareness of prevention and keeping a healthy lifestyle has an important role that all men need to play.
Some methods to help improve sperm quality as well as minimize the appearance of defective sperm:
Build a nutritious menu so that the body has enough energy for studying: supplementing with foods rich in protein (meat, fish, eggs, milk...) eat a lot of green vegetables, use foods containing high levels of micronutrients (Zn, Mg, Ca, Fe...), vitamin C improves resistance , folic acid. Give up unhealthy living habits: don't abuse alcohol or alcoholic beverages don't smoke or limit the number of times you smoke per day Build the right exercise for your body to improve health It also helps the body's organs work better. Having a moderate and correct sex life will reduce the risk of STIs.

Evaluation of abnormal sperm morphology is important for male reproductive health . When performing analytical evaluation of semen samples, the results will inform men of the following information:
Amount of semen more or less Total number of individual sperm per unit volume of semen Density high or low sperm appearance Sperm viability Ability of sperm motility

Because abnormal sperm morphology is always present even in a healthy body, this is not the main cause affecting male infertility. But it will be the factor that makes the chances of conception decrease or it takes a long time to be able to fertilize if the sperm is weak or defective. Moreover, defective sperm carrying incomplete genetic code can become the cause of incomplete birth defects. Or in case, if you and your partner are unable to conceive through sex, then you can talk to your doctor to learn more and possibly choose the right assisted reproductive technology, such as in vitro fertilization ...
If you and your husband are planning a pregnancy, need to learn about sperm health. Assessing whether the sperm is healthy or not will help couples take measures to improve sperm quality to increase the possibility of conception.
Besides, for the examination and treatment of sperm problems, patients can go directly to the Department of Andrology - Vinmec International General Hospital to be examined by a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors. years of experience in the profession. Early treatment always brings good results, saves costs and minimizes later benefits.

Reference source: mayoclinic.org