For married couples, issues of fertility or infertility are a sensitive topic, especially for those trying to conceive. One frequently asked question is, “Can bad sperm still cause my wife to get pregnant?” To answer this, couples need to understand how sperm quality affects the chances of conception.
What is “Bad Sperm”?
“Bad sperm” is a layman’s term used to describe sperm of poor or substandard quality. Sperm quality is assessed based on three main factors:
Count (Quantity)
Movement (Motility)
Shape (Morphology)
If one or more of these three factors are not ideal, the sperm is considered to be of substandard or “bad” quality.
Can Substandard Quality Sperm Still Lead to Pregnancy?
The answer is yes, but the chances of success are lower. Despite poor sperm quality, as long as there is still viable sperm capable of fertilizing the egg, pregnancy remains possible. However, the probability will be lower compared to a man who has healthy or normal sperm quality.
Furthermore, abnormal sperm quality can also increase the risk of genetic abnormalities or congenital diseases in the fetus.
Tanya Mincah tentang Promil?
Several factors can lead to suboptimal or “bad” sperm quality, ranging from habits like smoking and alcohol consumption, unhealthy dietary patterns, excessive body weight (obesity), excessive stress, to exposure to pollution or excessive heat.
Certain medical conditions can also affect sperm quality, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), varicocele, or hormonal disorders. If a couple has been attempting to conceive for one year or more without success, this condition is clinically referred to as infertility.
What Factors Influence Pregnancy Success?
Pregnancy success is influenced not only by sperm quality but also by many other factors, such as:
Egg quality
Female reproductive health (ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, etc.)
Lifestyle (diet, stress levels, smoking or alcohol habits)
How Can Substandard Sperm Quality Be Improved?
The primary step to determine if sperm is healthy is by undergoing a Semen Analysis test. In this examination, a semen sample is analyzed by a doctor in a laboratory using a microscope. The doctor will then evaluate the sperm’s count, morphology, and motility to determine if they fall within the normal range.
Men should not be discouraged if the results show suboptimal sperm quality, as various methods can be implemented to improve it. Here are several recommended steps:
Adopt a healthier diet. Increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, and nuts.
Exercise routinely, a minimum of 30 minutes per day. However, avoid excessive exercise.
Consume supplements such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, zinc, selenium, L-carnitine, and CoQ10, which can help enhance sperm quality.
Avoid wearing tight pants, taking hot baths, habitually placing a laptop on the lap, or engaging in excessive cycling.
Ensure adequate sleep and rest, 7–9 hours per night.
Avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.
Conclusion
Substandard sperm quality can indeed reduce the probability of pregnancy, but it does not mean conception is impossible. Nevertheless, it is crucial to improve sperm quality, for instance by following the methods mentioned above, to maximize the chances of having children. Also, men should consult a doctor to properly evaluate their sperm health.
