Having a high sperm count but low motility can pose challenges for male fertility. Sperm motility refers to the sperm’s ability to move efficiently, which is crucial for navigating through the female reproductive tract to reach and fertilise the egg.

While a high sperm count indicates a healthy production of sperm, low motility means that many of these sperm cells struggle to swim properly. This can significantly reduce the chances of fertilisation, as the sperm may not be able to reach or penetrate the egg.

Understanding the underlying causes of low motility, such as lifestyle factors, medical conditions, or genetic issues, is essential for seeking appropriate treatments and improving fertility outcomes.

To have a high sperm count coupled with low sperm motility implies that although the testes are producing a significant number of sperm, these sperm are not as capable of moving effectively towards the egg.

This dual condition can be perplexing for couples trying to conceive, as the sheer quantity of sperm may initially suggest good fertility. However, the reduced ability of these sperm to swim can hinder successful fertilisation.

This juxtaposition means that the body’s capability to generate sperm remains intact, but their ability to fulfill their reproductive role is impeded.

It can affect men of all ages and backgrounds, sometimes linked to unhealthy habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, while other times stemming from genetic factors or medical conditions like varicocele.

Addressing this issue may involve lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or assisted reproductive technologies, enhancing the prospects of achieving conception despite the difficulties associated with low sperm motility.

What is this condition called?

The condition where there is a high sperm count but low sperm motility is often referred to as Asthenozoospermia.

Asthenozoospermia is a specific type of male infertility characterised by reduced sperm motility, which affects the sperm’s ability to swim efficiently towards the egg. as per WHO standards, asthenozoospermia is diagnosed when less than 40% of sperm move or less than 32% move forward.

This condition can lead to difficulties in natural conception, requiring medical intervention to diagnose the underlying causes and determine the appropriate treatment options.

Understanding and addressing Asthenozoospermia is crucial for improving fertility outcomes for affected couples.

everal factors can contribute to the paradox of having a high sperm count but low sperm motility.

One common cause is lifestyle habits such as smoking, which can introduce toxins into the reproductive system, impairing the sperm’s ability to move effectively.

Excessive alcohol consumption can result in hormonal imbalances that disrupt normal sperm function. Environmental factors like exposure to harmful chemicals or radiation can also play a significant role in reducing sperm motility.

Medical conditions are another critical consideration. Varicocele, a condition where the veins within the scrotum become enlarged, can lead to increased temperature around the testes, adversely affecting sperm motility.

Genetic abnormalities or hormonal imbalances can also disrupt the biochemical pathways essential for sperm mobility. Infections or inflammations, particularly within the reproductive organs, can damage sperm cells or the tubes through which they travel, further contributing to the problem.

Understanding these causes is the first step in addressing and treating the condition, thereby enhancing the chances of successful conception.

While low sperm motility can make it more challenging to achieve natural conception, it is still possible to get pregnant.

Sperm motility refers to the ability of sperm to swim efficiently through the female reproductive tract to fertilise the egg. When motility is reduced, the chances of sperm reaching and penetrating the egg decrease, but they are not entirely eliminated.

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilisation (IVF) can significantly improve the likelihood of conception by either placing sperm directly into the uterus or by fertilising the egg outside of the body and then implanting it into the uterus.

Medical interventions such as these, combined with lifestyle changes and medical treatments addressing underlying causes, provide viable pathways for couples struggling with low sperm motility to achieve pregnancy.
 

When it comes to fertility, both sperm count and motility are crucial factors.

Sperm count refers to the total number of sperm present in a given volume of semen, whereas motility measures the ability of sperm to move efficiently towards the egg.

A high sperm count increases the likelihood of some sperm reaching the egg, but without adequate motility, even a large number of sperm may fail to navigate through the female reproductive tract to achieve fertilisation.

Conversely, good motility is essential for sperm to reach and penetrate the egg, but with a low sperm count, the chances of successful fertilisation diminish. Thus, both parameters are essential and complement each other in determining fertility potential.

Analysis of both sperm count and motility is a basic component of semen analysis, providing vital information for diagnosing male infertility and guiding appropriate treatment.

Low sperm motility, or asthenozoospermia, may not present with overt signs or symptoms in most men, making it a silent challenge that often goes unnoticed until fertility issues arise.

Couples experiencing difficulty conceiving naturally over a prolonged period—typically one year or more—may seek medical advice, which often leads to the discovery of low motility through semen analysis.

Signs and Symptoms

The primary sign of low sperm motility is the inability to achieve pregnancy despite regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. While there are no direct physical symptoms associated with low motility, some underlying conditions contributing to this issue may present noticeable signs. These conditions include:

• Varicocele: Swollen veins in the scrotum, which might cause pain or swelling.
• Infections: Symptoms such as fever, pain during urination, or unusual discharge can indicate infections that impact sperm health.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Signs like reduced facial or body hair, reduced libido, or other symptoms related to low testosterone levels.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or drug use can indirectly manifest as lifestyle symptoms, potentially linked to poor sperm motility.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing low sperm motility begins with a comprehensive medical history and physical examination by a specialist. However, the definitive diagnosis relies on semen analysis. The steps involved in diagnosing low motility include:

1.Semen Analysis: A laboratory test evaluates various parameters of semen, including volume, concentration, morphology, and motility. Sperm motility is categorized into:

• Progressive Motility: Sperm that swim forward in relatively straight lines.
• Non-progressive Motility: Sperm that do not swim in a straight path or move in tiny circles.
• Immotile Sperm: Sperm that do not move at all.
  
  2. Repeated Testing: Since sperm quality can vary, doctors may recommend multiple semen analyses over some time to ensure accurate diagnosis.
  
  3. Advanced Diagnostic Tests: In certain cases, further testing such as genetic screening, hormonal assessments, or imaging studies may be needed to identify underlying causes.

Accurate diagnosis of low sperm motility is crucial for developing effective treatment plans and improving the chances of conception.

Contact Us

If you have concerns about sperm motility or are seeking a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plan, our team of specialists is here to assist you. Please reach out to us by:

• Phone: Call our dedicated helpline at +91-75025 19999 for immediate assistance and to schedule an appointment.
• Visit Us: Book a consultation at our clinic located at Aundh,Pune. Our experts are available to discuss your symptoms, perform necessary diagnostic tests, and formulate an appropriate treatment strategy.

Your health and well-being are our top priorities, and we are committed to providing you with the highest level of care. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or support.

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• About Author

  Dr. Supriya Puranik

  Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist

Often known as the last glimmer of hope for people who have lost all hope for conceiving a child, Dr. Supriya Puranik is a leading gynaecologist, high risk obstetrician and Head of IVF & Gynaecology department at Ankura Hospital for Women & Children.