Infertility is not just a problem for women. Both men and women can suffer equally from fertility challenges. Both of them may need medical intervention to have a child. Male factors are responsible for 50% of all cases of infertility in couples. Which is often due to poor lifestyle choices, genetic disorders, and environmental factors. Sperm health is an important factor among these, which affects conception. What is a healthy sperm, how can sperm health be improved, let us know in detail.

What is called healthy sperm (What is healthy sperm)

Good sperm health is very important for a successful pregnancy. Sperm quality is determined by sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Sperm quality is evaluated through semen analysis. Which helps to identify the basic problems responsible for male infertility.

1 Sperm count

A healthy man with good sperm quality is most likely to discharge semen in a single ejaculation that contains at least 15 million sperm per milliliter. Having too few sperm in an ejaculation can make it difficult to get pregnant, as fewer sperm will be available to fertilize the egg.

2 Sperm speed

Additionally, for sperm to reach the egg, they must move and swim through the woman's cervix, uterus, and fallopian tubes. For a successful pregnancy, at least 40% of ejaculated sperm must be motile. In this movement, sperm structure (morphology) also plays an important role. Typical healthy sperm have oval heads and long tails, which propel them forward.

How sperm health affects IVF treatment

Sperm quality directly affects the results of IVF and fertility treatment. The higher and better the quality of sperm, the greater the chances of success of IVF and other fertility treatments.

1 Challenge in fertilization

Even if eggs are artificially fertilized in the laboratory, sperm quality and abnormalities can make it challenging to fertilize eggs. Even with assisted techniques. This does not mean that pregnancy is not possible.

2 Success rate

In IVF, sperm and eggs are mixed in a laboratory dish. Sperm is injected directly into the egg to assist fertilization. Therefore, mortality, structure, and speed have minimal impact. However, this cannot be guaranteed.

3 Risk of miscarriage

In some cases, everything may go well, while in others, the quality of the sperm can severely impact the results. It can reduce the chances of fertilization, affect the development of a mature egg, or even cause a miscarriage.

4 Genetic abnormalities

Certain genetic sperm abnormalities can also reduce the chances of the sperm successfully entering and fertilizing the egg. If the pregnancy is successful, genetic abnormalities from the father can be passed on to the baby. This can result in inherited genetic conditions or developmental problems.

How to improve sperm health for a good pregnancy

Although many factors can affect sperm quality, making some simple lifestyle changes can greatly increase the chances of conception. Here are a few things you can do to improve sperm quality:

1 Maintain a healthy weight:

Weight gain is directly proportional to reproductive health for both men and women. Obesity can reduce sperm quality and fertility. So, when planning to start a family or facing difficulty conceiving, maintain a healthy body weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.

2 Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption:

Both smoking and alcohol consumption hurt sperm quality and lifespan. They are also harmful to overall health and well-being. Avoid smoking and alcohol for better results.

3 Control stress:

High stress levels are linked to poor sperm quality. Try to manage stress through meditation, yoga, or counselling. Seek professional help if needed.

4 Get good sleep:

Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night to improve testosterone levels and sperm quality. Go to bed early and maintain a regular sleep schedule to allow your body to fully rest and recover.

5 Avoid exposure to toxins:

Stay away from toxins such as pesticides and heavy metals, which can affect sperm quality. Avoid exposure to increase your chances of conceiving naturally or through assisted reproductive techniques.