Infertility is one of the health challenges facing many couples around the world, and men can have a significant role in its occurrence.

Sperm deformities are one of the main causes of male infertility, as these abnormalities affect the sperm’s ability to move and fertilize, reducing the chances of successful conception and making natural pregnancy difficult for couples.

However, this does not mean that a person with abnormal sperm cannot have a child. There are many advanced techniques and treatments available to help him achieve this dream.

What are some common types of sperm deformities?

The most common sperm problems that can affect fertility include:

1. Low sperm count: Having less than 15 million sperm per milliliter of semen can reduce the chances of successful fertilization.

2. Poor sperm motility: If sperm movement is slow or not in a straight line, it will have difficulty penetrating the cervical mucus or penetrating the outer hard shell of the egg for fertilization.

3. Abnormal sperm morphology: These abnormalities include abnormal sizes or irregular shapes of sperm. Morphological abnormalities affect the sperm’s ability to swim inside the female reproductive tract and reach the egg. The ideal shape of a sperm is an oval head and a long tail.

4. Sperm agglutination: Sperm sticking together and forming clumps can impair their motility and ability to fertilize an egg.

5. DNA fragmentation: Damage to the genetic material in sperm can result from a variety of factors, including age, environmental toxins, and certain medical conditions. DNA damage can reduce the chances of successful fertilization. For more details about DNA fragmentation in sperms and its detection, click here.

Causes of sperm deformities:

Sperm deformities are an important factor in diagnosing male infertility. These abnormalities can result from various factors. Some factors that may contribute to sperm deformities include:

1. Genetic factors: Some inherited genetic abnormalities can cause sperm abnormalities. Genetic mutations or other genetic changes may affect sperm formation and function.

2. Environmental factors: Exposure to harmful environmental factors, such as pollution and toxic chemicals, can affect sperm health and cause deformities. For example, long-term exposure to toxic substances like lead and mercury can negatively impact spermatogenesis.

3. Health factors: Certain health conditions such as high scrotal temperature, chronic diseases like diabetes, and thyroid gland disorders can affect sperm health and cause deformities.

4. Hormonal imbalances: Medical conditions that affect the production of testosterone, FSH, or LH hormones can affect sperm production.

5. Lifestyle factors: Unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug use, and poor nutrition can affect the quality of sperm.

In conclusion, Sperm deformity is an important factor in diagnosing male infertility. Couples facing difficulty conceiving should seek the guidance of Dr. Adham Zaazaa, Consultant in Andrology and ICSI and Professor of Andrology and Fertility Surgery at Cairo University. He can conduct the necessary assessments, identify potential causes, and develop an appropriate treatment plan to increase the chances of pregnancy.