Understanding the symptoms, causes, and solutions for unhealthy sperm is vital for couples seeking to conceive.
This condition can significantly impact a couple’s ability to conceive, leading to infertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. The behavior of healthy sperm is characterized by a sufficient number, proper movement, and normal shape, which are essential for successful fertilization. The factual truth is that many men suffer from unhealthy sperm, with an estimated 20% of the male population experiencing varicoceles, a condition that can affect sperm production and quality, National Library of Medicine.
Each year, millions of men are diagnosed with unhealthy sperm, contributing to the high incidence of male infertility. Unhealthy sperm can manifest in various ways, including low sperm count, poor sperm motility, increased risk of genetic disorders in offspring, abnormal sperm morphology, and DNA fragmentation. These issues can lead to difficulties in conceiving naturally, although successful pregnancies can still occur with medical assistance.
One notable symptom of unhealthy sperm is the presence of clear or watery semen, which does not always mean a man is unhealthy or infertile, but can be a sign of an underlying issue such as low sperm count (oligospermia) which may affect fertility. Sperm count is considered low if it’s below 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen. The normal range is between 15 million and 300 million. Even a count as low as 20 million might be enough for pregnancy if the sperm are healthy.
Low sperm count can be diagnosed through a semen analysis, which evaluates the number, movement, and shape of sperm under a microscope.
Read More: Foods That Affect The Sperm Count
Symptoms and Signs of Unhealthy Sperm
Aside from watery clear semen, symptoms of unhealthy sperm include;
- Low semen volume
- Blood in your semen
- No semen when ejaculating
- Problems with sexual function
- Poor or immature sperm movement
- Pain, swelling, or a lump in the testicle area
- Injury or problems with the tubes that carry sperm
- Discolored semen: Yellow, greenish-yellow, pink, reddish brown, and any other unusual color can indicate infections, inflammation, bleeding, or other health issues
- Retrograde ejaculation – semen going into the bladder instead of out through the penis
What Causes Unhealthy Sperm?
Varicocele – A varicocele is an enlargement of the veins that drain blood from the testicle. It is the most common reversible cause of male infertility. Varicoceles can cause the temperature in the scrotum and the testicles to increase, resulting in oxidative stress and leading to DNA fragmentation. Suffering from a varicocele does not always affect sperm production but it often does and can cause infertility in men.
Infections – Infections in the genitals are usually either a urinary tract infection (UTI) or sexually transmitted infection (STI). Many STIs can cause issues with male fertility as they negatively impact sperm production. Infections can also lead to discolored or foul-smelling ejaculate.
Hormone Imbalances – Abnormalities in the pituitary gland that release hormones to the testicles can affect normal testosterone production, leading to unhealthy sperm. Low testosterone levels are suggestive of testicular failure.
Lifestyle Factors – Abuse of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, overweight or obesity, exposure to heat (high fevers, saunas, hot tubs, laptops), tight underwear, and anabolic steroid use.
Medical Conditions – Undescended testicles, severe mumps infection after puberty, hernia repair surgery, radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer, and chromosome problems.
Anatomical Issues – Blockage is caused by a prior infection, swollen veins in the scrotum (varicocele), abnormally developed testicles, and inflammation of the testicles.
Factors Affecting Sperm Health and Quality
The main determinants or factors that can affect the health and quality of sperm include;
- Smoking – reduces sperm count, motility and morphology
- Alcohol consumption – causes DNA damage, decreases testosterone levels, and increases leukocytes in semen.
- Obesity – affects sperm count and quality, and can lead to changes in sperm genes that are passed down.
- Exposure to heat – the testes need to be slightly cooler than body temperature for optimal sperm production.
- Exposure to toxic chemicals – certain chemicals can damage sperm.
- Sexually transmitted infections – can lead to inflammation and obstruction of the reproductive tract.
- Diabetes mellitus – can impact sperm parameters.
- Thyroid disorders – can affect sperm quality.
- Previous groin surgery – such as hernia repair or varicocele surgery – may impact sperm.
