Infertile sperm can be a barrier to having children. This problem is often caused by genetic factors or an unhealthy lifestyle which can reduce sperm count. 

So, to recognize the characteristics of infertile sperm and how to deal with them, let's read this article until the end!

Various Characteristics of Infertile Male Sperm

One of the main signs that a man is experiencing fertility problems is when the sperm cells he produces have difficulty fertilizing the egg cells in the woman's uterus. This is often the reason why women have difficulty getting pregnant.

Also Read: 5 Natural Foods to Increase Sperm

So, to find out whether your sperm is fertile or not, you need to undergo a semen analysis. This test will help evaluate the health of your sperm and semen. Here are some signs of unhealthy sperm:

1. Number of Sperm Cells is Too Little

Under normal conditions, a man should produce semen containing more than 15 million sperm cells per milliliter. If the number is below this number, it could be a sign that your sperm is not in good condition. 

In fact, some people experience azoospermia, which is a condition where the semen does not contain any sperm cells at all. This obviously reduces the chances of having children because there are not many sperm that can compete for the egg. 

To the naked eye, semen with a low sperm count usually appears thinner and less sticky than normal. So, if you feel something is wrong with your fertility, don't hesitate to consult a doctor.

2. Sperm Cell Morphological Abnormalities

Healthy sperm cells have ideal morphology, with oval heads and long tails. However, it is not uncommon for us to find sperm cells that have abnormalities, both in the shape of the head, tail and other parts. 

Every man tends to produce sperm with variations in shape, and in some cases, the number of abnormal sperm can reach levels equivalent to normal sperm.

Although this is a common phenomenon, it is important to note that healthy sperm cell function remains key in the reproductive process. Unfortunately, identification of this morphological abnormality cannot be done visually. Therefore, microscopic examination is a crucial step to determine the proportion of normal sperm cells compared to abnormal ones.

3. Sperm Movement is Not Optimal

The ability of sperm cells to move nimbly is key in the fertilization process, where sperm must be able to swim forward through the cervix and reach the fallopian tube. Inability or low sperm motility is an important indicator of male reproductive health. 

This reduced agility can be caused by various factors, ranging from congenital abnormalities in the reproductive organs, infections, injuries, to post-operative complications or abnormalities in the testicles.

Semen analysis provides a clear picture of the percentage of sperm that has the ability to move forward. In general, if less than 40% of the total sperm cells in semen show good motility, then this can be an indication of a fertility problem.

Also Read: What are the effects of releasing sperm too often on the body?

4. Semen Has a pH That is Too Acidic

It is important to understand the difference between semen and sperm. Semen is a white fluid released during ejaculation, while sperm are the male reproductive cells contained therein. The main function of semen is to protect and provide a supportive environment for sperm cells.

The health of semen is greatly influenced by its acidity or pH level. Ideally, the pH of semen ranges from 7.2 to 8.2, which indicates alkaline properties. When the pH of semen is too acidic, this can be an indicator of a problem with sperm quality. 

This condition has the potential to make it difficult for couples to get pregnant, because the acidic environment can harm sperm cells and reduce their ability to fertilize an egg.

5. Change in Semen Color 

Healthy semen generally has a dark white or gray color. If you observe that the color of your semen appears duller or even translucent, this could be an indication that the amount of sperm produced is less than normal

Changes in the color of semen can also be a signal of a health problem. For example, red or brownish spots can indicate bleeding in the prostate or seminal vesicle glands which function to produce semen.

Apart from that, yellowish semen should not be ignored, because it could indicate a prostate infection, jaundice, or mixing with urine.

Watch the explanation about “Sperm Myths and Facts, Men Must Know!” in the video below

Understanding the Causes of Infertile Sperm

Infertility in men can be caused by various factors that affect the quality and quantity of sperm. The following are some of the main causes to pay attention to:

1. Sperm Production Disorders

Problems in the production of healthy sperm are the most common cause of male infertility. The sperm produced may be immature, have an abnormal shape, or have difficulty swimming. 

