How Sperm Quality Affects Fertility Treatments
It’s Not Just About the Egg — Sperm Health Matters Too
When couples face difficulty conceiving, the first assumption is often that something might be “wrong” with the woman. But in nearly 40% of infertility cases, male factors — especially poor sperm quality — are the root cause or part of the challenge.
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s fertility clinic in Lucknow, we emphasize the importance of evaluating both partners equally. Understanding how sperm quality affects fertility treatments like IUI, IVF, and ICSI can help couples make informed decisions with confidence.
What Is Sperm Quality?
Sperm quality isn’t about just the number of sperm. It involves multiple factors that affect the sperm’s ability to reach and fertilize the egg:
🔹 1. Sperm Count
The number of sperm in a single ejaculation. A normal count is 15 million or more per ml.
🔹 2. Motility (Movement)
How well the sperm swim. At least 40% motility is considered normal. Poor motility means sperm may not reach the egg.
🔹 3. Morphology (Shape)
Healthy sperm have a smooth oval head and long tail. Irregular shapes reduce fertilizing ability.
🔹 4. DNA Integrity
Even if count and shape are normal, sperm with fragmented DNA can cause failed implantation, miscarriage, or poor embryo quality.
Causes of Poor Sperm Quality
Sperm health can be affected by:
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Smoking, alcohol, or drug use
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Excessive heat exposure (tight underwear, hot baths, laptops on lap)
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Obesity
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Chronic illnesses (diabetes, infections, hormonal imbalances)
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Stress and lack of sleep
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Varicocele (enlarged veins in the scrotum)
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Pollution and sedentary lifestyle
The good news? Many of these causes are reversible with early intervention.
How Sperm Quality Affects Fertility Treatments
✅ IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Ideal when sperm count and motility are mildly affected. In this process:
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Semen is washed and the best motile sperm are selected
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These are placed directly inside the uterus, bypassing cervical barriers
However, if count or motility is too low, IUI success rates drop. In such cases, IVF or ICSI may be recommended.
✅ IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
In IVF, eggs and sperm are combined outside the body. Sperm must be able to:
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Swim to the egg in the lab
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Penetrate the egg membrane naturally
Poor motility or shape can lead to fertilization failure in standard IVF, which is why sperm quality matters here too.
✅ ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
In ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg. It’s the preferred treatment for:
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Very low sperm count
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Poor motility or abnormal morphology
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Previous IVF fertilization failure
Even one healthy sperm can lead to pregnancy with ICSI — making it a powerful option for male factor infertility.
✅ Donor Sperm
In cases of:
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Azoospermia (no sperm in semen)
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Severe untreatable abnormalities
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Genetic issues in sperm
Donor sperm may be recommended. This is a personal decision, supported with confidentiality and emotional counselling.
Can Sperm Quality Be Improved?
Yes — in many cases, lifestyle changes and medical treatment can improve sperm health in 2–3 months.
Tips for better sperm quality:
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Quit smoking and alcohol
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Maintain a healthy weight
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Exercise regularly, avoid heat exposure
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Take antioxidant supplements (after medical advice)
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Manage stress through yoga or mindfulness
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Address infections or varicocele with medical care
At Dr. Richa Gangwar’s clinic, we provide sperm-friendly nutrition, hormonal assessments, and expert guidance for men — because fertility care is for both partners.
Diagnostic Tests for Male Infertility
Our clinic offers:
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Semen Analysis (volume, count, motility, morphology)
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Sperm DNA Fragmentation Test
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Hormone Panel (FSH, LH, testosterone)
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Scrotal Ultrasound
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Genetic testing, if required
A full evaluation helps decide which treatment path is most suitable and cost-effective.
Emotional Support for Men Matters Too
Male infertility can affect confidence, self-image, and emotional health. We encourage open conversations and offer confidential counselling to help couples deal with this journey together.
Fertility challenges are not a reflection of masculinity — they are medical conditions that can be addressed with care and support.
