Low sperm motility can be caused by diet, medications, and substances like alcohol and tobacco. Lifestyle changes may help, but it can take months to see improvement. A healthy sample should have at least 50% of sperm showing forward motion. Diet and medication changes can help, and doctors may order further testing if the issue persists.
Low sperm motility can be caused by a number of factors including diet, medications and the use of substances such as alcohol and tobacco. A doctor may recommend some lifestyle changes for a couple trying to get pregnant to see if these fix the problem. It’s important to be aware that sperm take several months to develop, and people may not notice an immediate change if they follow medical recommendations. If simple measures do not lead to pregnancy, more aggressive screening and treatment can be discussed.
Sperm motility is an assessment of how fast and vigorously sperm move. In a typical healthy sample, at least 50% of the sperm should show forward motion. The quality of movement can be classified, allowing doctors to distinguish between sluggish, poorly coordinated sperm and robust motors. Men with more mobile sperm cells have a better chance of getting their partners pregnant, especially if the sperm cells are also highly active.
A common cause of low sperm motility is diet. Men who don’t get adequate vitamins and minerals may not be able to produce healthy sperm. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help, as can adding supplements to ensure sperm cells are getting the nutrients they need. Nutritionists can provide advice and advice for patients who are unsure about how to eat to boost fertility or how to meet specific dietary needs.
Medications can also play a role. Many prescription drugs, especially psychoactive drugs used in the management of mental illness, have an effect on sperm cells. Some drugs reduce motility and others are linked to birth defects. Patients with fertility problems should discuss all of the medications they use to determine if any are likely culprits for the problem. Your doctor may recommend a temporary change of medications.
Medications in addition to medications are also linked to low sperm motility. Alcohol, tobacco, and many recreational drugs all have an impact on sperm quality, including the level of movement. Temporary suspension or reduction of use may increase sperm motility. Patients concerned about their sperm motility should be sure to disclose any medications they use; this information is confidential and a doctor will not report the patient.
If low sperm motility persists after ruling out potential obvious causes, the patient may have other medical problems. Your doctor may request another semen analysis and may also order a blood sample. This can provide more insight into why a man might be infertile, which can be helpful for treatment. It may still be possible to achieve pregnancy with man’s sperm through means such as in vitro fertilization.
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