Fascinating sperm facts and what it means if your partner has low sperm motility
Male infertility and what you need to know.
Sperm are the microscopic but mighty cells that play a critical role in human fertility.
Recent studies have suggested that sperm counts are declining in many parts of the world, which is a cause for concern as it can impact the health and wellbeing of future generations.
But the good news is that some of the factors that contribute to declining sperm counts are reversible and may be addressed through healthy lifestyle habits.
Channel 9’s new reality series, Big Miracles follows 10 couples and individuals on their individual fertility journeys. In the show, we meet Amelia, 35, and her husband Andrew, 44, who have been together for 10 years and trying to conceive for the past five . After finding out Andrew has low sperm motility, the couple commenced full IVF treatment.
Dr Genia Rozen, fertility specialist from Melbourne IVF, where Big Miracles was filmed, shares some of the most fascinating and important facts about sperm, and the steps individuals can take to improve the health of their offspring.
Andrew from Big Miracles has low sperm motility.
15 fascinating sperm facts
1. Production: Millions of sperm are produced in the testicles every day. They are stored in the epididymis: a long, coiled duct on top of the testicles.
2. Size: Sperm are incredibly small, measuring only about 50-60 micrometres in length. For comparison, a human hair is approximately 100 micrometers in diameter.
3. The journey: Once produced, sperm embark on a long journey through the male reproductive system. They travel from the testicles to the vas deferens, a muscular tube that propels them towards the urethra, and eventually out of the penis during ejaculation.
4. Speed: Sperm are incredibly agile and fast, swimming up to 5cm per minute. This speed is necessary for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.
5. Delicacy of sperm: Despite their impressive swimming ability, sperm are quite delicate. Exposure to high temperatures, certain chemicals, and even tight-fitting clothing can harm sperm and reduce their ability to fertilise an egg.
Recent studies have suggested that sperm counts are declining in many parts of the world.
6. Shape and movement: The shape and movement of sperm are critical indicators of fertility. Healthy sperm are typically shaped like a golf club, with a rounded head and a long, narrow tail. They should also swim in a straight line and with a strong, forward thrust.
7. Importance of sperm count: The number of sperm in an ejaculate, known as the sperm count, is an important factor in fertility. A low sperm count can make it more difficult for sperm to reach and fertilise an egg.
8. Survival of sperm in female body: Sperm are surprisingly hardy once inside the female body and can survive for several days in the female reproductive tract, giving them ample opportunity to fertilise an egg.
9. Role of sperm in embryonic development: Once a sperm fertilises an egg, it triggers a series of complex cellular processes that lead to the formation of a fertilised egg and eventually a developing embryo. The genetic information contained in sperm plays a critical role in determining the characteristics and traits of a developing embryo.
10. Genetic defects: Sperm can carry genetic defects that can be passed on to the offspring. Some of these defects can cause infertility, while others can result in birth defects or genetic disorders.
Dr Genia Rozen is a fertility specialist from Melbourne IVF, where Big Miracles was filmed.
11. Sperm can be frozen and stored: Sperm can be frozen and stored for later use, which is a useful option for men who are undergoing cancer treatment or for couples who want to preserve their fertility for the future.
12. Sperm can be treated for infertility: In some cases, sperm can be treated to improve their ability to fertilise an egg. Treatment options for infertility include intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), which involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg, and sperm washing, which involves removing impurities from the semen to increase the concentration of healthy sperm.
13. Declining sperm counts: Unfortunately, studies have shown that sperm counts are declining in many parts of the world. Though not entirely known, the decline in sperm quality may be due to a variety of factors such as, exposure to environmental toxins, stress, unhealthy diets, and a sedentary lifestyle.
14. Improving sperm health: Many of the factors that contribute to declining sperm counts can be addressed through healthy lifestyle habits. These include eating a nutritious diet which is low in sugar and processed foods, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, reducing stress, avoiding exposure to environmental toxins, and quitting smoking.
15: Importance of pre-conception health: Taking steps to improve sperm health before conception is important for the health of future generations. This includes practicing healthy lifestyle habits and seeking medical care if necessary.
Sperm are incredibly fascinating and complex cells that play a crucial role in human fertility. Understanding the factors that impact sperm production and quality is important for anyone who is trying to conceive a pregnancy.
If you have concerns about your fertility, it is important to speak with a fertility specialist who can provide you with personalised advice and guidance.
