If you (Fathers/Husbands) think sperm can be seen with the naked eye, that is false. It is important to know that sperm cannot be seen visually and can only be observed through a microscope.
Sperm is contained within semen. Generally, to determine whether sperm is normal or not, a semen analysis is performed. This test involves examining a sample of seminal fluid. The sperm parameters used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess sperm condition are count (concentration), movement (motility), and shape (morphology).
What is Assessed in a Semen Analysis?
If you want to know your sperm condition, it is highly recommended to undergo a semen analysis. Through this procedure, doctors can determine the count (concentration), shape (morphology), and movement (motility) of the sperm.
1. Sperm Count (Concentration)
One criterion for healthy sperm can be seen from its count. Normal sperm has a count of more than 15 million per milliliter of semen. If the count is less than this, the sperm is categorized as abnormal.
On average, men ejaculate about 2–6 milliliters of seminal fluid (semen) per ejaculation. This volume is considered normal, but the chances of pregnancy are more influenced by the amount and quality of sperm within that fluid. If the sperm count is lower than the normal limit, the chance of conception decreases, although the possibility of having children still exists. However, the opportunity for conception is slightly less compared to men who have a normal or higher sperm count.
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2. Sperm Shape (Morphology)
The criterion for healthy sperm can be seen from its shape or morphology. Healthy sperm have an oval head and a long tail. Suboptimal sperm have abnormal head shapes or branched tails. Based on the parameters, the normal sperm shape should be a minimum of 4 percent of the total sperm count. When viewed under a microscope, these sperm cells resemble tadpoles.
3. Sperm Movement (Motility)
If you want to know whether your sperm condition is normal or not, you can look at its movement. Sperm is considered normal if its movement is at least 30 percent progressive. This is because sperm needs to move fast to reach the egg for fertilization to occur. The sperm must move actively through the vagina, cervix, and fallopian tubes to reach the egg. If the sperm moves slowly and is not active, it may die before reaching the egg.
What Can Impair Sperm Production?
Abnormal or unhealthy sperm conditions can be caused by several factors, such as:
Hormonal disorders
Ejaculation problems
Infection issues, such as sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections
Blockage in the testicles or sperm ducts
Genetic abnormalities
Tumors or cancer of the testicles or prostate
Varicocele (enlargement of veins within the scrotum)
Autoimmune diseases
Excessive body weight
Exposure to hazardous chemicals
Side effects of medications, such as chemotherapy, hormonal drugs, or antifungal drugs
Unhealthy lifestyle or habits (smoking, alcohol consumption, severe stress, drug abuse)
Conclusion
The way to determine a man’s fertility condition is through a semen analysis. By evaluating the concentration, movement, and shape of the sperm through this analysis, a doctor can help diagnose the cause of infertility and determine the appropriate treatment.
Come on, adopt a healthier lifestyle if you are planning a pregnancy. Consult a doctor immediately about your fertility condition to make your pregnancy program as optimal as possible.
