What is the Difference Between Fertile vs Infertile Sperm
When you’re trying to have a baby, it helps to know the difference between fertile vs infertile sperm. Because, really, sperm quality is super important when it comes to making a baby. But how can you tell if sperm is fertile or not? It's not always obvious. This article will explore the key things that separate fertile sperm vs infertile sperm and what steps can help improve fertility.
What Makes Sperm Fertile?
To understand fertile vs infertile sperm, first, let’s look at what makes sperm "fertile." There are three main things:
- Sperm Count: Fertile sperm means having at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. The more, the better. Because more sperm means better odds of one reaching the egg [1].
- Motility: This refers to how well sperm can swim. It matters because sperm need to travel through the reproductive system to reach the egg. Fertile sperm should have at least 40% moving [2].
- Morphology: Sperm Morphology is just a fancy way of saying shape. Fertile sperm have an oval head and a long tail, making it easier for them to get where they need to go [3].
These three things—count, movement, and shape—are what you need to look at to tell the difference between fertile sperm vs infertile sperm.
Top Tip: If you’ve been trying to conceive for a while, consider a sperm test to check these factors.
Why Sperm Become Infertile
There are many reasons why sperm might become infertile. For some men, it's a low sperm count—there just aren’t enough sperm in the semen. For others, it’s poor motility, where sperm can’t swim efficiently. And then there are cases where sperm shape is off, like having two heads or bent tails. These abnormalities make it tough for sperm to reach the egg [4].
Lifestyle factors also play a role. Smoking, excessive alcohol, and stress can all contribute to infertile sperm [5]. Environmental toxins, poor diet, and even being overweight can reduce sperm quality.
Top Tip: Reducing alcohol and quitting smoking can give sperm a much-needed boost.
Natural Ways to Improve Sperm Health
The good news? There are ways to improve sperm health naturally. Eating a balanced diet, exercising, and getting the right nutrients can do wonders. For example, zinc is crucial for sperm production and motility, while CoQ10 acts as a powerful antioxidant that protects sperm from damage. Adding these nutrients to your daily routine can help make a big difference [6].
Here’s what else helps:
- Folic Acid: This helps with healthy sperm development and supports DNA synthesis, which is essential for sperm health [7].
- Vitamin C: A well-known antioxidant that protects sperm from damage caused by free radicals [8].
- Myo-Inositol: Known for improving hormonal balance, it’s also useful in boosting sperm quality [9].
Including these vitamins and minerals in your diet, or through supplements, can improve sperm quality. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight also make a difference.
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Top Tip: Consider supplements that contain zinc, CoQ10, and folic acid to help improve sperm health over time.
Testing Your Sperm Health
If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for over a year without luck, it’s probably time to consider a sperm test. This test will help you figure out whether you have fertile vs infertile sperm. A sperm analysis checks several things like count, movement, and shape to see if your sperm is up to the task [10].
Based on the results, a doctor may suggest lifestyle changes or recommend fertility treatments.
Top Tip: Don’t stress too much if the first test isn’t great—sperm quality can change over time and with lifestyle improvements.
The Bottom Line
Figuring out the difference between fertile sperm vs infertile sperm is a key part of the fertility journey. Fertile sperm have the right count, can move efficiently, and have the proper shape to reach and fertilize the egg. Infertile sperm may struggle with one or more of these factors, but the good news is, it’s often possible to improve sperm health through lifestyle changes and proper nutrition. A sperm test can help you track your progress and understand what’s going on.
FAQs
What is considered a normal sperm count?
A normal sperm count is 15 million or more sperm per milliliter of semen.
How can I improve sperm motility?
Improving diet, exercising regularly, and adding nutrients like CoQ10 and zinc can help boost sperm motility.
What role does sperm shape play in fertility?
Sperm with normal shapes are more likely to penetrate the egg, increasing the chances of conception.
Can lifestyle choices really affect sperm quality?
Yes. Smoking, drinking too much, and being overweight can all negatively impact sperm quality.
How do I check if my sperm is fertile?
A sperm analysis test will measure count, motility, and shape to give you a clear idea of your sperm health.
