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Abnormal sperm morphology can make it harder for a man to get a woman pregnant and increase the risk of miscarriage. Doctors evaluate sperm morphology during fertility tests, but not all abnormal sperm morphology affects fertility. There is no medical treatment to correct abnormal sperm morphology, but it can improve on its own or couples can choose other methods of conception.
Sperm morphology is a term that refers to the shape and size of a man’s sperm cells. Abnormal sperm morphology is the term used when a man’s sperm does not fit the expected description, whether the abnormal feature is size, shape, or characteristics. When such abnormalities exist, a man may have a harder time getting a woman pregnant, and if conception does occur, the expectant mother may face an increased risk of miscarriage.
Doctors often evaluate sperm morphology during male fertility tests, a step typically taken when a couple has been unsuccessfully trying to conceive for an extended period of time. A semen analysis usually evaluates the number of sperms present in the semen and their movement, both of which are important in achieving successful fertilization of an egg. Often, however, doctors also check the size and shape of the sperm, and when a high percentage of a man’s sperm is misshapen or oddly sized, it is called abnormal morphology.
People who are trying to conceive tend to be concerned or upset about abnormal sperm morphology, mainly because an abnormality in this area can affect a couple’s chances of conceiving a child and ultimately celebrating a live birth. However, there’s often no reason to panic. All men have some level of abnormal morphology and most can still help initiate a healthy pregnancy. Problems conceiving occur when most, rather than just some, of the sperm cells in a man’s semen have this problem. Even then, however, there is still a chance that the affected man could father a healthy child.
While a semen sample with a high percentage of abnormal sperm morphology may prove to be a concern, it doesn’t always mean the problem will continue. In some cases doctors request a repeat semen analysis a month or two later and find a completely different situation. A man’s sperm morphology sometimes improves on its own after this short period of time. If it doesn’t improve, a doctor may begin evaluating the patient for underlying causes, such as infections and abnormalities of the scrotum.
If doctors can’t pinpoint the underlying problem that caused the abnormal sperm morphology, then there isn’t much they can do to correct it. As of 2011, there is no medical treatment that is considered effective for changing the size and shape of a man’s sperm. When a man is diagnosed with abnormal sperm morphology, he will usually have to hope that his sperm improves on its own or choose another method of conception, such as donor sperm.
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