In some cases, men can experience oligospermia or even azoospermia. Various conditions like this can be caused by the following factors, including:

• Infection or Inflammation: Viral infections, such as post-pubertal mumps, can impair sperm production.
• Hormonal Disorders: Problems with the pituitary gland can disrupt the balance of hormones needed for sperm production.
• Immunity Factors: Some men can form antibodies that attack their own sperm.
• Environment and Lifestyle: Smoking habits, excessive alcohol consumption, use of marijuana or steroids, and exposure to toxins can have a negative impact on fertility.
• Genetic Diseases: Conditions such as cystic fibrosis or hemochromatosis can affect sperm production.

2. Problems in the Genital Area

Obstacles in the genital tract can block the flow of semen. This can be caused by genetic disorders, birth defects, sexually transmitted infections, or scar tissue from previous surgery. Swollen blood vessels in the scrotum can also be a factor causing infertile sperm.

3. Other Factors

Erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation can contribute to fertility problems. Additionally, liver or kidney disease, as well as treatment for seizure disorders, can also affect a man's reproductive abilities. 

Apart from that, men with the following history are also more susceptible to experiencing infertile sperm:

• Inflammation of the prostate or genital infections in the past.
• Testicular injury or torsion.
• Too early or late puberty.
• Exposure to high temperatures in the genital area.
• History of hernia repair.

How to Differentiate Fertile Sperm and Unhealthy Sperm

Sperm and semen analysis is an important step in assessing male reproductive health. This procedure involves taking a sperm sample into a special bottle, which will then be analyzed by laboratory personnel. 

In this process, officers will check several key factors, including sperm count, motility, morphology, viscosity and color. And among the characteristics of fertile sperm is a normal sperm cell count, namely around 15 million spermatozoa per milliliter of semen. If the sperm count is below this number, it could be an indication that the sperm condition is unhealthy. 

In some cases, semen may not even contain any sperm at all, which is known as azoospermia. Here are five main indicators to differentiate between fertile and unhealthy sperm:

1. Pay Attention to Sperm Count

The first indicator to pay attention to is the number of sperm in the semen during ejaculation. Sperm that is considered fertile has a minimum number of 15 million spermatozoa per milliliter of semen. If the number is below this number, there is a possibility that the sperm is in an unhealthy condition. 

In some cases, semen may not even contain any sperm at all, which is known as azoospermia. A low sperm count can hinder the opportunity to fertilize an egg, so it is important to have an examination if you find this symptom.

Also Read:  Oligospermia: Definition, Causes, Treatment

2. Sperm Morphology

Sperm morphology or shape is also an important indicator in assessing sperm health. Healthy sperm generally have an oval head and a long tail, which supports their mobility. 

Conversely, unhealthy sperm may have an abnormally shaped head and a short tail. Although ejaculation can produce sperm with morphological variations, as long as the proportion of healthy sperm is greater than unhealthy, this condition is still considered normal.

3. Sperm Motility

Motility or the ability to move sperm is another important aspect. To determine motility, a laboratory examination is needed, because it cannot be seen with the naked eye. Healthy sperm will move actively and quickly, while unhealthy sperm tends to have minimal movement. 

If more than 60 percent of the sperm in a sample shows poor motility, this can indicate low levels of male fertility. In order for the chances of pregnancy to increase, at least 40 percent of the sperm must have good motility.

4. Semen Texture

Semen viscosity also plays a role in assessing sperm health. Watery semen may indicate a low sperm count. In addition, infertile sperm usually has a less sticky texture. 

However, semen viscosity is not the only determinant of fertility, because it can be influenced by various factors, including fluid levels in the body. If semen is always watery during ejaculation, you should consult a doctor for further evaluation. 

5. Semen Color

The color of semen during ejaculation can also be an indicator of sperm health. Healthy semen is generally grayish white, indicating adequate sperm levels. On the other hand, unhealthy sperm may appear clearer and more transparent. To get more accurate results regarding sperm health, laboratory examination is highly recommended.

Recognizing the characteristics of unhealthy sperm is not easy, because you cannot directly see the number, shape or motility of sperm cells. For this reason, it is very important to carry out a male fertility test, especially if you and your partner have been trying to get pregnant for a year without success. 

Carrying out this fertility test can provide the insight needed to understand the reproductive health of you and your partner to help determine the next steps in increasing your chances of having children.

References:

https://www.haibunda.com/kehamilan/20240209125600-49-328470/5-ciri-ciri-sperma-tidak-subur-yang-membuat-bunda-susah-hamil 

https://hellosehat.com/kehamilan/kesuburan/tanda-pria-tidak-subur/