Sperm is one of the crucial elements of the male reproductive system. This cell is responsible for fertilizing the egg to begin the process of pregnancy. But the quality and quantity of sperm can be affected by various factors which makes it difficult for a couple to conceive naturally. To treat this condition you need to visit the clinic of the best IVF doctor in Siliguri.
Sperm morphology is one of the most common types of abnormal forms of sperm that can affect the ability to fertilize an egg. These abnormalities can occur in the head, midpiece, or tail of the sperm which makes it difficult to conceive.
Types of Morphological Defects
If a sperm is in abnormal shape it might not be able to swim effectively towards an egg or may not be able to penetrate the egg’s outer layer. Some of the morphological defects in sperm include the following;
Head defects: The abnormalities of the head can include being too large, too small, irregular in shape, or might have double heads or pinheads. These defects can prevent the sperm from penetrating the egg, making fertilization difficult.
Midpiece defects: The common defects in a midpiece include an enlarged or misshapen. The midpiece contains mitochondria and if there are defects in the midpiece, the sperm might not have enough energy to reach the egg.
Tail defects: The tail defects of sperm include double tails, coiled tails, or bent tails. The tail is essential for the movement of sperm and a sperm with a defective tail may not swim straight or fast enough to reach the egg.
Some health conditions that cause abnormal sperm morphology are;
Nutritional deficiencies:
Nutritional deficiencies can lead to abnormal sperm morphology. This is because the body can’t get essential vitamins and minerals like zinc, folate, and antioxidants, which can hamper the development and structure of sperm. To follow a proper diet chart you can seek a diet chart recommendation from an IVF specialist doctor.
Genetic abnormalities:
Genetic disorders can also cause abnormal sperm morphology affecting the fertility of a male. This includes;
Klinefelter syndrome: This is a genetic condition that occurs when a male is born with an extra X chromosome which leads to the abnormal development of the reproductive organs.
Cystic fibrosis: Men with cystic fibrosis (CF) typically experience abnormal sperm morphology due to congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD), resulting in male infertility.
Infections:
Both past and present infections trigger an inflammatory response in the male reproductive tract that releases chemicals which disrupt the developmental process of sperm. If you are suffering from a condition like prostatitis or sexually transmitted infections it can impact the health and structure of a sperm.
Undescended testicles:
Undescended testicles or cryptorchidism cause sperm morphological defects. This is because to make a healthy sperm, testicles need to stay a few degrees cooler than the rest of the body. However, an undescended testicle stays up in the body resulting in higher temperature. This causes a lower sperm count and quality, decreasing the chances of fertilizing an egg.
Varicoceles:
A varicocele is a condition where the veins of the scrotum enlarge and become twisted. It can be associated with a progressive decline in testicular sperm and impaired blood flow within the affected testicles. This condition also raises the temperature in the testes leading to impaired sperm development, particularly "tapered head" sperm, due to disruption in the process of spermatogenesis.
Conclusion:
Sperm morphological defects are one of the factors responsible for male infertility. The abnormalities can occur either in the head, midpiece, or tail of the sperm. Some common health conditions that are linked to abnormal sperm morphology include nutritional deficiencies, excessive use of testosterone, infections, undescended testicles, and varicocele. If you are suffering from this condition you need to book an appointment with the best IVF doctor in Siliguri. With accurate analysis and appropriate treatment, many of these defects can be managed, increasing the chances of successful conception.
