When it comes to successful IVF treatment, both the male and female fertility matters. The chances of pregnancy in IVF primarily depend upon the embryo quantity and quality. Similar to women, the sperm count and quality of men should also be thoroughly verified before going through treatment.
Sperm health and count can be determined by various factors. Based on the treatment requirements, the doctor will suggest you. Keep reading this article to explore the different aspects of sperm health in male fertility.
What does Sperm Count Mean?
Sperm count means the number of sperms present in the sample of ejaculation. A normal sperm count ranges for conception from 15 to 200 million sperm/mL of semen. In contrast to natural conception, the requirement of IVF treatment varies. Let’s see in detail below:
Low Sperm Counts
A person with a sperm count of 10 to 15 million sperm per milliliter is considered to be below average. According to the WHO, the sperm count above 15 million is probably the average count. A lower sperm count doesn’t mean that there are fewer possibilities for pregnancy. But still, other factors will be taken into account, such as your sperm health.
Though your sperm count is in the low average range, if it is healthy enough, a successful pregnancy can be achieved. There are also treatments provided to naturally improve the sperm count with foods. Doctors or fertility specialists will recommend it if it is necessary.
Having a low average sperm count denotes the chances of achieving pregnancy are 50-50, though all other parameters are good.
High Sperm Counts
Experts believe that the sperm count above 300 million/mL is typically high. If a man’s sperm count is above 40 million/mL, it doesn’t mean that they have better fertility. IVF generally requires 15 to 20 million/mL of sperm with good quality for achieving a successful pregnancy.
Key Characteristics of Sperm
Here are some common key characteristics of sperm:
Structure
Sperm generally contains three main parts: head, midpiece, and tail. The head contains the nucleus, which includes DNA and an acrosome that helps penetrate the egg. The midpiece contains mitochondria, which provide sufficient energy to the tail. The tail is responsible for propelling the sperm towards the egg to fertilize.
Size
Sperms are very small and minute even than the cells in the body, with a range of 85,000 times smaller than the female gamete.
Sperm Production
In general, the male body produces 100 to 300 million sperm per mL of semen each day. It takes nearly 70 days to mature.
What is the Minimum Sperm Count for IVF Treatment?
Fertility doctors usually require 10 million sperm per mL of semen. In that, they expect at least 15% of sperm having progressive motility and 30% of sperm being motile. Men with a lower sperm count also have the possibility of achieving a successful pregnancy if all other factors are good. They include: semen analysis and sperm morphology. Doctors look for at least 20% of sperm to have normal morphology.
What is the Importance of Sperm Count?
Male sperm count plays a vital role in both natural conception and fertility treatment like IVF. The chances of an abnormal sperm count cause various difficulties in getting pregnant and maintaining your overall health.
Fertility: A semen analysis has been conducted before IVF treatment, which denotes the number of sperm in an ejaculated sample. A low or low average sperm count that is less than 10 million/mL can make it more difficult to get pregnant.
Overall Health: A lower sperm count in men creates other health issues such as increased body fat, high blood pressure, and the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Relevent Article: Tips for getting pregnant with low sperm count
Can I Improve My Sperm Quality for IVF?
The good news is that the sperm count can be improved naturally through the basic changes in diet and lifestyle. Beyond sperm count, it promotes overall health and well-being. Let’s see significant changes that you must include:
Balances Diet: Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet improves your health and leads to good-quality sperm. Consult your fertility doctor and follow the food habits as they prescribed. The foods rich in vitamins and multivitamins are highly recommended.
Change Dressing Style: Avoid wearing tight underwear because it increases the temperature of the scrotum and leads to poor sperm quality. Prefer a comfortable underwear option that brings something effective about changes in your health.
Lose Weight: Overweight causes various complexities for both men and women. However, it is directly linked to low sperm quality. Start eating healthy foods, exercising, and reducing excess weight to improve the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Avoid Overexposure: Frequent exposure to radiation, toxins, or chemicals negatively influences your health and causes infertility. Try to limit the exposure if you want to improve the sperm quality and quantity for pregnancy.
No Stress or Anxiety: Most fertility problems are created due to overstress and anxiety. It might be personal or professional stress; try to keep your mind calm and peaceful.
Conclusion
Sperm count is a key factor in male fertility, but the varying numbers may influence the chances of pregnancy. If you are going IVF, doctors suggest the best methods to improve the sperm count. Beyond that, following natural ways can help increase the sperm count, quality, and quantity.
FAQs
Yes, poor sperm quality greatly affects embryo quality, which may lead to miscarriage, birth defects, or disease risk. Before going to IVF, doctors recommend taking tests to ensure the sperm count and quality to increase the possibility of pregnancy.
Yes, sperm abnormality is significant, but the degree to which is influenced by a number of factors, like the type and severity of the abnormality. If it is effective, it leads to pregnancy loss and birth defects.