Citations
- Cao XW, Lin K, Li CY, Yuan CW. [A review of WHO Laboratory Manual for the Examination and Processing of Human Semen (5th edition)]. Zhonghua Nan Ke Xue. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22235670/
- Cooper TG, Noonan E, von Eckardstein S, Auger J, Baker HW, Behre HM, Haugen TB, Kruger T, Wang C, Mbizvo MT, Vogelsong KM. World Health Organization reference values for human semen characteristics. Hum Reprod Update. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19934213/
- Kruger TF, Acosta AA, Simmons KF, Swanson RJ, Matta JF, Oehninger S. Predictive value of abnormal sperm morphology in in vitro fertilization. Fertil Steril. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3335257/
- Leslie SW, Soon-Sutton TL, Khan MAB. Male Infertility. [Updated 2024 Feb 25]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562258/
- Jurewicz J, Radwan M, Sobala W, Ligocka D, Radwan P, Bochenek M, Hanke W. Lifestyle and semen quality: role of modifiable risk factors. Syst Biol Reprod Med. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24074254/#:~:text=Leisure%20time%20activity%20was%20positively,p%20%3D%200.03%2C%20respectively).
- Salas-Huetos A, Bulló M, Salas-Salvadó J. Dietary patterns, foods and nutrients in male fertility parameters and fecundability: a systematic review of observational studies. Hum Reprod Update. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28333357/
- Boxmeer JC, Smit M, Utomo E, Romijn JC, Eijkemans MJ, Lindemans J, Laven JS, Macklon NS, Steegers EA, Steegers-Theunissen RP. Low folate in seminal plasma is associated with increased sperm DNA damage. Fertil Steril. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18722602/
- Rolf C, Cooper TG, Yeung CH, Nieschlag E. Antioxidant treatment of patients with asthenozoospermia or moderate oligoasthenozoospermia with high-dose vitamin C and vitamin E: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Hum Reprod. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10221237/
- Montanino Oliva M, Minutolo E, Lippa A, Iaconianni P, Vaiarelli A. Effect of Myoinositol and Antioxidants on Sperm Quality in Men with Metabolic Syndrome. Int J Endocrinol. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5056296/
- Sunder M, Leslie SW. Semen Analysis. [Updated 2022 Oct 24]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564369/
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Shop Now →What is a normal sperm count according to WHO standards?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards used by fertility clinics in the US, a normal sperm count is at least 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. The higher the sperm count, the better your chances of conception, as more sperm increases the likelihood that at least one will successfully reach and fertilize the egg. If your count falls below this threshold, it's classified as oligospermia, a common cause of male infertility.
How much does a semen analysis test cost and does insurance cover it?
A semen analysis typically costs between $300-$1,000 at American fertility clinics, though prices vary by location and facility. Many insurance plans cover semen analysis if you have a diagnosis of infertility or have been trying to conceive for 12 months (or 6 months if over age 35), but coverage depends on your specific plan. It's recommended to contact your insurance provider or fertility clinic directly to confirm coverage before testing.
Can vitamin supplements really improve sperm quality?
Yes, certain supplements have evidence supporting their role in sperm health. Studies show that nutrients like CoQ10, zinc, folic acid, and vitamin D can improve sperm count, motility, and morphology in some men. However, the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) recommends consulting with a fertility specialist before starting supplements, as effectiveness varies by individual and underlying cause of infertility.
How long does it take to see improvements in sperm quality after lifestyle changes?
It typically takes 72-90 days to see meaningful improvements in sperm quality after making lifestyle changes, since sperm production (spermatogenesis) takes approximately 3 months. This means quitting smoking, reducing alcohol, improving diet, and managing stress should be maintained consistently for at least 3 months before retesting sperm quality. Some men may see improvements sooner, while others may need longer depending on the severity of their condition.
What fertility treatments are available if sperm quality doesn't improve naturally?
If lifestyle changes and supplements don't improve sperm quality, several fertility treatments are available through US fertility clinics, including intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). ICSI is particularly beneficial when sperm count, motility, or morphology are poor, as it involves injecting a single sperm directly into an egg. Many fertility treatments may be partially covered by insurance depending on your plan and state requirements.
Are there FDA-approved medications to improve male fertility?
There are no FDA-approved medications specifically designed to increase sperm production or quality in men with low sperm counts. However, certain medications like clomiphene citrate (Clomid) may be prescribed off-label by fertility specialists to stimulate testosterone production in men with hormonal imbalances. Any medication decisions should be made in consultation with a reproductive endocrinologist who can evaluate your specific condition and hormonal profile.
When should I see a fertility specialist about my sperm quality?
You should consider seeing a reproductive endocrinologist if you've been trying to conceive for 12 months without success (or 6 months if you're over 35), or if you suspect sperm quality issues. Additionally, if you have a history of testicular problems, erectile dysfunction, or live/work in environments with chemical exposure, consulting a fertility specialist early is advisable. A semen analysis can definitively determine if sperm quality is a factor in infertility.
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