Improving Sperm Motility: Tips for Couples Trying to Conceive

The sperm motility is insufficient (currently trying to conceive)?

Hello Dr.
Fu, I have been trying to conceive for four months now.
During this time, I used ovulation test strips, and we had intercourse during peak ovulation, but after three months, there is still no news.
Therefore, I went to Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for an examination.
The obstetrician-gynecologist indicated that my blood tests (AMH, hormone levels, and hysteroscopy) showed no issues on my side, so they recommended that my husband undergo a semen analysis (he is currently 31 years old).
He went to a different hospital's urology department for the analysis, and according to him, the urologist mentioned that his sperm motility is somewhat insufficient, but everything else is fine.
It is just more challenging for us to conceive, but it does not mean he has no sperm at all.
The doctor advised him not to be too anxious and to take it slow, and did not suggest any specific ways to improve the situation.
The semen analysis report is as follows: *Progressive Motility: 8% (normal > 32) *Total Motility: 65% (normal > 40).
Since I had asked the obstetrician-gynecologist about the report before seeing it, my husband mentioned the insufficient sperm motility, so the doctor suggested considering artificial insemination to reduce the distance the sperm has to travel, although the success rate cannot be guaranteed.
The doctor also mentioned that if the situation is severe, he could consider a varicocele surgery.
However, after reviewing the test report again, I realized that the so-called insufficient motility refers specifically to linear movement, which is significantly below the passing value.
Therefore, I would like to ask the doctor: (1) What methods can be used to improve my husband's sperm motility, especially linear motility? (2) Given the report analysis, can we still have hope for natural conception with some effort, despite the failing results? (3) My husband had a severe cold during that period, which made him very fatigued, and he is also someone with a higher body temperature.
Could having a severe cold in the later stages affect the semen analysis results? Thank you for your response.

Liu Xiaojie, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/03

Dr. Fu Shizhang reply Urology

1.
If there is a varicocele, surgery may increase motility.

2.
The chance of natural conception is lower.

3.
There are many factors that affect sperm quality; consider retesting.
Online consultations cannot replace an in-person evaluation and physical examination by a physician.
It is still recommended to seek medical care at a healthcare facility when there are health concerns.

Reply Date: 2024/04/03

More Info

Improving sperm motility is a common concern for couples trying to conceive, and it’s great that you are actively seeking information to help your husband enhance his fertility. Based on the details you've provided, let's address your questions and offer some insights into improving sperm motility.

1. Improving Sperm Motility
Sperm motility can be influenced by various factors, including lifestyle, diet, and overall health. Here are some strategies that may help improve your husband's sperm motility:
- Healthy Diet: Encourage a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Foods high in Vitamin C (like citrus fruits), Vitamin E (found in nuts and seeds), and zinc (found in meat and legumes) can support sperm health. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, may also improve sperm quality.

- Regular Exercise: Moderate physical activity can enhance overall health and improve hormonal balance, which may positively affect sperm production and motility. However, excessive exercise, especially endurance sports, can have the opposite effect, so moderation is key.

- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial. Obesity can negatively impact hormone levels and sperm production. If your husband is overweight, losing even a small amount of weight can help improve sperm quality.

- Avoiding Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals, can adversely affect sperm motility. Encourage your husband to minimize exposure to these substances.

- Limiting Alcohol and Caffeine: High alcohol consumption can negatively impact sperm production and motility. Similarly, excessive caffeine intake should be moderated.

- Quit Smoking: If your husband smokes, quitting can significantly improve sperm health. Smoking is linked to lower sperm motility and overall fertility issues.

- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health, including reproductive health. Encourage your husband to drink plenty of water throughout the day.

2. Expectations for Natural Conception
Regarding the sperm analysis report, while the progressive motility is below the normal range, it does not mean that natural conception is impossible. Many couples conceive with lower motility levels, although it may take longer. It’s essential to maintain a positive outlook and continue trying, as sperm health can fluctuate over time.

3. Impact of Recent Illness on Sperm Analysis
Illness can indeed affect sperm quality temporarily. A severe illness, such as a significant cold or flu, can lead to stress on the body, hormonal changes, and even fever, all of which can impact sperm production and motility. If your husband was unwell during the time of the analysis, it’s possible that his results were affected. It may be beneficial to repeat the sperm analysis after he has fully recovered to get a clearer picture of his sperm health.

Additional Considerations
If your husband’s sperm motility does not improve with lifestyle changes, it may be worth discussing further medical evaluations with a urologist or fertility specialist. They can provide more tailored advice and explore other potential treatments, such as medications or assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).

In conclusion, while the journey to conception can sometimes be challenging, focusing on healthy lifestyle changes and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers can make a significant difference. Encourage your husband to adopt these habits, and consider following up with a fertility specialist if needed. Best of luck on your journey to parenthood!

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