WHAT IS SPERM HEALTH?

• Sperm health basically refers to the health condition of a semen sample.
• It is important to note that the semen sample is made up mainly of two parts; the seminal fluid and the sperm cells.
• There are three (3) major parameters for measuring optimal sperm health
• Optimal sperm health involves having sufficient sperm quantity (count), good movement (motility), and normal shape (morphology).

PARAMETERS FOR SPERM HEALTH:

• The sperm cells are produced in the man’s testes.
• The seminal fluid is produced in the prostrate gland.
• Sperm health parameters focuses on the condition of the sperm cells.
• The seminal fluid is majorly a function of diet composition of the man.
• The sperm cells depend on the anatomy of the testes, the hormones  and their functionality.
• A healthy sperm count is typically considered to be 15 million or more sperm per millilitre of semen. This is said to be the minimum quantity optimal for achieving pregnancy.
• At least 40% of sperm should exhibit forward movement (motility) for the best chance of fertilization. The optimal range for healthy motility is 40% – 60% of cells in forward motion.
• Sperm shape isn’t as crucial as quantity or movement, but having a higher percentage of sperm with normal shape is also beneficial.  Ideally, a higher percentage of sperm have a normal, oval head and long tail shape.

HOW DO YOU KNOW HEALTHY SPERM?

A semen analysis is the most reliable method to assess sperm health. This test measures sperm count, motility (ability to move), and morphology (shape). Poor sperm health is there characterised by low sperm count, poor motility and abnormal morphology.

CAUSES OF POOR SPERM HEALTH:

Poor sperm health can be caused by a variety of factors.

1. Medical conditions e.g Genetic anomalies, undescended testes, infections, hormonal imbalance, varicocele, cancer, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, kidney problems, and some medications.
2. Environmental Factors e.g exposure to toxins like heavy metals, pesticides and other industrial chemicals, overheating the testes by wearing tight clothing, hot tubs and saunas or long-distance driving can damage sperm.
3. Life style factors like intake of alcohol, smoking, use of illicit drugs, obesity, prolonged use of steroids, stress can affect sperm production and quality.
4. Other factors like trauma or injury to the testes, some surgical procedures like poorly done hernias or other surgeries around the male genital tract. Also, it is important to note that sperm quality declines with age.

IMPLICATION OF POOR SPERM HEALTH ON PREGNANCY OUTCOME:

Poor sperm health can negatively impact pregnancy outcomes, potentially leading to difficulties in conception, increased risk of miscarriage, and even birth defects.

1. DIFFICULTY IN CONCEPTION: Low sperm count or poor sperm motility significantly reduces the chances of a sperm successfully reaching and fertilizing an egg, leading to infertility.  Poor sperm quality can affect outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), leading to lower fertilization rates and reduced embryo development.
2. INCREASED RISK OF MISCARRIAGE: DNA damage in sperm can contribute to early pregnancy loss and impact the developing embryo.  Sperm with DNA damage or structural abnormalities can increase the risk of miscarriage, particularly in early pregnancy, leading to impaired growth and implantation. Unfortunately, the conventional semen analysis test cannot assess DNA fragmentation of sperm cells. Meta-analysis studies is the investigation done to asse4ss sperm DNA and have shown a significant increase in miscarriage rates in patients with high DNA damage compared to those with low DNA damage. Sperm DNA fragmentation testing can be helpful in identifying genetic abnormalities that may contribute to recurrent miscarriages.
3. POTENTIAL FOR BIRTH DEFECTS: While not directly causing birth defects, sperm with significant genetic abnormalities, if passed on to the embryo, can increase the risk of genetic disorders.

HOW TO IMPROVE SPERM HEALTH:

To improve sperm health, the general recommendations is to focus on a balanced diet, include regular exercise in daily routine, avoiding harmful substances, and managing stress. Let’s expatiate on these suggestions.

1. DIET: Focus on foods rich in
2. Antioxidants like fruits, vegetables and nuts. These provide antioxidants like vit c and Lycopene which prevent sperm damage and DNA fragmentation
3. Zinc essential for sperm production and motility. Sources are beef, oysters and beans
4. Folate responsible for DNA formation and sperm development. Found in green leafy vegetables, beans and supplements.
5. Omega-3 Fatty acids improve sperm health. Found in fish, flaxseed and walnuts.
6. Dairy particularly low fat, like yoghurts, responsible for sperm concentration and motility.

Avoid fried foods and processed foods. They impact negatively on sperm health.

2. EXERCISE: Exercise can improve sperm count and motility by boosting testosterone levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise 4 to 5 days of the week.
3. LIFESTYLE CHANGES: Lifestyle modifications that can contribute to improved sperm health includes;
4. Stop smoking
5. Reduce alcohol

• Stop use of illicit drugs

1. Manage stress
2. Maintain a healthy weight
3. Avoid heat exposure

• Avoid exposure to toxins
• Sleep adequately up to 6-8 hours every night

1. Use supplements
2. Consult a doctor if you think you have issues with your sperm health.