Sperm motility is one of the parameters considered in a semen analysis. It refers to how well the sperm moves in the sample semen. The normal motility rate of sperm is 40 percent. It means that for as long as more than 40 percent of sperm is moving, it is considered as normal.

Why Sperm Swims?

Since sperm are motile cells, they are capable of making themselves move. This is very crucial if you want your partner to get pregnant. Usually, if you have sexual intercourse with your partner, semen is ejaculated near your cervical canal, and technically, they make their way to the vaginal canal and the cervix. This should occur if you want your partner to get pregnant.

Even without ejaculation, the semen can get into your partner’s vaginal canal, especially during pre-ejaculation. A semen-like fluid can come out from your urethra if you are sexually aroused. That is why even if you didn’t ejaculate inside her, there is still a possibility of pregnancy.

The main goal of sperm is to reach the ovulated egg. Although the egg moves from the ovary to the fallopian tube by cilia, the egg cannot swim on its own. It merely floats with the aid of the cilia, a hair-like projection.

On the other hand, the sperm need to move. They need to swim up to the fallopian tube, where they will meet the ovulated egg. From the moment they reach their destination, the sperm should fertilize the egg.

Normal Sperm Motility

Sperm motility is very crucial in your reproductive health. This is because the sperm needs to swim for it to reach and join the egg.

This means that sperm motility is important to promote natural conception and pregnancy. These will not happen if your sperm does not move.

But it is worth noting that not all sperm needs to move. But it is generally considered as normal for as long as at least 40 percent of sperm is moving. And that is the normal motility rate of sperm.

Another consideration when it comes to sperm motility is the progressive motility. This refers to the number of sperms moving from one place to another. This is different when the sperm is just going in circles or twitching around. In this instance, it is normal for sperm to have progressive motility of at least 32 percent.

Lastly, experts consider the number of sperm that moves in a straight path. There is a high chance for this sperm to fertilize an egg. For as long as there is at least 12 percent of straight-moving sperm, it is considered as normal.

How Normal Motility Rate of Sperm is Measured

Here are the ways on how sperm motility can be evaluated:

Percentage motile: This measures the number of sperm moving in a single ejaculation.

Percentage motile concentration: This measures the number of sperm moving in semen.

Total motile sperm count (TMSC): This measures the number of sperm swimming in a single ejaculation. This is relevant to show the prognosis of male fertility.

Average path velocity (VAP): This measures the speed of the moving sperm.

Why Normal Sperm Motility be Maintained

Low sperm motility means that your sperm has a hard time to reach an egg for fertilization. If your sperm motility is not normal, then it may be an indication of male infertility. And male infertility is unique to every individual; that is why it is essential to ask help from your doctor on how you can increase sperm motility.

But it is also worth noting that aside from the number of sperm moving, it is also important to consider the way the sperm move. As mentioned, sperm that swim in very large circles or a straight line will most likely make their way to the female reproductive tract.

How to Maintain Normal Sperm Motility

Here are some ways on how you can achieve normal sperm motility:

• Keep a healthy weight
• Avoid stress
• Engage in physical activities regularly
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet
• Avoid acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Quit smoking
• Avoid things that may overheat your genitals such as hot tubs, saunas, and laptops
• Avoid your exposure to lead, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals

The first thing that you should do is to make lifestyle changes such as the tips shown above to maintain normal sperm motility. But if you already changed it, but it is not effective, then you may try other medical procedures to help you and your partner to bear a child even if you have low sperm motility.

Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). This is a medical procedure that allows your sperm to be inserted directly in the uterus. This means that your sperm don’t need to swim in a long distance. This procedure is usually utilized if your sperm motility is from 30 to 40 percent.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). If the sperm motility is less than 30 percent, then you may need IVF. This medical procedure allows the fertilization of egg and sperm within a lab dish.

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