07/12/2023
Understanding S***m Motility and Its Effects on Fertility
When defined as being unable to conceive after at least one year of trying, infertility affects an estimated 12% of couples worldwide. Of these cases, 40 to 50 percent fall under the category of male factor infertility, meaning then difficulty achieving pregnancy is due to an issue related to the male partner’s reproductive system. Male factor fertility issues include:
Oligos***mia (low s***m count)
Teratos***mia (abnormal s***m shape)
Asthenozoos***mia (poor s***m motility)
Low s***m count is responsible for most male factor reproductive issues, but s***m motility often also plays a role or is the lone factor in difficulties achieving pregnancy.
What Is S***m Motility?
S***m motility is the ability of s***m to move or swim efficiently through the female partner’s reproductive system in order to fertilize an egg. Two general types of s***m motility have been defined:
Progressive Motility – S***m tend to move in straight lines or large circles.
Non-Progressive Motility – S***m do not move in straight in lines, or they swim very small circles.
In order to successfully fertilization, s***m must have progression motility which allows them to move at least 25 micrometers per second, through the cervical mucus to reach and fertilize an egg. Poor s***m motility, or asthenozoos***mia, is diagnosed when fewer than 32 percent of a s***m sample display progressive motility.
How Is Low S***m Motility Diagnosed?
Low s***m motility is diagnosed by evaluating a s***m sample to determine how s***m move and interact within the seminal fluid. After abstaining from s*xual activity for at least two to seven days, a sample will be collected, typically in the doctor’s office in order to maintain the sample’s quality upon evaluation. Factors other than an inherent problem can affect s***m quality, such as illness or the amount of time which has passed since in*******se. For this reason, a second sample will likely be