- Mumps orchitis – inflammation of the testicles from mumps virus – can reduce sperm production
- Low sperm count (oligozoospermia) – less than 15 million sperm/mL
- Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) – less than 40% motile sperm
- Abnormal sperm morphology (teratozoospermia) – less than 4% normal shaped sperm
- Low semen volume – usually indicates a blockage or ejaculatory duct problem
Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) – Sexually transmitted diseases such as genital warts, syphilis, and gonorrhea can have a negative impact on the male reproductive system. These infections can lead to inflammation, obstruction, and damage to the reproductive tract, ultimately affecting sperm count, motility, and overall quality.
Medication and Recreational Substances – Certain medications and recreational drugs can also impact sperm production and quality. Some examples include chemotherapy drugs, antidepressants, and substances like marijuana and anabolic steroids.
Environmental Factors – Exposure to toxins, chemicals, pesticides, and radiation in the living or work environment can increase the risk of lower sperm count, poorer sperm quality, and higher DNA fragmentation.
Age – Sperm count and motility typically start to decline after the age of 50. As men age, there is a gradual decrease in sperm production and an increase in the number of abnormal sperm.
Can Unhealthy Sperm Fertilize an Egg?
Yes, unhealthy sperm can fertilize an egg, due to two main reasons:
- Quantity: Even a low sperm count might allow a healthy sperm to reach the egg.
- The egg’s repair mechanisms: The egg has some ability to repair minor damage in the sperm’s DNA.
However, unhealthy sperm can increase the risk of:
- Miscarriage
- Birth defects
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Impaired embryo development: Sperm with chromosomal abnormalities can lead to improper embryo development and implantation issues.
- Genetic disorders: Sperm with certain genetic defects may pass on these issues to the offspring, leading to birth defects or genetic disorders
Solution: How to Improve Unhealthy Sperm and Boost Fertility
Maintaining healthy sperm is crucial for fertility and the health of your future child. If you have signs of unhealthy sperm, such as low sperm count, poor motility, or abnormal morphology, there are several steps you can take to improve sperm quality:
Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough quality sleep is an important factor in maintaining healthy sperm. Adequate sleep helps regulate the production of hormones like testosterone, which is essential for sperm production and promotes healthy blood flow to the testicles. It also helps reduce oxidative stress, which can damage sperm DNA and impair sperm function. Most experts recommend that adults get 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and practicing good sleep hygiene can help ensure you’re getting enough restorative sleep to support sperm health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or obese can negatively impact sperm health. Excess fat tissue can disrupt hormone balance and lead to issues like low sperm count and poor motility. Aim to keep your BMI in the healthy range by eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.
Eat a Sperm-Friendly Diet
Your diet plays a big role in sperm health. Eat plenty of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, which can help protect sperm from DNA damage. Foods high in vitamins C, E, and CoQ10 are particularly beneficial for sperm. Limit processed and fried foods, which may contain harmful compounds that can impact fertility.
Exercise Regularly
Moderate physical activity, such as weightlifting and outdoor activities, has been shown to increase sperm count. Aim for at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Avoid excessive heat exposure from activities like hot tubs, which can negatively impact sperm production.
Supplement with Key Nutrients
Certain vitamins and supplements may help improve sperm quality. Vitamins D, C, E, and CoQ10 have been linked to better sperm health. Speak to your doctor about which supplements may be beneficial for your specific needs.
Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can significantly damage sperm. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. Limit alcohol intake to no more than 14 units per week, spread across 3 or more days.
Reduce Exposure to Toxins and Chemicals
Exposure to toxins like pesticides, solvents, and heavy metals can negatively impact sperm. Try to limit your exposure to these substances, especially at work. Wear protective gear when necessary.
By making these lifestyle changes, you can help improve the health of your sperm and increase your chances of conceiving a healthy baby. If you continue to have concerns about your fertility, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment options.
Read More: The Type of banana that increase sperm count
References
- Mayo Clinic. Low sperm count – Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-sperm-count/symptoms-causes/syc-20374585
- Metro Male Clinic. Watery sperm / Watery semen – Why is my sperm watery and clear. https://metromaleclinic.com/watery-sperm-watery-semen-why-is-my-sperm-watery-and-clear/
- Medical News Today. What to know about watery semen. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325058
- Fertiltree. Signs that indicate that your sperm may be unhealthy. https://fertiltree.com/blogs/signs-unhealthy-sperm
