Sperm morphology

Sperm morphology - a method for examining sperm under a microscope for anatomical compliance according to WHO. The seminal fluid contains a certain percentage of spermatozoa with a deviation from the norm - these may be anatomical inconsistencies in the body of the spermatozoon, its head, tail. Only with the help of spermatozoa with normal morphology and activity can an egg be fertilized. The greater the deviation, the lower the chance of conception.

Sperm structure

A normal sperm cell without abnormalities consists of a body, a head and a tail

In the head is the nucleus, which carries the genetic set of paternal chromosomes. In addition, it contains special enzymes that can dissolve the shell of the egg.

• The body, with the help of mitochondria, gives energy to work the tail of the sex gamete.
• The tail helps the movement of the spermatozoon. The optimal speed of its movement varies from 25 to 30 cm in 60 minutes. In an acidic environment, part of the sperm dies
• The head contains the genetic set of chromosomes that the future child will have. There are special enzymes in nm that act to dissolve the shell of the female egg.

What is the norm?

In a healthy sex gamete, all three parts (head, tail and body) are clearly distinguishable. Enlightenment on the head reaches 50-70%. The head may be rounded, in some cases the plasma membrane is visible. The dimensions of all sperm elements must comply with medical standards.

The neck is thin with cytoplasmic drops. Their area does not exceed 30% of the sperm head. The tail does not twist, even, the thickness does not change along the entire length of the germ cell. May narrow in the middle. The tail should be 9-10 times longer than the head.

Sperm pathology

• Acrosomal area is less than normal, ranging from 0 to 40%.
• Multiple heads, acrosomal asymmetry, cuboidal chromatin, etc.

If a sperm defect with abnormal morphology is located in the neck or body, then its shape changes.

• For example, a curved neck leads to the formation of a right angle between the body and the tail.
• The middle part is fixed to the head asymmetrically - the thickening of the body is uneven.
• The body may lack mitochondrial shell.

If the tail is defective, it is too short or too long. Sexual gametes with different thicknesses of the tail along the entire length, with an inclined tail, may come across; with a tail located at an angle of more than 90 degrees to the body. Sperm can have several anomalies at once.

• It is possible that the complete absence of the cytoplasmic membrane or its area is too small and, in percentage terms, is much less than the accepted norm.
• Pathologies may consist in the complete absence of the tail or its twisting.
• Deviations from the norm in the structure are easily visible under a microscope.
• Sometimes a man has a large number of spermatozoa with small heads (globozoospermia).
• In some cases, when the tail is not firmly connected to the body at the site of the basal plate, the head separates and collapses.

Reasons leading to the anomaly

Recommendations for donating sperm

Sperm donation for Sperm morphology in a man occurs with the help of masturbation. You can not use for this purpose incomplete sexual intercourse or other methods of obtaining sperm. To facilitate the delivery of spermograms, a special room is equipped with a screen for viewing erotic films or similar magazines.

Preparing for the analysis:

• 1-2 weeks before the spermogram, the amount of physical activity is reduced;
• It is not necessary to have sexual intercourse within 3-7 days before the semen is delivered;
• For a week it is not recommended to visit saunas, hot water baths before the analysis;
• You can not smoke and drink alcohol;
• All medicines and nutritional supplements should be abandoned for 14-21 days.

Sometimes two spermograms are taken. The second time the analysis is carried out in the same way. A repeated spermogram can be performed by other methods and deciphered according to other parameters.

The analysis starts immediately, no more than 3 hours should pass from the moment of delivery. Otherwise, the results may be unreliable. With the help of laboratory studies and tests, it is possible to detect the absence or presence of inflammation, other factors leading to infertility.

Norm in a laboratory study

• The volume of seminal fluid varies from 2 to 5 ml. If it is less, then this indicates oligospermia, inflammation of the prostate. In an inflammatory process, 2/3 of the sperm consists of mucus.
• The acidity of the sperm. The norm in terms varies from 7, 6 to 8. If the sperm has high acidity, then there is an inflammatory process in the testicles or prostate.
• The time of dissolution of seminal fluid. Normal semen consistency: viscous, liquefies within 15 minutes. If this period is longer, then the ability to fertilize a partner is reduced.
• Color. The presence of a yellow or greenish tint indicates the presence of inflammation. And the transparency of the seminal fluid shows that the number of sperm in it is less than normal.
• Morphological analysis is carried out in two types. The first considers only the structure of the sex gametes for compliance with WHO standards, taking into account the head of the spermatozoon. The second method, called Kruger sperm morphology, analyzes the shape and appearance of the sperm. It is carried out according to strict WHO criteria. This study is done only in modern clinics equipped with special equipment.

Treatment for poor morphology

Before treatment, you should undergo a series of procedures to identify the causes of deviations - such as ultrasound of male organs, spermogram, blood test for hormones, bacterioscopic examination of seminal fluid. Based on the research, the doctor will assess your health condition and draw up a treatment program.

Treatment is aimed at eliminating the factors that lead to failure in the male reproductive system. Usually these are infectious diseases, inflammatory processes, varicocele and other causes.

Physical activity

It is important that a man move more - this will help eliminate congestion in the pelvic area. To do this, you need to quit bad habits and play sports. The best sports for preventing pelvic congestion are pool swimming, running, and walking.

Food

Diet plays a big role in the proper formation of sperm. It will help to change and improve sperm morphology. To do this, you need to supplement your diet with vitamins and microelements (zinc, selenium, etc.).

It is necessary to minimize fried foods, enrich the menu with seafood, fruits, vegetables, etc. The doctor may prescribe special vitamin complexes that improve reproductive function.